Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula. With an estimated 97 million inhabitants as of 2019, it is one of the most populous countries in the world. Vietnam shares its land borders with China to the north, and Laos and Cambodia to the west.
The nation has 30 national parks and has long been popular on the backpacking circuit due to its rich culture, history and incredible exchange rate. A U.S. dollar is worth about 23,000 Vietnamese dong. Much of the country is warm and humid throughout the year, though the northern mountainous regions near the town of Sapa can get chilly in the wintertime. Travelers will have much to explore in the country, from lush green forests and high, walkable peaks to clear, scuba-friendly waters. Major Vietnamese cities are compact and bustling, full of life, culture, amazing food and some of the world's most welcoming people.
Americans are treated with extreme hospitality in Vietnam, and with so many English-speaking Vietnamese, the language barrier is quickly eroding. Getting around Vietnam is easy, which is fortunate since there are so many wonderful places to see!
Interning in in Vietnam will provide you with a rare opportunity to explore a unique, historic, exciting, and rapidly-developing country.
Agriculture and Veterinary Science
An agricultural or veterinary science internship abroad will provide hands-on experience as well as technical and practical knowledge. Attitudes and practices vary across cultures providing a global perspective in this field. Work at veterinary centers, zoos, and wildlife parks with a wide variety of animals like snakes, big cats, kangaroos, koalas, cats, dogs, and horses!
Architecture and Urban Planning
Architecture and urban planning internships expose you to the design and construction of buildings and urban areas in cultures that have different planning models than those at home. Gain technical skills and practical experience within the field, while providing exposure to new systems and styles. Participants interested in an architecture internship may need to submit a portfolio.
Arts and Humanities
Encompassing a wide range of academic fields including history, philosophy, cultural studies, and sociology among many others, internships in the arts and humanities allow you to explore career options across many business sectors and industries while refining professional interests and strengths. Internships in these fields tend to be multi-disciplinary allowing you to gain a robust set of skills and knowledge.
Business and Marketing
Internships in business fields include a wide range of companies across all industries-—from small start-ups to large multinational corporations. Interns can focus on a specific area within business such as economics, finance, or marketing. Business internships provide valuable experience in understanding regional trade practices, international economies, and global marketing strategies from a new cultural perspective.
Communication, Media, and PR
Understanding the cultural climate of the times and the ways to effectively navigate it is a valuable skill. Working alongside international colleagues and within a new culture helps shape your worldview and ability to more effectively communicate with a wider audience. Work in an array of industries as communications, media and, PR jobs span all industries.
Education
An internship abroad in education is a great way to prepare for a career as a teacher, administrator, or principal. You will be exposed to new educational structures, curriculum, and methods in a variety of educational environments. The experience provides future educators with an expanded cultural perspective and worldview to broaden their approach to education and be more successful educators in our increasingly diverse classrooms.
Engineering
You will work alongside professionals from around the globe from reputable companies, universities, and research organizations in the industry. Interning abroad promotes innovation, technical understanding, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, which are just some of the skills necessary to translate ideas and plans into reality for cultures that are different from our own.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
An internship abroad in environmental studies or sustainability will expose you to some of the most diverse environments in the world. Working with scientists and business professionals, you will gain real-world experience while making a global impact. From placements in biology and ecology to those focusing on sustainable business practices and technology, you will work to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental issues.
Fashion
A fashion internship abroad is a great stepping stone into the industry. Get hands-on experience in a truly global industry, learning about new aesthetics and understanding how business-to-business transactions between suppliers and distributors come to be. Placements focus on design, merchandising, PR, e-commerce, or a combination thereof. Portfolios are required for those participants interested in fashion design.
Film and TV
With a film or television internship abroad, you have the opportunity to work at a variety of companies, providing you with hands-on experience at every step in pre-production, production, and post-production. Exploring the field from a new cultural context while learning best practices will be an invaluable career stepping stone. A portfolio may be requested.
Health
Health internships abroad provide opportunities to shadow professionals, participate in community outreach, and conduct research. Gain first-hand experience with diverse practices in health care systems across a range of specializations. You will leave with a new understanding of how culture influences the practice of medicine, providing you with valuable preparation for a career in the health field. Local language proficiency may be required.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
International internships in hospitality, events, and tourism provide you with a truly unique understanding of the field and an opportunity to learn about the industry through real world experiences. The field varies across cultures, settings, and clientele, instilling a global perspective into your future career. Plan weddings, lead wine tastings, or assist in hotel management as an intern!
IT and Computer Science
An IT or computer science internship abroad complements your formal education with practical work experience in one of the most globalized fields worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to refine career goals, develop a professional network, and learn how other parts of the world use technology. Internships in this field usually require proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, etc.
Legal Studies and Advocacy
Law and advocacy internships include a range of opportunities working at law firms and policy and advocacy centers. Internships in this field provide an inside view of the host country’s legal system and an understanding of how the community navigates within that system. Apply your knowledge to a real-world setting and learn how law and justice work in practice. A writing sample may be requested.
