Two months ago, Nour Nasraoui — a chemistry student specializing in catalysis and physical chemistry at Claude Bernard University Lyon 1 in France — arrived in Hanoi, carrying with her excitement and curiosity about a country she had only heard of through stories.
The bustling streets, the streams of motorbikes weaving through traffic, and the red-and-white road markings instantly reminded her of Tunisia, her father’s homeland. “It felt strangely familiar,” Nour recalled. “Like those summers I spent in Tunisia. But very quickly, I realized that Vietnam has its soul, unique and different in every way.”
Her internship at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) came about by chance, through a suggestion from her professor in Lyon. “She spoke so fondly of Vietnam, and I could see how much she loved this place. That passion was contagious.”
Arriving in a new country, starting in a new lab, and meeting new people — it wasn’t without its challenges.“At first, I was quite shy,” she admitted. “Everything was unfamiliar — the way the lab operated, the routines, even little things like finding a place to eat lunch.”
But it didn’t take long for her to feel at home. The colleagues at USTH quickly welcomed her into their circle. “They invited me for coffee, included me in group lunches, and encouraged me to join in casual chats. Those simple, everyday moments meant so much. It made me feel truly accepted and part of the team.”
Nour shared that her internship project centered on the development of iron- and nickel-based catalysts to enhance the water-splitting process for hydrogen production — a clean, non-polluting, and carbon-free energy source. This research direction aligns with global scientific efforts, including those at USTH, to develop sustainable energy solutions that can gradually replace fossil fuels as they become increasingly exhausted.
Reflecting on her experience, Nour noted that the internship not only provided valuable technical knowledge but also contributed significantly to her personal and professional growth. “I learned to engage more openly in research discussions, to share my ideas confidently, and to overcome my hesitation in seeking assistance,” she remarked. “I’ve also come to appreciate that in scientific research, every result holds its merit, and no outcome is ever truly without value.”
She expressed sincere gratitude to the faculty members and fellow friends who accompanied her throughout the internship, creating a supportive, engaging, and memorable working environment. “Thanks to them, what could have been a stressful experience became an enriching and meaningful chapter of my academic journey,” Nour said. To her, USTH represented more than just a place of study; it was a welcoming and collaborative research community where every intern is encouraged to explore their abilities and contribute to meaningful scientific work.
Outside the lab, Hanoi offered Nour a whirlwind of new experiences. “The traffic was a shock at first,” she laughed. “I’d never seen so many motorbikes moving together like that. But after a few days, I learned the secret to crossing the street — keep walking steadily, look ahead, and trust the bikes will avoid you.”
She quickly grew fond of Hanoi’s narrow alleyways, vibrant markets, and the distinctive sound of street vendors in the early morning. But perhaps the most surprising discovery was a drink she never expected to love. “I’m not a coffee person at all,” she admitted. “But then I tried salted coffee in Hanoi… and now I’m hooked.”
What left the deepest impression on Nour, however, was the kindness and warmth of the Vietnamese people. “Everyone here is so friendly and open,” she shared. “I made friends with both locals and international students. Some Vietnamese families even invited me into their homes, offering meals and treating me like family.”
In just two short months, Nour packed her calendar with unforgettable moments. She joined USTH’s international student promotional activities, appeared in a national TV segment when a Vietnamese broadcaster came to interview her supervisor, and even took part in a music show with USTH students.
But the memory she cherishes most is from April 7th — the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day. On that day, Nour, along with USTH friends and two other French students, traveled to a small village outside Hanoi. “There were boat races, wrestling matches, human chess — it was incredible,” Nour recalled, her eyes lighting up. “The villagers were so welcoming. They gave us team hats, let us wear their cheering clothes, invited us to join the dances, and offered us drinks. It was a day full of laughter and beautiful spontaneity. I’ll remember it forever.”
So far, Nour has visited Huế — a city she fell in love with at first sight — and is already planning to explore more of Vietnam’s regions before returning to France. What started as a short-term academic internship has turned into something much deeper: a journey filled with new friendships, meaningful experiences, and personal discoveries.
“This internship gave me so much more than I expected,” Nour smiled. “And I know there are still many wonderful things waiting ahead.”
Two months in Vietnam not only helped Nour gain professional experience in chemistry but also offered her a chance to explore herself and see the world in a new way. “Vietnam is no longer just a name on the map,” she reflected. “It’s now a part of my story — a part of my youth.”
