Thuan Tran graduated from Concordia International School Hanoi in 2019. After high school, Thuan was accepted to several prestigious institutions, including Princeton, Stanford, and Dartmouth. He also received additional full-tuition scholarship offers from Vanderbilt, Colgate, and Davidson. Thuan decided to attend Duke University on a full-ride scholarship as a Karsh Scholar. Thuan completed his degree in Political Science at Duke, earning top departmental honors and even performed with the Duke Chorale at the graduation ceremony. 

Currently based in Washington, D.C., Thuan works as a political consultant specializing in international security. He recently returned to Vietnam as part of a team working on the country’s weapon of mass destruction and strategic trade management Law. Thuan recently interviewed with Concordia, reflecting on how his high school experiences have profoundly impacted his life, studies, and career.

How did your time at Concordia prepare you for the rigorous academic environment at Duke University?

“Duke University, much like other US colleges, has a strong liberal arts focus. My experience at Concordia prepared me well for this environment. In the 10th grade, I was able to take a variety of subjects, including psychology, social sciences, humanities, and math. This diverse academic exposure helped me become more open-minded and ready to take on a wide range of classes at Duke. One significant aspect of my preparation was the availability of AP classes at Concordia. These courses helped me practice the college way of studying while still in high school. By the time I arrived at college, I had already developed effective study habits focused on retaining a wide range of information rather than just memorizing it.”

“Additionally, the support from teachers at Concordia was invaluable. They were always ready to help, offering guidance and assistance whenever I needed it. This support system taught me important skills like time management and how to ask the right questions, which have been crucial in my collegiate studies. Moreover, Concordia also prepared me for research work. I had the opportunity to work on proposals in high school, which provided a solid foundation for drafting my thesis in college.”

What was special about your Concordia experience?

“The most special thing about Concordia was its diverse student body. The variety in ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, along with the range of different personalities, helped prepare me for college. In college, encountering people from so many different backgrounds requires adaptability and open-mindedness. Concordia taught me to be empathetic, to listen, and to share personal opinions and experiences constructively.”

Can you share some insights into your experience as a Karsh Scholar at Duke University and how it influenced your academic and personal growth?

“The Karsh International Scholarship, funded by the Karsh family, is a prestigious program at Duke University for international students. Each year, it grants full scholarships to 6-10 international students, along with funding for summer research. Recipients typically have backgrounds in social justice and community service, demonstrating empathy and a drive to make positive social changes. This program has helped me develop my ability to listen and understand diverse perspectives. For example, learning from a Palestinian friend about her experiences and the history of her region informed my own research, deepening my understanding of the complex political tensions relevant to my major. Furthermore, the program funded my summer research projects, which focused on identifying structural barriers for the Asian American community residing in the Research Triangle Park and Cary areas.”

“Being part of the Karsh scholarship program surrounded me with students who were equally driven to create positive change and pursue activism. Leveraging my expertise, I became actively involved in Duke Student Government for two years, advocating for international students facing visa issues and high costs. Our efforts led Duke to cover some of these expenses, alleviating significant financial burdens for these students. This experience opened my eyes to the unique challenges international students face, which are often overlooked in a predominantly American student population. Being part of this community allowed me to effectively advocate for necessary support and resources for international students at Duke.”

What does it mean to graduate with departmental honors in political science at Duke University?

“I was honored to receive the departmental honors award from the Political Science Department, a prestigious recognition granted to one student each year for demonstrating proficiency in the study of far Eastern governments or national law. My research focused on Vietnam, and I submitted extensive work on the political dynamics and governance in Southeast Asia. The department reviewed my research and activities, recognizing my contributions to the advancement of Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam. This award also included a $1,000 scholarship to support further research in my postgraduate studies.”

What motivated your decision to pursue a degree in Political Science, and how has this field shaped your career path?

“When I was in high school, I was deeply involved with Model UN, both within and outside of Concordia. Under the guidance of Dr. Nelson, I developed a strong interest in geopolitical relationships and their profound impact on people living within the affected areas. This experience fueled my passion for making positive social changes and contributing to social movements.”

Could you tell us about your role in the recent legislative work in Vietnam and the impact it has had on the community?

“I focus on legislative efforts with the U.S. Department of State Office on Export Control and border-related issues. I collaborate with the Vietnamese government to finalize national legislation on weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This law addresses dual-use materials that could be used to create WMDs.” 

