I returned to Vietnam in December, 2016 after five years studying and working in Australia with the desire to be teaching and researching in my hometown. After learning about the universities in Vietnam, I chose Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), a good university with modern infrastructure, perfect working conditions, creating a mechanism to promote improving work efficiency. In addition, TDTU has a collaborative research system with leading institutions in Asia and Europe. To this day, I really do not regret my decision.

I was lucky to be part of the Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety in TDTU since October 2017. At the Faculty, I was given the best of working condition, colleagues assisted me a lot in finding external funding as well as implementing projects in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

After spending a lot of time considering the curriculum, and learning how to teach the subject. I find that teaching methods, which are being run at the Faculty and the University is similar to what Australian universities are doing. With the desire to experience and dedicate, I registered to teach Biodiversity Conservation subject for students in Year 4, Environmental Science major. The structure and design of the course include classroom instruction and practical part at the firms. As a result, my students have been organized by the Faculty and the University, to study in Cat Tien National Park. There, Dr. Pham Huu Khanh, the Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation, and I had the opportunity to impart knowledge and experience in technology, management and conservation of natural resources in Vietnam right in the field; discussed the current situation and solutions to the urgent issues that Cat Tien National Park is facing. There were a lot of stories that we shared and discussed together, all the time and places, in the meeting room, in the jungle, during the night, during the lunches at the canteen.

The impression for me and Dr. Khanh is TDTU students, in addition to good discipline, always shows their enthusiasm and interests in the content of the subject, for the issues discussed. I had more time to discuss and understand the thoughts and aspirations of my students. This gave me and my colleague motivation to perform well at TDTU. The passion for learning and understanding has drawn the lecturers and students closer together, helping me to feel more attached to the work place that I have chosen. At the end of the course, many students wished to continue their research and graduation thesis in the field of Biodiversity Conservation; as well as identify a career direction they will pursue in the future. I am sure that the results of students’ later research will contribute to the science as well as the management of the resources of Cat Tien National Park in particular and the conservation of biodiversity for Vietnam in general. This is a really good result from the design process of the educational program, pacing guide, designing a good objective and content as well as good teaching practice at the Faculty.

I was fortunate enough to choose the right work place for myself; and TDTU helped me to fulfil my personal teaching and research aspirations. Now I understand why working conditions are very important; but the point of view, the goal and the right choice in doing things are more important. In addition, TDTU students really inspire me to dedicate and serve more in my duties.