Program Reviews

The experience of studying abroad in Vietnam certainly was not easy for me but I have no doubt that it was tremendously valuable. Contrary to what I thought of the school infrastructure here, my classroom was fully equipped with high-tech facilities in good conditions. The only thing that I would complain about was how busy the schedule was and I have to try my best to fit in time to study alone and to explore the city. But after that, I managed to gain some serious multi-tasking skills that turned out to be very helpful. During the course of the program, we had many industry visits arranged for us and they were all excellent chances to learn about the industry but some I felt was a bit irrelevant to the course.

At first, I actually had a lot of culture shocks due to language barrier; it was hard to communicate with Vietnamese people as I don’t know the language, however, everyone I met from the program coordinator and classmates to the people on the streets were very kind and helpful. Hence I personally think study abroad is one of those experiences that everyone should be able to undertake during their time in university and you won’t have a single regret about it.

About my environmental engineering internship at Vinaxanh JSC, I have learned many new things that I hadn't been taught in schools before, but I wish I had more time to do independent work.
I think culture shocks and language barrier are things you can not avoid for the first time studying or doing internship abroad. Take every opportunity that arises - teaching language after work, meals with companies, travel as much as possible... really made the experience much better.

At the hotel where I did my internship, I could learn a lot of things. For example, I learnt how to communicate politely with customers, how to make them satisfied and how to manage the hotel. Everyone from the supervisor to my co-workers was helpful and accommodating, I was included in all the daily meetings and the supervisor was very open to share her knowledge about hotel management which was really helpful to my future work. I really had a good experience in Vietnam.

The experience of studying abroad in Vietnam certainly was not easy for me but I have no doubt that it was tremendouly valuable. At first, I actually had a lot of culture shocks, due to language barrier, sometimes it was hard to communicate with Vietnamese people. However, they were very kind and took well care of me especially my classmates and program coordinator.

Classroom equipment is fully supplied with a good condition. However, the schedule is quite busy and I have to try my best to find my own time to study. Some industry visits were excellent but some irrelevant to the course.

I am so incredibly lucky that I have people and things that make saying goodbye to Hanoi incredibly difficult. I was able to make friends, experience the culture, learn a little Vietnamese in the process; all those things became part of me and make it that much more difficult to say farewell to them.
About my internship at Vietnam Public Health Association, Mr. Vu Tran who is my supervisor really cared for me as a person. Some of my work were very important while others are minimal.
Overall, I am happy with my experiences in Vietnam!

At first, I was very nervous because it was my first time in Vietnam, but Student Exchange Vietnam (SEV) made me feel that I made a right decision to come for an internship here.

Now that I’ve been working for two months already, I have learned a lot more and made some very POSITIVE changes. Its not hard anymore, and I am having the best time in my work. Everyday, I meet different people from different cultures whom I can learn many valuable things from. Meeting them and knowing that they have enjoyed their cruise with us makes me feel relieved. Sometimes the work is tiring, but when you see your guests happy, it makes you happy too.

My internship in Vietnam is just half way so it is very promising that there is till a lot more to learn, and for me, everyday in Vietnam is a new lesson.

My journey to Vietnam was awesome. The program coordinator and local buddies were the best and most contributed to the great experience when studying abroad. Besides, all the activities were so much fun and informative. It was a great chance to be exposed to the new culture and meet new people. The only thing I wanted to change was the heat and on-going fans whose sound distracted student. In general, my study tour in Vietnam was worth what I had expected.

My mom had been born and living in Saigon before moving to the US, so for me one way to get myself closer to my roots would be to spend three months living and working in Ho Chi Minh City. About work, I learned that, there was a different way of doing business here compared to the United States. Moreover, SE Vietnam outdid my expectation. Coming to Vietnam on my own seemed very daunting and intimidating, but SE Vietnam helped make the transition smooth and seamless. My local buddies were also helpful in every way, helping a shy girl like me to get out there even before I arrived. Overall, the people were really what helped make my experience in Vietnam a great one.

The internship placement met my expectation and my local buddy was great. At the host organization, I was clear about the responsibilities & rules expected to accomplish & follow. I was very lucky to have caring supervisors and doctors who were very gracious and explained a lot of cases to me, so I was well equipped to perform the job at my best. This experience will definitely contribute a lot to my future career, I believe.
In general, my internship in Vietnam was great, though I wish to have had more planned trips from SE Vietnam.

My time here last summer was invaluable and unforgettable in every possible way. Undoubtedly, my nursing internship became a strong platform for my future, in both personal and professional development. More specifically, the life experience I learned, through adapting to another culture, traveling alone to beautiful places and having a sense of home here is something I’ll never forget. The people here touched my heart, and I’ll have these memories forever. I am still feeling so happy to have taken this step, visiting this beautiful country with its amazing people. The program inspired me a lot to always follow my dreams, no matter how big they are, and that I can do anything.