Yen Nguyen’s story is one of reconnecting with roots, navigating the pressure of early career steps, and discovering Vietnam in a whole new light. At ABROADER, we work towards creating opportunities that merge professional growth with personal transformation, and Yen’s experience encapsulates this beautifully. Her return to Vietnam, after years of being abroad, offered more […]
Yen Nguyen’s story is one of reconnecting with roots, navigating the pressure of early career steps, and discovering Vietnam in a whole new light. At ABROADER, we work towards creating opportunities that merge professional growth with personal transformation, and Yen’s experience encapsulates this beautifully. Her return to Vietnam, after years of being abroad, offered more than just an internship—it was a bridge between her past and future. Yen’s reflections capture the essence of what ABROADER aims to provide: not just internships, but meaningful experiences that shape perspectives and foster connections.
Let her story inspire you as she shares her journey from nostalgia to now.
“As a Vietnamese-born student who left the country at the age of nine, I never imagined how new and eye-opening returning to Vietnam could be. Now, at twenty and a second-year computer engineering student, I found myself at a crossroads. I felt the pressure of seeing my peers secure internships and embark on projects, while I struggled with the feeling of falling behind and not knowing where to start.
My Journey with ABROADER
At the same time, the thought of returning to Vietnam lingered in the back of my mind. My family and I missed our relatives dearly, and with the complications brought by the pandemic, visiting home became even more distant. So, when the opportunity arose to combine something urgent—finding an internship—with something deeply personal—returning to Vietnam—I knew I had to take it. That’s when I came across ABROADER, a program that opened the door to not just any internship, but one that allowed me to reconnect with Vietnam in ways I never expected. ABROADER allowed me to work on my internship while experiencing life in Vietnam firsthand. This experience has been so much more than professional growth; it has completely changed how I see the country I once knew.
The ABROADER team was incredibly supportive throughout my internship. They made sure that every student felt welcome and guided us as we adapted to life and work in Vietnam. Through ABROADER, I met incredible people, including local buddies, who helped me see Vietnam from multiple perspectives. From navigating the work culture to exploring the vibrant, everyday life in Vietnam, each encounter has been meaningful. I experienced facets of Vietnam that I had never seen before: the dynamic blend of traditional values with modern ambitions, the resilience and creativity of its people, and the unspoken connections that tied everything together.
Host Organization: FlowMetric
My internship was working with FlowMetric, a water risk management company that focuses on sustainability. I was initially clueless about the intricacies of the global water industry and how businesses operate in this space. However, through the generous guidance of my supervisors, I gained valuable insights into water conservation, risk management, and the broader impact of sustainable practices on the environment. My time at FlowMetric sparked a fascination with the global sustainability movement, and this experience gave me a head start in understanding where the world is heading in terms of energy conservation, climate change, and sustainable development.
Bridging Cultures and Lessons Learned Along the Way.
Working with ABROADER, I found myself gaining valuable insights into Vietnam’s work culture, a culture that, despite my roots, felt surprisingly new. The Vietnam I once knew as a child had evolved into something far more complex, vibrant, and multifaceted than I remembered. I explored different aspects of Vietnam—from its fast-paced, rapidly developing cities to its deep-rooted traditions. The timing felt perfect—I was able to work on my academic goals while learning from local and international perspectives. This has been an unforgettable experience, thanks to ABROADER, and a heartfelt thanks to FlowMetric for providing me with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue a career in global sustainability. This is a journey I will always remember.
Bye Vietnam, and see you soon.“
Yen’s journey with ABROADER highlights the power of internships that go beyond just professional development—they are about rediscovering roots, connecting with local cultures, and gaining new perspectives. Her experience with FlowMetric and her immersion in Vietnam’s evolving landscape serve as a testament to the transformative impact of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
If you’re looking for an internship that blends meaningful work with cultural exploration, ABROADER offers just that. Discover more about our programs and how you can embark on a journey of personal and professional growth by visiting our website. Your own story of rediscovery and impact could be just a click away!
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