From a Chinese language hobby to a Chinese Government Scholarship at Peking University
Starting out by learning Chinese for the love of movies and music, Van Anh secured a CSC Bilateral Scholarship at Peking University, while also earning scholarships at Tsinghua University and Chongqing University.
For Tran Ngoc Van Anh, the journey to study in China began with a very simple reason: a love for watching movies and listening to music.
The more she learned, the more Van Anh realized that this language could open up more opportunities than she had ever imagined. She began researching universities and scholarships, gradually shaping her goal of studying in China.
When the application season arrived, Van Anh teamed up with Tron Tru Hoi. Throughout the preparation process, she received support with university selection, document review, study plan refinement, and guidance on issues that arose at each stage.
Van Anh shares:
“Thanks to my mentor at Tron Tru, I had a much clearer direction when applying. Mai Chi was incredibly enthusiastic, helping me refine my study plan and answering all my questions. Because of that, I was able to have a truly ‘smooth’ application process.”
One of the most important decisions Van Anh made was not to rule herself out of ambitious goals just because she feared her profile wasn't competitive enough.
She chose to challenge herself with Peking University and Tsinghua University, even though no one could guarantee the outcome.
That application season, Van Anh officially received the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC Type A) at Peking University, where she is majoring in Advertising.
She also received a partial university scholarship at Tsinghua University and Chongqing University President's Scholarship during the same application season.
Starting out by learning Chinese as a hobby, Van Anh turned that passion into a genuine academic journey at Peking University.
🌱 After arriving in China, you start to experience things very differently than when you were preparing your application. Some small things become memorable moments, like how quickly the weather can change—one day you're wearing short sleeves, and the next, the temperature drops below 10 degrees.
Studying abroad is therefore not just about scholarships or the name of the university. It is also a process of learning to adapt to a new environment, living more independently, and gaining a deeper understanding of a different culture.
🌟 When asked what she would tell herself if she could go back to the time she was applying, Van Anh replied:
“Dare to try! It is better to try once, whether you succeed or fail, than to regret later that you never stepped out of your comfort zone.”
Perhaps this is also the most memorable part of Van Anh's story.
No one knows for sure what the outcome of an application will be before submitting it. But if you assume from the start that you aren't capable and don't try, that opportunity will never arise.
For Van Anh, daring to try once opened the doors to Peking University.
Student Testimonials
“Thanks to my mentor at Tron Tru, I had a much clearer direction when applying. Mai Chi was very enthusiastic, helping me refine my study plan and answering all my questions. Because of that, I was able to apply ‘smoothly’ in every sense of the word.”
View another story
From one failure to Tsinghua University: When efforts are finally rewarded
"Just go for it; you'll only regret not trying": The journey to winning an SGS scholarship at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Messages from Mentees
"Chi is incredibly dedicated, thoughtful, and detail-oriented. I only had to focus on my application; she proactively reminded me of every stage, what needed to be done next, and what to prioritize. Beyond study abroad guidance, she also provided emotional support whenever I felt anxious or stressed."
"Responsible, dedicated, sincere, and straightforward—she never shied away from any of our family's questions. If we had one wish, it would be that we had met Mai Chi and Tron Tru Hoi sooner."
"Meticulous and skilled at uncovering a mentee's hidden strengths. She built the best possible profile with great care and dedication. I trust Ha and Chi completely."
"Provided enthusiastic support and expert guidance on top-tier university applications. She truly believed in me."
"My mentor's guidance was filled with such determination that I felt confident of success, which put me at ease. She always believed in my potential more than I did myself."
"Amazing, hehehe. The only downside is that she can be a bit sharp sometimes, but she always replies even when I spam her, so it’s not a big deal. Other than that, she’s great—nothing to complain about."
"My mentor really looked out for me; I just did whatever she told me to do. Thanh Hà is the reason I decided to sign up. She was there for me every step of the way."
"Enthusiastic support and guidance on top-tier schools. I trust Chi completely."
"Chi is super dedicated, thoughtful, and meticulous. I only had to focus on working on my application; she took the initiative to remind me of every stage: what needed to be done next and what to prioritize. Beyond just helping with my studies abroad, she also provided emotional support whenever I felt anxious or stressed."
"The biggest reason was the transparency from our very first conversation with Mai Chi—her advice was direct, clear, and no-nonsense. If I had been left to navigate that sea of information on my own, I probably would have given up or settled for a safe path that didn't meet my expectations."
"Thanh Hà is incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She helped me write my research paper, which strengthened my application—this was the key to me getting into CSC Nankai and securing provincial/university scholarships. We did mock tests day and night, and she really helped me hit the mark."
"She believed in my potential more than I did myself — instead of advising me to apply to lower-tier schools, she encouraged me to aim higher. I told a friend that I probably wouldn't have achieved these results today without the Tron Tru team."
"The mentor is enthusiastic and dedicated to her mentees. Tron Tru has many students who have successfully won full scholarships, even to top-tier universities in China."
"The mentor has a strong academic background and practical experience; her way of working made me feel secure and respected. After this journey, I have much more confidence in myself."
"The mentor has a strong academic background and practical experience, and is always dedicated to helping members improve their profiles. I saw many others succeed, which is why I decided to join Tron Tru Hoi."
"Affordable pricing, attentive care for mentees, and clear advice. My mentor provided great encouragement, gave an honest assessment of my profile rather than just pushing for high-ranking schools, and truly respected my decisions."
"I applied for the English program, which included guidance on scientific research, interview preparation, and writing a study plan. I am grateful for the high-quality support in preparing my application and interview."
"The biggest reason was the transparency from the very first conversation with Mai Chi — her advice was direct, clear, and no-nonsense. If I had been left to navigate the sea of information on my own, I probably would have given up or settled for a safe path that didn't meet my expectations."
Sign up for a consultation with Tron Tru Hoi
Supporting over 100 students on their journey to apply to top universities in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Get the "insider guide"
from uncertainty
to success
Real perspectives and experiences on applying for Chinese scholarships. No sugar-coating, no embellishments—only the raw truth will help you achieve your dreams.
