Nguyen Huong Thao always imparts a positive energy to those around her. (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Huong Thao)

“I’m always determined about anything I do, from playing sports to learning a language. I do it from beginning to end. Dreams have no age limit. Whenever you want to do something, do it. It’s never too late. Studying at an older age is good because it takes motivation.”

Nguyen Huong Thao decided to study for a Master's degree in the UK when she was 36 years old. Studying abroad at that age was challenging because, at the time, she already had a stable job and a family. But Thao had always cherished a dream of studying abroad and exploring the world.

“I had nurtured this dream since I started learning English at the age of 23. When I was little, I learned French. I majored in Foreign Economic Relations at Foreign Trade University and studied in French. I won a scholarship for a Master’s degree in economics and studied in Paris.”

After graduation, Thao worked for a joint stock commercial bank in Hanoi for two years. Then she realized that in order to qualify for any good job in Vietnam, she had to be good at English.

“I decided to learn it on my own. While learning English, I wanted to be in an English-speaking country. It took me more more than 10 years to realize my dream,” said Thao.

Nguyen Huong Thao and her classmates (first row, far right). (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Huong Thao)

Thao says in order to explore the world, apart from money, you need to have a positive spirit, courage, and good health.

“I packed my backpack as simply as possible. Accommodation and transportation are the biggest expenses. As an IELTS teacher, I’ve had Vietnamese students studying in many big cities around the world. I’ve also been a runner and triathlon athlete for many years, so I have many foreign friends. I think studying abroad is a good opportunity to connect with people. I made a list of friends in different countries, contacted them on Facebook, and visited them wherever I went. During my journey, I met a lot of interesting people.”

At Westminster University Thao studied hard, determined to graduate with the highest level of excellence, but still managed to find time to teach English online and explore the world. She was active in university activities, the Vietnamese community, and helping other people. Thao always imparts a positive energy to those around her.

Last year Thao visited the US twice and explored America by running. Participating in the 42km Los Angeles Marathon, she received a large sum of money from billionaire Tim Leatherman, Chairman of the Leatherman Company, to help raise funds for the American TMF organization to research Alzheimer's and other diseases.

Thao receives a large sum of money from billionaire Tim Leatherman, Chairman of the Leatherman Company, to help raise funds for the American TMF organization. (Photo courtesy of Nguyen Huong Thao)

Thao's story of traveling through 41 countries in one year has been shared on Vietnamese social networks, which describe her as "a mother, a teacher, a runner and a dreamer”. Thao says she received support and encouragement from her family and relatives.

“I know this has been my wife's long-standing dream. I thought it would be forgotten after such a long time. I couldn’t believe she could still do it at the age of 37. I knew my wife would never give up her goals, so I supported her,” said Pham Quoc Huy Linh, Thao’s husband.

During her journey, Thao felt proud to be a confident, self-reliant, dynamic Vietnamese woman bringing the culture and image of Vietnam to the world. For her, the one-year journey was an opportunity to learn new skills, adapt to new environments, and inspire others to be confident that they can realize their dreams at any age.