1. STUDY

What do you study?

I actually graduated from university 5 years ago. While I was still in university, I majored in English studies, interpretation and translation.

Why did you choose that major?

Back in high school, when I was contemplating what I should study for my degree, I came across an article written about interpreters. According to this article, interpreters always get to travel to different places for work and meet different people in their job. To me, it sounds like an interesting profession, and besides, I enjoy traveling and talking to people, so I decided to apply for this program.

Do you like that major?

I was mostly happy with my choice of major. During my university years, I was able to develop my language skills, my public speaking skills, and was equipped with basic interpreting skills to get prepared and ready for my job after graduation.

However, I think some subjects included in my university program were unnecessary and time-consuming.

If you had the chance, would you change major?

I don't think so because I really enjoyed what I studied. But if I could go back in time and make some changes, I would definitely apply for a second major in French studies. I think it would open more employment opportunities for me to interpret 3 languages.

Are you working in the same field as your major?

I am currently working in a job that was trained for in university. I am very pleased with my work now and appreciated the knowledge and skills I acquired back in university.

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2. HOMETOWN

Where is your hometown?

I was born and raised in a small border town in the northeastern part of Vietnam. My hometown shares the border with China and is about 4 hours of driving away from the capital city.

Do you like your hometown?

I remember when I was in high school, I couldn't wait to move out of where I am from and into the big city of Hanoi. I was excited with the thought of living in a big city and enjoying the fun and busy life it offers. Now that I am older, I very much prefer my hometown to Hanoi because here, the life pace is much more quiet and the air is fresher.

Do you often visit your hometown?

I still go back to my hometown regularly because my whole immediate family and most of my extended family still live there. I think I go back about once or twice a month to visit them.

Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

Yes, It has definitely changed a great deal since I was small. A lot more tall buildings have now emerged and constructions are underway. Many roads have been built and more vehicles are seen on the streets. The playground on which I used to hang out with other kids in our neighborhood is now replaced with a supermarket. New schools and hospitals are constructed too. Those signs are telling me that my hometown is actually developing quite rapidly and I am happy with it.

Do you think your hometown is a good place to bring up children?

I assume it is a good place for children to grow up. Like I said, the life pace is much slower, so parents are not too busy with work and they can spend more quality time with their kids and teach them new things. Also, the air is cleaner with more green spaces for children to play safely with their peers. I think those are good living conditions for children development.

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3. ART

Are you good at art?

I would say I am. I think I have an affinity for art. I usually draw household objects or animals in my free time.

Did you learn art at school?

I learned art in primary school. I enjoyed my art classes the most. I think there was this one time I got an A for my drawing of a cat.

What kind of art do you like?

I am naturally attracted to drawing, especially drawings of landscapes and nature. What I like to do is I like to gaze at paintings of nature and pretending that I am actually there. I think it's the best feeling in the world.

Have you been to an art gallery?

I have been to a couple of art galleries in the past and the most recent one that I've been to was held by an American friend. She draws faces of Vietnamese women and I like her paintings and drawings.

Is art popular in your country?

There might be different ideas about this matter but for me, art is popular in Vietnam. Some people may say there are not a lot of art galleries in Vietnam and most of the average people rarely go to visit an art gallery. And they conclude that art does not seem popular. But I think art can take many different forms and Vietnam has a really rich folk culture with produces various forms of traditional grass-root art such as lacquer painting, folk music, water puppet, and other traditional artistic performances.

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4. BIRTHDAY

Do you usually celebrate your birthday?

I occasionally celebrate my birthday with a group of close friends. We usually go out for something delicious to eat or we have a chat over drinks.

What did you do on your last birthday?

On my last birthday, actually, it was the day that one of my good friends got married. So it was a good opportunity for us to meet up again. We first met up, then attended her wedding and then we went out for a coffee to catch up on what's going on in our lives.

Do most people celebrate with a party in your country?

I think young people, maybe in their teens or early 20s would like to throw a party for their birthday. However, for those who are older like me, we would like to stay in, cook something to eat and just have a good time with our friends.

Which birthdays are considered important in your country?

I think the 25th birthday holds a special meaning. Because that's when you are...that's my personal feelings, that's when you're slowly transitioning into your adulthood and you have to be responsible for every decision that you make. I would say it's the most important. But I also believe all birthdays are significant as it signifies a fresh start.

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5. FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Do you spend much time with your family?

I am currently living in a big city so I am not spending as much time as I want with my family. But I still go back to visit them at least once a month.

Who are you closest to in your family?

I would say I am closest to my mother. She's the one that listens to my problems and also gives me good advice to my problems. But I am also very close to my nephews. I think they are bundles of joy.

Do you prefer spending time with your family or your friends?

Families and friends are both equally important to me and I like spending time with them. For my friends I usually see them, maybe after work or sometimes when I have sad moments that I want to share. And for my families, I'd like to go back to see them during festivals or spend some quality time with them.

Do you still hang out with people from your childhood?

I still keep in touch with a few people from my childhood. We are very excited whenever we see each other. I feel like no matter how many years have passed we are still the little kids we were when we first met. I think it's just so exciting for me whenever I see them.

Is family important in your country?

Family is very important in Vietnamese culture. I think we have a deep love and respect for families. Vietnamese people are generally very family-oriented. With Tet holiday is coming up, I am very excited to going back to see my family very soon.

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6. NEIGHBOR

How well do you know people who live next to you?

I actually know them pretty well. They have been my neighbors for many years ever since I was a kid. We go way back. And they are actually really cool, awesome and courteous people.

How often do you see them?

I often see them almost everyday. I see them in the morning before I leave for work and also in the afternoon when I come back home from work. It's actually the most pleasant part of my day.

What kind of problems do people tend to have with their neighbors?

Well, sometimes your next-door neighbors can be intrusive and nosy. I like the idea of respecting each other's privacy and also hope that they feel the same way. Because I personally believe that good fences make good neighbors.

How do you think that neighbors can help each other?

Neighbors can help each other by doing small favours, like watching the house when you are not home or looking after your kids for a short while when you are busy. I think this is what makes good neighbors.

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7. TV

Do you often watch TV?

I usually watch TV in the evening whenever I am able to carve some time out of my schedule for it.

What sort of things do you watch on TV?

When I flip through TV channels, I usually go for either a TV game show or TV sitcom series. Basically I'll watch anything that is funny and entertaining to help put me in a mellow mood before bed.

What is your favorite TV program?

My all-time favorite TV program would have to be "Are you smarter than a fifth grader". It's a quizz show that tests your knowledge with primary questions. I just think it's hilarious and educational at the same time.

Do you ever watch foreign programs or films?

As a matter of fact, I usually watch films and TV shows in English to improve my English proficiency. I think it's educational and relaxing at the same time.

Do you think children should watch TV?

I think children can watch some television because there are some high-quality and fun programs for children on television. But I think parents should manage and take control of the TV programs and the time.

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8. LEISURE TIME

What is your favorite leisure activity?

I would like to go to a movie with my good friends and then have a good discussion about the movie afterwards. I think it's really fun.

Do you like spending time alone or with others?

For me, it's half and half. I like to surround myself with funny, cheerful, and upbeat people. But at the same time, I like to have some quite time for myself.

What is the common leisure activity in your country?

I would have to say it's going to karaoke bars. Vietnamese people, I believe, generally like to sing and they also like to have a good time with their friends. And by combining those two things, they can go to karaoke bars and I think it's perfect.

Do you think leisure time is important?

I think leisure time is vital. It invigorates you after long and stressful hours at work. And also you will have a chance to do something you really enjoy.