All aboard The Saigon Express.

Ratings
Overall
5
Growth: 5
Support: 5
Fun: 5
Housing: 5
Safety: 5
Review

I've been teaching in Saigon for a little over 3 months now and the time of my life doesn't even come close to describing the fun I've had, the Friends I've made and most importantly; what I've learned from my time in Vietnam. It all started with a sweaty week of the most wide ranging and informative orientation I have ever received from a company I've worked for. The basic Vietnamese lessons were very useful. Once you learn how to order a Banh Mi and an Iced Coffee you never look back. Then came my placement, which I was quite anxious about beforehand. Rumours of the Chinese Border and Floating Shack Schools abounded but luckily I ended up staying right in Saigon. But Vietnam is such an ever changing and wonderful place that, looking back now, you shouldn't worry about it.

I have always felt quite safe in Saigon. Needless to say there are certain places you just don't go but you get that in any city. 99.9% of Vietnamese people I've encountered are willing to lend a hand in any situation whether it be kickstarting your Honda or helping you cross 12 lanes of traffic.

As for the placement and the support I received before and now during the contract; I couldn't ask for more. Any question great or small, personal or general is answered and you will be assisted with any issue you may have with your placement. I've found that no issue is too great or too small for this company and its staff. Any Medical concerns, Visa Troubles, Travel and Accommodation issues were all comprehensively dealt with.

One thing I would advise to anyone thinking of applying to this Internship Programme is to be patient. It's South East Asia and Vietnam is still very much a Developing Country, despite what the cities and coastal paradises may offer. Vietnamese people have a set way of doing things as you will discover in your placement. You will see things, taste things and experience things you couldn't imagine in your wildest dreams. But it is all worth it.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would