“Right now, it is being reviewed and edited by Vietnamese legal experts and local stakeholders. The aim is to provide the Vietnamese government with a structured approach to regulating trade, ensuring these materials do not fall into the hands of terrorist groups or unauthorized individuals. This legislation is crucial for enhancing community safety, bolstering national security, and enabling the U.S. and international community to support Vietnam in enforcing these laws effectively.”

How do you believe your education and experiences have equipped you for your current role in political consulting in Washington D.C.?

“At Concordia and Duke, I've had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with individuals from diverse political ideologies and national backgrounds. Working in Washington, D.C. exposes me to a wide range of people from various walks of life, including diplomats who represent different cultures and nations. Understanding how to approach them with respect and openness fosters constructive dialogue and peace, rather than viewing them through a negative political lens.”

“My experiences with people from diverse backgrounds have equipped me with effective communication skills. This is particularly valuable as I engage with diplomats while working on projects like the one involving Vietnam. I aim to present the Vietnamese perspective and engage with local stakeholders to promote understanding and meaningful interaction.”

Reflecting on your journey from high school to your current position, what advice would you give to students aspiring to pursue similar paths?

“As I reflect on my journey, I saw that I was not deterred from the fact that this is not a very conventional path. In my experience, many people will go into business or a corporate job. If you're passionate about a less conventional path, don't be discouraged just because not a lot of people are doing it. I was exploring corporate roles myself during my freshman and sophomore years, but it didn't align with my passions and career goals. Taking time to reflect on what you want to achieve in your career can foster a more holistic path for yourself.” 

“Taking a leap of faith into something you're interested in or good at, even if it's not conventional, is worth it. Pursuing the things I had a certain inclination for allowed me to explore the depths of my expertise compared to something I was okay with but not passionate about. Pursue your dreams and what you are passionate about; no one can tell you what the right path is for you.”

What are some key lessons or values you acquired during your time at Concordia that continue to guide you in your professional endeavors?

“At Concordia, community is highly valued, and that is something I have carried with me wherever I go. Building a strong community where mutual support thrives has been a priority for me. Being part of such a community not only uplifts spirits but also facilitates networking opportunities while allowing for personal exploration and growth. These community-driven values have played a significant role in my career and continue to resonate deeply with me.”

In what ways do you stay connected to Concordia, and how do you see yourself contributing to its community in the future?

“I'm still in touch with many of my Concordia friends. I met up with Thea and Berlinda, two of my close friends in high school in New York City last December. While we don’t get to see each other often, our friendship remains strong throughout the years. I also maintain contact with some teachers and faculty who were or still are at Concordia. Occasionally, I reach out to them to discuss Duke or my major, offering my assistance in any way I can.”

Can you share a memorable experience or defining moment from your time at Concordia that has stayed with you?

“The most defining moment from my time at Concordia is when I hosted and founded the first-ever Concordia International Research Conference Hanoi (CIRCH). This experience will stay with me forever. I was able to bring together a team of high schoolers, alongside Mr. Whitehead, Dr. Santos, and Dr. Kilback, the teachers who helped me put this together. As the first Chair of the conference, I helped write all the documents used to staff the committees.”

“I'm pleased to see that the tradition has continued even after my time. Leading an organization we formed in high school was a significant achievement that pushed for more knowledge. Looking at my career, I see how much my high school experiences have influenced me. Putting together and leading such an organization in high school gave me the confidence to believe in my capabilities throughout my school years and into my career.”

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future, both professionally and personally?

“Professionally, I look forward to continuing my work in international security and diplomacy, with a focus on giving a stronger voice to Vietnamese projects. It's crucial to engage with local people and stakeholders to ensure their needs are met in international spaces. Promoting peace and enforcing legislation to deter weapons of mass destruction is my goal.”

“Personally, I aim to continue building a strong community in Washington, D.C. I believe that community-building should be a bedrock of society, as grassroots support ensures that all needs are met and allows for peaceful advocacy on human rights issues, rather than relying on a top-down approach.”

“Additionally, I have a personal goal to travel more in the coming years, both for work and for myself. Experiencing other cultures firsthand will help me become more empathetic, which is beneficial for both my career and personal life.”

Learn more about the High school program at Concordia Hanoi.