I am Baker Matovu, a Ugandan and alumni at Nha Trang University through the NORAD/NORHED Master of Science degree in Marine Ecosystems Management and Climate Change scholarship program of Cohort II (2016-2018).
Foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty and NTU management for the glorious opportunity to give my insighful thoughts about my experience of NTU in particular, and Vietnam as a whole. Objectively, I would say NTU is an academic and social development gem as it gave me a holistic approach to life, lifestyle, and life solutions through academic development, intellectual interaction with colleagues and tutors, and exposure to general life in Vietnam, and Asia. The Masters program not only rhymes with my desire for positive thinking, socioeconomic and environmental transformation locally and globally, but also increased my desire to interact with student and colleagues on how to counter global challenges. Furthermore, the in-service trainings such as the Fisheries Training Programs, and student development services through partnership with other universities such as Tromso not only boost exposure, but also spice up student resumes, a great aspect in a competitive job market. In the social spectrum, the University availed me futuristic bonds that have and will remain engrained for years in my memory. The great feasts, parties with Khanh Hoa leadership, tours, community environment awareness programs, fundays with colleagues from Asia, Europe, Africa, and USA were/are indeed a right move in a great place of Nha Trang University and Nha Trang city. No wonder, every time we chat and interact, such great memories and events have oiled our bonds, and increased positive emotions. In addition, Nha Trang University erased the common theoretical downturns that most movies, and historical fiction books say about Vietnam, as the great warmth and friendly nature of the Nha Trang University community, Nha Trang city, and Vietnam is a complete opposite as I traveled through Vietnam.
The conclusive remark I have is "Viva NTU, Viva NORHED, can't wait to see you scale heights. You'll surely hold the largest share of positive feelings and feedback in my heart. Love you."