Vietnam Internship Program with CRCC Asia

My internship in CRCC was really great! I get to work as an intern in an international commercial law firm. For my 2 months internship, I was able to develop and work on my legal research skills, time management, legal drafting and also, cultural agility. The internship has no doubt helped me develop my professional skills and also my knowledge and understanding of a totally different culture.

Before I arrived in HCMC i was really nervous that I would not have fun and that I will be left out since I did not know anyone prior to the internship. But I was wrong since all the people were really helpful, and CRCC Asia did not fail to guide us, and help us with whatever concerns we had. I wouldn't say the internship was smooth, but the challenges definitely helped me grow as an individual.

This internship was one of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever undertaken. I love being busy and active and this opportunity related to that lifestyle extremely effectively.

I was up and out of the apartment everyday for 8 o'clock, in work until 5/6 o'clock and then I'd often have dinner or a social gathering with the other interns and colleagues, so I'd get back to the apartment for about 10 o'clock in the evening. Then, on the weekends, I'd have a trip booked to a particular area of Vietnam; whether it be to the Cu Chi tunnels from the Vietnam War or to Vung Tao beach for a relaxing finish to a busy week. Everyday was spent doing something meaningful.

It was a highly satisfying and rewarding experience that I couldn't recommend enough.

Interning in Vietnam with CRCC Asia changed my life. I’ve travelled a lot but this is the first time I felt at home in another country. I got placed within a media company and learnt so much so quickly. The people in Vietnam are so friendly and everything is so cheap. I did not cook once whilst I was there because it was cheaper to eat out. This experience made me realise I wanted to pursue a career in media because I loved the work so much. It gave me stronger assurance in my abilities and improved my weaker skills. I can only ever say good things about this programme and I recommend everyone take the opportunity to do it themselves. I will have fond memories of this experience for the rest of my life and I do hope to go back to Vietnam and work there again someday.

Two months have passed and I still feel like I haven't covered the whole of Vietnam. Hanoi, HCMC, Dalat, Mekong, Halong, Ha Giang... it's a long list but only the cusp of what Vietnam has to offer. Places like Hoi An, Da Nang and Siem Reap still spring to mind.

Having done something every weekend, I already am getting re shock culture shock being back in New Zealand. The lack of bikes, people, street food and tall buildings will be a thing of the past. The thing I would miss the most would be the cheap, tasty vietnamese food. It's really become a part of my life during my stay here. As I write this, I want to say how grateful I am to be here and enjoy the fruits of this country.

During my two month finance internship, I have acquired skills of cultural agility and adaptability coming into a new country with new cultures and expectations. These skills I believe cannot be learned from staying in New Zealand all my life, so to be given the opportunity to work in Vietnam is something special.