My First Two-week Internship Experience in Vietnam!
ABROADER July 19, 2024 5 mins read
This summer, ABROADER welcomed 12 students from Northwestern University to join the Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) program in Vietnam. Since 2018, ABROADER has partnered with Kaya Responsible Travel to organize this enriching program for Northwestern students. About GESI The Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) is a transformative study abroad program designed to equip undergraduates […]
This summer, ABROADER welcomed 12 students from Northwestern University to join the Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) program in Vietnam. Since 2018, ABROADER has partnered with Kaya Responsible Travel to organize this enriching program for Northwestern students.
About GESI
The Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) is a transformative study abroad program designed to equip undergraduates with the knowledge, tools, and experiences needed to collaborate with communities in addressing global challenges. Through immersive internships, interdisciplinary teams of students work alongside local organizations to drive community-driven change and contribute to sustainable development.
Source: Northwestern University, Buffett Institute for Global Affairs
Meet Aubrey Nyiri: A Northwestern Student’s Journey in Vietnam
Aubrey Nyiri is one of the 12 Northwestern students joining us in Hanoi this summer. Follow his journey and discover his experiences from his first two weeks in Vietnam.
First Impressions Upon Landing in Vietnam
Landing in Vietnam for the first time was awe-inspiring. As someone who had never left the United States before, I was prepared for a mind-blowing experience, but it still exceeded my expectations. From the moment our plane descended, I was struck by the sight of countless motorbikes on the roads, a clear sign that I was in a completely new environment. Stepping out of the airport, the wave of humidity hit me like a sauna, with unfamiliar trees and bushes enhancing the foreign feel of the surroundings.
During the hot bus ride from the airport, we witnessed Vietnam’s unique driving culture: road markings are optional, honking is recommended, and a sense of self-preservation is essential. Our first glimpse of Hanoi was when we were greeted by our host families, and I received a beautiful bouquet of flowers, symbolizing the wonderful relationship that lay ahead.
About the Host Organization: Vien Minh
I am working with Vien Minh, a social enterprise guided by the philosophy of “fullness,” focusing on achieving joy and contentment through health, love, and supporting others. Their mission is to empower families through proactive healthcare using melaleuca products, fostering a community of compassion and support.
My Summer Mission
Currently, I’m engaged in market research for Vien Minh’s agriculture-based ecotour development. This involves analyzing market trends and research papers to understand what international travelers and domestic audiences might desire in Vien Minh’s ecotour. This research is crucial for making the ecotour marketing more effective, ultimately boosting herb farmers’ incomes. The work is self-directed, so while the next steps aren’t always clear, the overall direction is well-defined.
Collaborating with other interns makes planning specific tasks much easier. My plan for the next few weeks includes continuing market research to aid in tour development, brainstorming media outreach strategies, and conducting surveys and interviews to gather diverse perspectives. I aim to compile my research in a more digestible format for the media team. Ensuring everyone is on the same page is also a priority, with weekly meetings to update Ms. Phuong Anh and our colleagues on our progress. Rita and I are planning to visit the farm site of the ecotour to enhance our understanding and refine our promotional strategies.
Work Environment: A Collaborative and Relaxed Atmosphere
Effective communication with the host organization is crucial. We have established weekly in-person meetings to review progress, ensuring our work aligns with the organization’s goals. These meetings have been invaluable, providing access to essential resources, including past ecotour information. The work environment is relaxed and homely, making it easy to interact with colleagues and ask questions. For instance, last Friday, coworkers prepared lunch for everyone, fostering camaraderie and allowing me to try new foods like fermented pork. We also visited a kindergarten for community outreach, teaching children how to massage, enhancing our understanding of Vien Minh’s mission.
Building Relationships with Local Stakeholders
Spending time with our buddies, university students in Hanoi, has been incredibly enriching. They are helpful, fun, and always open to conversation. We recently went to see a movie, which started off hectic but ended up being a lot of fun. They provide detailed feedback, are great for shopping trips, coffee outings, and even serve as translators during haircuts.
My homestay experience has been nothing short of amazing. I feel deeply connected to each family member, appreciating their unique personalities. I’ve shared many meals with them, gone on a weekend trip, and visited the store together. I look forward to more day-to-day interactions and adventures with them. Here are some of my favorite pictures:
Looking Forward to the Rest of the Journey!
I am excited to continue embracing this new daily routine—from commuting to work, exploring Hanoi’s after-work activities, to enjoying dinners with my homestay family. Work has provided insights into Vietnam’s culture and a unique side of the international experience. On weekends, I plan to explore different regions of Vietnam with friends. We’ve already made countless memories in just two weeks, and I’m confident the rest of the trip will be equally rewarding. I feel immense gratitude for this unique experience and am thrilled I seized the opportunity to be here.
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