Family May 17, 2026

By (Human Resources Management, National University) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 01/30/2026 with

Rikai Exchange Hub: Global Internship Program in Vietnam

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I gained practical backend development experience, improved my teamwork and communication skills, and learned how to adapt to a different culture and working environment. I also became more independent and open-minded. Beyond technical knowledge, I learned the importance of collaboration, cultural understanding, and stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The overall educational experience was excellent. The program was intensive enough to help me learn a lot while still maintaining a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere. I gained practical backend development experience, improved my communication skills, and learned how to work in an international environment. The company provided good resources, guidance, and opportunities to grow both technically and personally.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration and coordination were excellent throughout the entire internship. Everyone was organized, supportive, and always ready to help whenever needed. Communication regarding schedules, activities, and expectations was clear and timely. I always felt welcomed and well taken care of.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My living arrangements were comfortable and convenient. The location made it easy to commute and adapt to daily life in Vietnam. Overall, I was satisfied with the housing experience and felt safe and comfortable during my stay.

* Food:

I really enjoyed the food in Vietnam. There were many delicious and affordable options, and trying local dishes became one of my favorite parts of the experience. It was also exciting to learn more about Vietnamese culture through food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the local culture. My coworkers and the people around me were friendly, welcoming, and patient despite language differences. I even learned some Vietnamese during my stay, which made the experience even more meaningful. The cultural exchange aspect of the internship was one of the best parts for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Fortunately, I did not experience any major health issues during the program. However, I felt that healthcare services were accessible if needed, and the program coordinators were supportive and ready to assist. I did not require any special vaccines specifically for this program, and overall I felt safe and well-supported regarding health matters.

* Safety:

I felt very safe during my time in the host city. The environment was friendly, and I did not experience any safety-related incidents. My advice for future students would simply be to stay aware of traffic conditions and local transportation, especially when crossing busy streets for the first time. Overall, I had a very positive and safe experience.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Absolutely. This program gave me not only technical experience but also personal growth, cultural exchange, and unforgettable memories. I met amazing people, improved my communication skills, gained confidence working in an international environment, and felt genuinely welcomed by the company and my coworkers. It was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Living on a student budget in Vietnam was actually much easier than I expected. Food, transportation, and daily necessities were generally affordable, and there were many budget-friendly options available near the office and accommodation. I was able to enjoy my experience comfortably without spending too much money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent approximately $40–60 USD per week on food, transportation, coffee, and personal expenses, depending on activities during the weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try local Vietnamese food instead of international restaurants because it is both delicious and affordable. Use local transportation and ride-hailing apps instead of taxis whenever possible. Buy daily necessities from local supermarkets or convenience stores rather than tourist areas. Plan your monthly budget early and keep some emergency cash for unexpected situations. Most importantly, enjoy local experiences — many of the best cultural experiences are inexpensive or even free.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • What I liked most was the people and the working environment. Everyone was kind, supportive, and welcoming from the very beginning. My mentor and coworkers always encouraged me and made me feel included. I also loved the cultural exchange aspect of the program because it allowed me to experience Vietnam beyond just work. It truly felt like being part of a family rather than simply joining a company.
* What could be improved?
  • I think the program could be improved by offering more diversity in technical roles and projects. The internship was mainly backend-focused, so it would be great if future participants could also explore frontend, mobile, AI, QA, or full-stack opportunities depending on their interests. Additionally, reducing the workload of mentors during internship periods could allow them to spend even more time guiding interns.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that adapting to a new country and working environment would be much easier than I expected. At first, I worried about communication and cultural differences, but everyone was very supportive and friendly. I also wish I had known how rewarding the cultural experience would be, because it became one of the most valuable parts of the entire program.