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A Journey of Growth, Friendship, and Professional Discovery | Paarth Nayak

ABROADER August 19, 2024 7 mins read

This summer, Paarth Nayak, a University of Pennsylvania student majoring in Sustainability & Environmental Management, embarked on a life-changing journey with UPC Renewables in Vietnam. What began as a dream internship quickly transformed into an adventure filled with cultural exploration, new friendships, and valuable professional growth. In this blog, we’ll take you through Paarth’s experience […]

This summer, Paarth Nayak, a University of Pennsylvania student majoring in Sustainability & Environmental Management, embarked on a life-changing journey with UPC Renewables in Vietnam. What began as a dream internship quickly transformed into an adventure filled with cultural exploration, new friendships, and valuable professional growth.

In this blog, we’ll take you through Paarth’s experience as he embraced Vietnam’s rich culture, connected with incredible people, and made the most of every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Join us as we uncover the moments that shaped Paarth’s unforgettable summer and discover how his time in Vietnam has left a lasting impact.


Two Months In Vietnam But A Life Prophecy 

As an avid traveler and a student deeply passionate about sustainability, the opportunity to intern abroad felt like a dream come true. When that dream started becoming a reality, I felt a surge of excitement and motivation. The end of my freshman year had left me with lingering ambitions, but as my summer plans took shape, those ambitions skyrocketed. My thoughts were consumed by the anticipation of the upcoming months.

In the weeks leading up to the program, I spent my lunchtimes watching TikToks about coffee shops and nature spots in Vietnam. I also read articles related to the work I’d be doing. My expectations were high—I wanted this summer to be a time of genuine growth in every aspect: socially, professionally, and personally. While I felt anxious, I was also incredibly excited to embark on this journey.

Even before arriving in Vietnam, I set a challenge for myself: to make the most of every moment during my two months there. I knew that I would only be nineteen in Vietnam once, so I was determined not to waste a single minute.

Fast forward to now! After completing my two months, I’m proud to say that the experience was fulfilling in every way possible. Here are my major takeaways from my time abroad:

Fulfilling my Prophecy: “Make The Most of It” – Finding Courage and Friendship 

This is the three of us celebrating friends Janice and Anya’s 19th birthday in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. 

Before coming to Vietnam, I didn’t feel ready to make new friends. I was still attached to the connections I had already made and wanted to be with them in Vietnam, but I realized this mindset was flawed. Being in a new country with such a rich culture, I knew I had to keep an open mind. I made it a goal to be as friendly as possible to the ABROADER team, local buddies, and the other interns in my cohort. I made an effort to be my authentic self, and in doing so, I found incredible new friendships—especially with my newest best friends, Janice and Anya. We instantly clicked, and now I can’t wait to spend the rest of my college years with them!

These new friendships made exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant culture even more exciting. We discovered new coffee shops, thrift stores, and malls together. We also traveled across Vietnam, but more on that later! The confidence I gained from these experiences made me reflect on how I had been holding back before. Now, I’m ready to dive into my sophomore year as the best version of myself. This newfound confidence even led me to perform a Bollywood song at ABROADER’s tenth anniversary party, which allowed me to bond more with the local buddies and the ABROADER team, who went above and beyond to integrate us into Vietnamese culture and the intern experience.

My advice to any incoming intern is to leave past insecurities behind. You’re in a new country with mostly new people who have no preconceived notions about you. Use this opportunity to find new friends and, more importantly, to find yourself. You’ll leave with a profound sense of happiness. I’m eternally grateful for the friendships I’ve made, and I strongly encourage you to engage in as many group activities as possible—whether it’s karaoke with the ABROADER team, watching a movie with friends, or going on runs with other interns at Landmark 81 Park!

Fulfilling my Prophecy: “Make The Most of It” – Professional Clarity 

This is me and ABROADER Director – Moon at the final day of my internship. 

As for work, I had to figure out how an intern like myself could make an impact at a well-established renewable energy company. This meant making sure my 9-5 hours were spent as efficiently as possible. My tasks included researching various topics, translating Laotian documents, using ChatGPT, and interviewing co-workers about their specialties. This experience exposed me to different ways of learning and growing in a professional environment.

One of the highlights of my internship was receiving feedback from my boss and the company’s CEO that I was viewed as a fellow consultant rather than just an intern. After giving several presentations on corporate social responsibility, comparing legal documents, and offering suggestions for future projects, I felt that I had truly made the most of my professional experience. I now have more clarity about my potential career path, having identified my strengths and weaknesses in the workplace.

My advice to any incoming intern is to challenge yourself and ask questions whenever you have concerns. When presented with a new topic to research, embrace it fully and involve yourself in the subject matter. Personally, I found the Q&A sessions after each presentation to be the most challenging. My co-workers would test my knowledge and assess whether I could apply my research to the company’s goals.

Check out my “A Day In The Life” TikTok here.

Fulfilling my Prophecy: “Make The Most of It” – Becoming an Expert Traveler 

The iconic trio in the most beautiful place on Earth, Hoi An. 

Finally, being in a country as diverse as Vietnam, I made sure to spend every weekend exploring it in a new way. If you have the chance to travel around Vietnam, take full advantage of it—the country is breathtakingly beautiful. I have photos of it scattered across my room, it’s my lock screen, and I never stop talking about it. Each weekend was an adventure, but if I had to choose a favorite among the ten places I visited, it would be Hoi An.

Hoi An has everything a traveler could dream of—a town rich in history, with beautiful beaches, culture, and tradition. The highlight for me was watching the sunset while making a wish and placing a lantern on the water. If there’s one place in the world I’d return to, it would be Hoi An.

My advice to any incoming intern is to immerse yourself in the culture of the country you’re visiting. You may feel like a tourist, but try your best to engage with the local environment by doing research beforehand, staying at homestays, and eating at local, authentic restaurants. You’ll enjoy the experience so much more!

After two months in Vietnam, I’ve learned a life lesson that I hope to carry with me forever. As I enter my twenties this month, I’m excited to see how this experience will shape my future.


Paarth’s journey in Vietnam is a testament to the transformative power of stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and immersing yourself in a different culture. If Paarth’s story has inspired you, we encourage you to explore the possibilities that await you in Vietnam. At ABROADER, we’re committed to helping students like you find internships that align with your passions and career goals. Visit our website to discover a range of exciting internship opportunities and take the first step toward your own unforgettable adventure. Your journey starts here!

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