Performing and Visual Arts
With a focus on specific areas such as graphic design, photography, music, dance, or theater, internships in the performing and visual arts give you the opportunity to learn what type of creative projects you will likely work on in a professional setting. Gain valuable insight into the creative process and have a chance to apply your knowledge, channel your inner creativity, and network with industry professionals. A portfolio may be requested.
Political Science
Whether you are interested in American politics, international relations, or public policy and advocacy, an internship abroad allows you to gain valuable insight into how government policies, political parties, city councils, or governmental agencies work. Experience firsthand how these political bodies work with and against one another in the local and global arena.
Psychology and Social Work
A psychology or social work internship helps you understand the complicated social challenges facing global communities while learning how professionals respond. Placements are often research based or involve observing professionals and assisting with various tasks at non-profits. An internship abroad provides the opportunity to connect and integrate theory and practice into a real world setting. A background check may be requested.
Research
Participating in research expands academic experience and enhances understanding of an academic field. A research placement provides the opportunity to join an on-going research project for a short period, helping you clarify academic, career and personal interests. Step in at various stages of the research process and engage in a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach.
Science and Math
Participating in a science or math internship abroad is a great way to understand how research and problem-solving work in other locations, learn about different system models, and see how science and math work in a practical setting. Interning abroad is a great way to build soft skills, gain a better understanding of the larger field, and start considering interests for post-graduate study.
Sports and Exercise
A sport and exercise science internship gives you a comprehensive understanding of current systems and practices in the field as they vary across cultures. Often in this field, you will work as part of a larger team to build teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills. There is a wide range of placements available, from clinics and fitness centers, to sports teams, and research at universities. Complete a mandatory practicum abroad!
Ho Chi Minh City Highlights and Activities
Orientation, Excursions, and Cultural Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation where you will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in your internship abroad. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the country that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Hoi An and My Son
Hoi An, famous for the thousands of colorful lanterns that illuminate the streets, was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The city is loved by many because of its maze of alleyways, friendly people, brightly painted buildings, and amazing food. Near the city stands the My Son sanctuary- a cluster of abandoned Hindu Temples that were constructed between the 4th and 13th centuries.
Mekong Delta
Life in the Mekong Delta is teeming, as over 1,000 animal species have been recorded living in its mangrove forests. Boats full of coconuts and fruit can be seen navigating the river maze, while water buffaloes try to cool off in the water. Buddhist temples and Khmer pagodas decorate the villages, and vendors occupy the beautiful floating markets. Viet Cong bunkers are ready to be explored, as are the nearby islands and white sand beaches.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the proud capital of Vietnam. With a population of over 7,000,000 people, the city is bustling and lively, with more things to see and do than one could ever imagine. Shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife make this city a popular destination for travelers. Located about 160 kilometers east of Hanoi is Ha Long Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the bay is famous for the thousands of limestone islands that tower out of the teal colored water. Junk boats take visitors to explore the immense and breathtaking pillars, caves, and grottoes.
Housing Details
Your accomodation will be a comfortable and model apartment in the center of the city. Students typically have their own rooms in an apartment shared with other interns/international students. The apartment includes a living area, bathroom and equipped kitchen. ou will recieive an apartment description prior to your departure to Ho Chi Minh.
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Vietnam and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Why Intern in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City's personality is found in its unique dichotomy, as it is the perfect blend of traditional and modern. The city boasts everything from fine dining to street food, upscale hotels to inexpensive guesthouses, and premium shopping centers to the cheapest of markets. Ornate pagodas and temples can often be seen right around the corner from large, modern skyscrapers. The streets are bustling, the people are friendly, and the coffee is strong. Between its rich culture, economic importance, and deep history, studying in Ho Chi Minh City is sure to give you an educational and eye-opening experience abroad that will leave a lasting impact.
Travel Visa Information
A majority of incoming students will need 2 Vietnam E-Visas (Single-Entry 30 days) which allows any person to enter Vietnam for interning for up to 30 days. The visa application requirements and procedures are different depending on students’ nationalities.
U.S. Citizens
As an American citizen, you will be asked to provide the following documents when applying for the E-visa online.
a. Original passport valid for a minimum of 6 months at the date of entry and with at least two blank pages available for the Vietnam visa
b. Scanned image of passport: Full page including photo, personal information and ICAO lines.
c. Credit card or Debit card for use to make application fee payment online
d. Vietnamese visa application form (click here for the online visa form)
e. Passport photo(s) taken within the last (1) year and 4 x 6cm in size, straight face, no hat, no dark or tinted glass. Both ears must be shown.
f. For your E-visa: no organization or company is allowed to apply on behalf of the applicant as a sponsor anymore. You must apply for the visa as an individual.
*Important Note: Students interning at NGOs in Vietnam can get a different type of visa with the support/sponsor from the NGOs.
Visas to Vietnam are usually processed from 3-7 business days. The process might be longer depending on the foreign embassies and consulates of Vietnam. It is also possible to ask for rush or emergency visa service with additional fees.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to Vietnam without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific Consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change without notice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.
