A transformative experience: Trip To Vietnam

Within 2 weeks of my International Management Field Study to Vietnam, I felt like I had a remarkable moment. This was an opportunity I could not miss. It was an exciting opportunity to gain first-hand experience outside the formal learning experiences in a rapidly developing economy. This was an eye-opening and most rewarding experience of my life.

City to the Mekong Delta Countryside and Hanoi, I was offered a rich perspective of their work culture and education, including expatriates from Australia. I was extremely loaded with food like who doesn’t love food right. We had the Infamous ‘Ca Phe Sua Da’ (Vietnamese Ice Coffee), Pho, Banh Mi and many more that broadened my culinary horizons.

One of the highlights was our 2 day Mekong Delta tour. Part of this, I witnessed the flourishing local daily life of traditional houses, floating markets, young kids in uniform, how traditional foods and products are made and most importantly the Út Trinh Homestay that we cycled to. We had the chance to cook special dishes and meet their traditional local family.

It just gets better and better every time. There were many memorable moments. That included meeting Vietnamese locals in their markets and learning a new skill, bargaining with them, and it surprisingly worked most of the time. Even our amazing tour guide Hoang, who felt like a family that was there for all of us.

Meeting students from the FTP University was incredible, the visit had an interactive workshop where we played games, learnt some Vietnamese words and tried on their cultural dresses (Ao Dai).

I was extremely impressed through many of my business visits due to their
innovative culture that I didn’t believe they had and the strong commitment
working spirit of Vietnamese people to maintain sustainability and social responsibility. From building a stronger network, amending new friendships while gaining cultural awareness within Vietnam, it has helped me develop valuable leadership and communication skills.

It was a great experience meeting Vietnamese people, exploring their culture and being able to meet with locals and understanding their hierarchy working structure. If I went back in time, would I make the same choice again? Most definitely! Definitely recommend taking on Global Short Programs to expand your horizons.

Kylie Ngan My Du

Bachelor of Business

Global Short Program Student (Faculty-Led)

New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant Recipient