6 months internship in HCMC, Vietnam🇻🇳
it's been a year, and i finally got around to doing a proper post for my few months in HCMC (Saigon)
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for anyone contemplating on whether to say yes to overseas internship stints (poly/uni level)— i would say you should say YES!
my internship programme Global Entrepreneurial Internship Programme (GEIP, has since been renamed) is a collaboration of NP with Enterprise Singapore— which means that it is fully funded! ($10K-ish in 3 payouts)
intern with a start-up (SG/international) based in that country, and get the chance to scale a start-up even if you're just an intern! i loved that i could work directly with the founders, because i am someone who hates inefficiency in communication. and yes, you do get paid around $100/month (depends on the country's intern rates) which is low, but the Enterprise funding covers everything (even shopping if you budget rent well).
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fun fact! this international experience was what got me my first full-time job where i work with an international team😉
During my six months in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the most memorable parts of daily life was spending time in the city’s cozy pet cafes, especially the Meo Meo Cat Cafés located in Districts 1 and 7. The calming atmosphere, combined with the friendly and interactive cats, made these spots my ideal places to relax and work on my laptop. The entrance fee included unlimited drinks and snacks, adding great value, and the staff’s genuine care for the cats was evident. Living in HCMC also meant indulging in the vibrant street food scene. My favorites were the Vietnamese dishes Bun Cha, which I enjoyed religiously twice a week, and Banh Mi with grilled pork (without pate but with coriander). Despite eating lots of fresh raw veggies, I never had any stomach issues, a testament to the city’s fresh and delicious ingredients. This internship wasn’t just about work—it was an entrepreneurial learning journey. I not only interned with startups but also started two small businesses to get hands-on experience and truly understand the startup culture. The local mindset of unity and the “anything is possible” attitude among Vietnamese people was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to push boundaries. The experience also gave me the confidence to explore the city and country on my own. Traveling alone around Vietnam taught me to be brave and self-reliant, which eventually encouraged me to take international trips solo as well. This personal growth went hand-in-hand with my professional development. Networking was something I initially underestimated but soon realized is invaluable. Attending events like Demo Day & Networking Night in HCMC allowed me to meet professionals from various countries. Though networking was not my favorite, these friendly and helpful connections significantly contributed to my career opportunities. Overall, my time interning in Ho Chi Minh City was an enriching combination of professional growth, cultural immersion, and personal discovery. For anyone considering an overseas internship, I highly recommend saying yes to the adventure—it’s worth every moment.
