One student’s journey to a full scholarship at Thammasat University.

By BEAM staff

Getting a scholarship isn’t luck. It is a combination of cultivating wisdom, getting the right type of support and believing in yourself.

David, 20, from Daw Ngan Khar Village, Demoso Township, Kayah State, Myanmar, finished his GED in 2025 and realized creating his future was a journey that would provide some challenges.

He faced many.

Actually, just completing an education was going to be a challenge, let alone a fully funded scholarship at Thammasat University.

You see, David and his family had been displaced, and he found himself trying to get an education in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. There were several significant challenges blocking David from achieving his dream.

One major challenge was psychological.

“…(living)… in an IDP camp means that we can be the target of bombs and airstrikes anytime. We were basically living in fear,” David says.

“The Internet was also a problem for me. As the normal internet is cut off in my region, we have to use Starlink internet at the Starlink shop. To study online, I had to go to the shop, which was occasionally filled with many people and noisy,” he says. “The place wasn’t ideal to study, but I had no choice because there was nowhere else I could use the internet.”

Accessing the GED exam center was also a consideration.

“Travelling to Yangon or Mandalay to take exams had to be thought through very carefully. What comes with war is that transportation is also limited. It is difficult, even dangerous, for young men like me to travel to the military-controlled zones.”

There were many times that David was about to give up.

“There were countless days and nights I fought with anxiety, depression, and sleeplessness. But I always reassured myself that God is always with me and that he will create opportunities for me,” David says. “All I had to do was give my best effort.

I kept on studying hard.”

David admits that BEAM was also a key support in his journey.

“Getting the opportunity to join the BEAM GED ONLINE Program was my first ever step towards higher education abroad,” he says.

“For me, the BEAM GED Program was the first door that led to many other opportunities. BEAM and their teachers helped us a lot with our GED study. That also helped me get the necessary information regarding taking the GED in Chiang Mai in 2025.

BEAM also shared scholarship information like Child’s Dream, IIE Odyssey, and Daughters Rising with their students and also guided us through the scholarship application process.

BEAM also helped us a lot with interview preparation for the shortlisted students who got into the scholarship interview stage.

So, it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that BEAM and their teachers are a big part of the reason for what I have achieved today! I am forever grateful!”

David is now the happy recipient of an IIE Odyssey Scholarship, studying Business Administration with full tuition and living costs covered.

“Everything felt surreal when I received the email that said, ‘Congratulations, David, you have been selected as one of the IIE Odyssey Scholars…’ I was so excited and happy that I did a high happy jump.

My mom thought I was crazy, but when she heard the news, she was smiling ear to ear too, because she knows how hard I have tried for this moment.

After two years of ups and downs, I am finally able to fulfil my goal of studying abroad. I realized that the world isn’t cruel all the time to someone who is trying.

It is lenient and sweet when the time comes. All we have to do is wait and do whatever we can. The key is to never give up!” David says.

There is no doubt that BEAM Education Foundation couldn’t be prouder of David’s perseverance and that, even in his darkest moments, he never gave up on himself.

Of course, David had support along the way, from his family and friends. He does have a special thank you to Stars Do Shine Education Foundation who also provided support when he most needed it.

Kindly, David also has some tips for preparing for future success and scholarships, just in case anyone needs some inspiration!

David’s Scholarship Success Tips

1. Start with your “why”
Know what you want to study—and why. Your passion will shape your goals, essays and interviews.

2. Research every opportunity
Don’t just look at universities. Explore scholarships offered by organisations and foundations as well.

3. Prepare early
Find out exactly what you need, whether it’s a GED, IELTS, SAT or other requirements. Build your experience through volunteering, leadership and community service.

4. Tell your story well
Strong scholarship essays and confident interviews can make all the difference. Practice both.

5. Find a mentor
Ask teachers, seniors or past scholarship recipients for advice. Their experience can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.

6. Keep dreaming
Setbacks are part of the journey. Hold onto your dream, keep moving forward, and don’t let anyone convince you it’s impossible.

“You can dream, and that’s all it takes to begin.” – David