【院生紹介】Phung Vu Thuy Linh（OSIPP M2）

2026.3.6

OSIPP Graduate Reflection: A Journey of Discovery and Growth　　

By: Phung Vu Thuy Linh

(Photo: The author is the third person from the left; Birthday celebration with people from OSIPP.) 

Reasons for Choosing OSIPP: Bridging the Gap

My graduation at The University of Osaka School of Human Sciences

My journey at The University of Osaka began in the School of Human Sciences. Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I found myself at a common crossroads: I possessed a deep passion for learning but lacked a definitive map for my long-term career. I was caught between the allure of continued academia and the fast-paced world of the corporate sector. I chose the Osaka School of International Public Policy (OSIPP) precisely because it offered the intellectual sanctuary I needed to explore those two paths simultaneously.

What drew me to OSIPP was its uniquely interdisciplinary curriculum. The ability to engage with economics, public policy, and international law—taught in both Japanese and English—offered a level of academic flexibility that is rare to find. For a student like me, who wanted to bridge the gap between theoretical social science and practical policy application, OSIPP was the perfect fit. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to dive into rigorous coursework in law and economics that was unavailable during my undergraduate years. These courses didn’t just fill gaps in my transcript; they fundamentally reshaped how I view global structures.

Research: Analyzing Media Narratives in Vietnam

My research at OSIPP has been a deeply personal and academic deep-dive into the “Watchdog” role of the press within a restrictive political environment. Specifically, I focus on the evolution of corruption narratives in the Vietnamese press. To understand how media functions under party-state control, I conducted a comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of news reporting from two prominent Vietnamese domestic outlets. By comparing data points from 2016 and 2024, I have been able to trace how the language, frequency, and framing of corruption stories have shifted over nearly a decade. Complementing this data, I performed a chronological review of the laws and policies targeting the Vietnamese media system. This dual approach—analyzing both the “text” of the news and the “context” of the law—has provided a well-rounded overview of the mechanisms of media control in Vietnam. This research has taught me the importance of critical thinking and data integrity, skills I know will be invaluable in the professional world.

Going out to eat Chinese food

Life at OSIPP: A Global Community

Beyond the library and the lecture halls, my “everyday life” at OSIPP has been defined by the people. One of the school’s greatest assets is its international diversity. On any given day in the Refresh Room, you can find students from every corner of the globe sharing coffee and perspectives. These informal gatherings provided some of my most profound learning moments, allowing me to widen my horizons far beyond my own cultural upbringing. The friendships I have forged here are not just “networking” connections; they are deep, beautiful bonds that I will treasure for the rest of my life. Having a dedicated space for students to gather and support one another through the rigors of thesis writing and job hunting made the challenges of graduate school feel like a shared adventure rather than a solitary struggle.

Future Outlook: From Osaka to Tokyo

As I prepare to graduate, I am excited to announce that I will be moving to Tokyo to begin my career at a global Human Resources company. Growing up and studying in Japan, I often felt a lingering shadow of doubt regarding my language abilities. I was frequently “scared” that my Japanese would not be sufficient for a professional environment. However, the inclusive atmosphere at OSIPP changed that. By participating in seminars alongside Japanese peers and engaging in high-level academic debates, my confidence grew alongside my fluency. In fact, I credit the communication skills I honed here with helping me “nail” my job interviews. In my new role, I hope to leverage the company’s global network to explore the world and realize my full potential. Looking back on these two years, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. OSIPP didn’t just give me a degree; it gave me the time to find myself, the tools to understand the world, and the courage to step into my future.