Alumni Spotlight: Albert Lafont

I watched a documentary (in French) about doing business in Thailand and after realizing how hard it is to find an internship by myself in this country, I’ve searched for providers. Asia Internship Porgramme was the cheapest of them while remaining serious and professional.

My best souvenir in Thailand was during Songkran Festival where people throw water on everyone walking by in the street. The ambiance was amazing, joy was everywhere, and whatever your social status is or where you come from you feel completely a full part of it.

Not to mention, were were invited for dinner by random people who also offered me a towel to dry my clothes. This was a priceless experience and it exemplifies the welcoming reputation of Thailand.

I have never learned, neither at school nor in my parents education, to deal with such different cultures such as the Buddhist one. Indeed, dealing with colleagues who never dare to say no or don’t speak their mind at all is harder that I’ve imagined.

Basically, I was really delighted that they found a tailor-made placement for me as it’s the hardest part of this kind of international trip. They also arranged all the interviews and helped me to enhance my resume to increase my chances of employment.

Despite their wise advices, I still had to obtain the Visa by myself but it was done within a few working days.

My goal was to get in touch with as many things as possible in a small company as I have an entrepreneurial mindset and I like being adaptable and being able to multi-task.

For example, I asked my supervisor in the company every time I wanted to try something different by saying HOW I believe I can improve the process. I realized that if we think about solutions before and we convince our Manager, there are all chances to change positions and responsibilities as many times as we want and can.

Fortunately, our team was very international. But out of the office, it’s a real barrier indeed when we want to order food or make Thai friends. 95% of them don’t speak a word of English.

I’ve learned some words of Thai for those purposes, but there is still a need to communicate more to local people for me and sadly I don’t think it’s going to happen in a near future.

Riding elephants in Ayuthaya -- I simply cannot imagine that in Paris.

It was really enriching for me in a personal point of view as I’ve traveled a lot during my weekends and free time in very different environments compared to Europe.

Doing an internship abroad wasn’t a part of my studies as I’m already graduated, but professionally I feel it’s a big plus for a future employment to have an experience abroad, especially in an emerging market in this region of the world where companies are more and more likely to invest.

Koh Samui and its incredible beaches, wild spots and Full Moon Party!

Absolutely, it has completely changed my vision of Southeast Asia, which I didn’t see as a so developed, exciting and modern region until I’ve landed in Bangkok.

I feel more mature and ready for the job market since my internship experience, getting on the way more confidence, ideas and connections. Nevertheless, I simply feel that I grew up much faster than in my home country.

I’ve tried to live like locals and to go in less touristic places to get this feeling. However, as long as we don’t live with them it’s hard to know what being Thai everyday means but at least I’ve got a good sample of it.