Thuy Do

A British arts and culture official encouraged Vietnam’s Thuy Do to study her Masters of Management (Arts and Cultural Management) in Adelaide – and she’s very glad she followed the advice.

A whole new generation of Vietnamese students could soon benefit from the experience too, as Thuy continues her work in arts and culture administration and tertiary curriculum development back home in Hanoi.

“Visiting Arts is a UK non-government organisation (based in Vietnam) and they advised that Adelaide is one of the best places to study arts and cultural management,” Thuy says.

“I was not disappointed at all. My Masters course at the University of South Australia provided me with a range of skills, comprehensive managerial knowledge and understandings in the field. Also, Adelaide as a ‘Festival City’ offers a rich cultural environment, so students can see how theory and practices are integrated.”

Thuy says her study experience was enhanced by the charm and peaceful nature of Adelaide and its 1.2 million residents.

“It is not a rushed city, but very relaxed with beautifully laid-out scenery. It is vibrant in its creative energy, which can enrich and inspire people,” she says.

“People in Adelaide usually have a smiling face – they are very friendly so you don’t feel like a stranger. It is a home away from home, especially for international students such as me.”

Now back in Vietnam, Thuy continues to work as a researcher at the Division of Cultural Policy Studies and Development at the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Information. She is also working with a Vietnamese NGO to develop tertiary degrees in arts and cultural administration.

On top of all that, she is also undertaking a PhD in Management (Arts & Cultural Management) with the University of South Australia’s Division of Business. She says one teacher in particular is helping her to realise her dream of gaining a doctorate.

“Associate Professor Jo Caust is my mentor. She is a passionate defender of the values of arts and culture – she encourages me to develop my own thinking while giving me valuable guidance and advice.”

She says skills gained through both her Masters and current work on her PhD are helping on a daily basis in her work in Hanoi.

“I work with arts practitioners from a great range of companies and ministry personnel in developing and implementing projects in arts and culture. Team work and critical thinking are some of important skills that I have applied to my job.

“It is my goal to become a successful researcher, a good teacher and a project leader in the arts and cultural management discipline. I wish to contribute my small part for the development of a vigorous, vibrant and creative cultural life of the arts and culture in Viet Nam.”