A Meaningful Journey of Growth, Learning, and Cultural Exchange May 18, 2026
By KOO HYEONTAE K (Science Technicians, Kyungpook National University) - abroad from 01/05/2026 to 01/30/2026 with
Rikai Exchange Hub: Global Internship Program in Vietnam
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to apply academic knowledge to real-world projects and improved my communication and teamwork skills in an international environment. More importantly, I gained confidence in adapting to unfamiliar situations and learned the importance of collaboration, patience, and open communication.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The educational experience was extremely meaningful and rewarding for me. The training materials matched my level very well, and the content was closely connected to both my academic background and future career goals. Through this internship, I was able to gain practical experience while continuously learning in a supportive environment. It was a valuable opportunity for both professional and personal growth. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The orientation process was very helpful in allowing me to understand the company and internship program more deeply. In addition, the coordinators managed schedules and activities very carefully, which helped me complete the internship smoothly and comfortably. Their continuous support made the entire experience much easier for me. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living environment was comfortable and convenient. I was able to adapt well to daily life in Da Nang, and the overall atmosphere helped me focus on both my work and personal life during the internship. |
| * Food: |
I really enjoyed Vietnamese food during my stay. There were many delicious and affordable options, and trying local dishes became one of the most memorable parts of my experience in Vietnam. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The cultural exchange activities in Da Nang gave me a much broader understanding of Vietnamese culture. Initially, I was worried because I felt my communication skills were lacking, but my mentors, teammates, and coworkers were extremely patient and supportive. Their kindness helped me adapt naturally and feel comfortable throughout the internship experience. |
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* 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 always felt that support would be available whenever needed. The clean and organized working environment also helped me stay comfortable and healthy throughout the internship. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe during my time in Da Nang. The city atmosphere was comfortable and welcoming, and I did not experience any safety-related problems. Future students may need some time to adapt to local traffic, but overall it was a very safe and pleasant environment. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Absolutely. This internship gave me valuable practical experience and helped me grow both professionally and personally. Although I was initially worried about communication and adapting to a new environment, the incredible support from my mentors, teammates, and coordinators helped me overcome those concerns and complete the internship successfully. It became a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience for me. |
Finances
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* 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 easier than I expected. Daily expenses such as food, transportation, and personal necessities were generally affordable, which allowed me to enjoy my stay without significant financial burden. |
| 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. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try local Vietnamese food because it is affordable and delicious. Use local transportation or ride-hailing apps instead of taxis whenever possible. Plan a weekly budget in advance to manage expenses more comfortably. Enjoy local cultural activities, as many meaningful experiences can be enjoyed at a low cost. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Before joining the program, I was worried that communication difficulties would make the experience challenging. However, I learned that people were very patient, supportive, and understanding, which made adaptation much easier than I expected. I also did not realize how meaningful and rewarding the cultural exchange experience would be before coming to Vietnam. |