Three months at the Department of Technology and Engineering at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) became an unforgettable experience for Camille Valette, a student of Industrial Engineering and Maintenance (GIM) at the IUT of Blagnac in Toulouse, France.
“Can I really do this?”
That was the question running through Camille Valette’s mind as she boarded her flight from France to Vietnam.
For the second-year Industrial Engineering and Maintenance student, the journey was much more than her first time living and studying in a foreign country. It also marked her first experience in an international research environment, where she would take on a challenging research project in an unfamiliar field.
Looking back, Camille now considers the three-month internship one of the defining experiences of her university years. What began with uncertainty gradually became a journey of personal growth, helping her become more confident, independent, and open to new opportunities.
Drawn to the balance between the familiar and the unknown
Camille’s journey to USTH began with a recommendation from one of her professors in France. As she learned more about the university, she was impressed by USTH’s close partnerships with French universities and its dynamic research environment in engineering.
What ultimately convinced her to join USTH as an intern, however, was the research project itself.
The internship focused on the simulation of induction machines using the Finite Element Method—a numerical technique widely used to solve complex engineering problems—and ANSYS software. The topic immediately appealed to Camille because it built on her academic background in industrial engineering while introducing her to a new field in electrical engineering and machine modeling.
It was precisely this balance between what she already knew and what she had yet to discover that made the internship such an attractive opportunity.
At USTH, Camille worked on modeling and simulating the electromagnetic behavior of induction machines using the Finite Element Method and ANSYS software. The project started with theoretical concepts before progressing to simulation tools such as RMxprt and Maxwell 2D.
The Finite Element Method was entirely new to her. Learning to use specialized engineering software was challenging, but connecting theoretical concepts with simulation results proved even more demanding.
Rather than rushing through the process, Camille chose to take things one step at a time. She strengthened her understanding of the fundamentals, studied technical documentation, experimented with different simulation models, and regularly sought guidance from her supervisors whenever she encountered difficulties.
“From a technical perspective, I developed new skills in modeling and simulating induction machines using the Finite Element Method and ANSYS software, especially RMxprt and Maxwell 2D,” Camille said. “I also learned how to analyze and interpret simulation results.”
More importantly, the internship gave her a better understanding of how researchers approach engineering challenges—starting with questions, patiently testing hypotheses, embracing experimentation, and gradually working toward solutions.
Learning to step outside her comfort zone
For Camille, Vietnam was much more than the destination of an internship. It was an opportunity to challenge herself in ways she had never experienced before: living away from home, immersing herself in a completely different culture, and stepping outside the comfort zone she had always known.
As it was her first extended stay abroad, she admitted feeling uncertain before leaving France. An unfamiliar country, a different language, a new academic environment, and a different pace of life all made her wonder whether she would be able to adapt.
“I remember thinking, ‘Can I really do this?'” she recalled.
Within just a few days, however, those initial concerns began to disappear. Camille quickly discovered the warmth and hospitality of her professors, fellow students, and the Vietnamese people. What had initially seemed intimidating soon became an exciting adventure.
Little by little, she grew more confident. She explored Vietnam, made new friends, and gradually learned to embrace every aspect of her internship experience.
“The most meaningful part of this experience is realizing how much I’ve grown since arriving here. I didn’t just gain new technical knowledge—I also discovered a new culture, met wonderful people, and proved to myself that I could adapt and succeed in a completely new environment,” she said.
Shaping her future
Camille believes the internship at USTH has strengthened her determination to continue her education after completing her Bachelor’s degree, whether by pursuing a Master’s programme or enrolling in a management engineering school. The experience also reinforced her belief that continuous learning and expanding one’s expertise are essential for a long-term career in engineering.
Looking back, Camille admitted that before coming to Vietnam, she had never imagined she would adapt so quickly to a foreign country, feel comfortable working in an entirely new environment, or enjoy studying abroad as much as she did. Yet after three months in Hanoi, the uncertainty she had once felt had gradually been replaced by confidence.
“I definitely want to study abroad again. This internship gave me invaluable experiences and made me realize that I can build my career in an international environment.”
Camille’s internship at USTH has come to an end. It marks the beginning of a new chapter—one in which she is more confident, more independent, more open-minded, and ready to embrace future opportunities in international academic and professional environments.
When Camille first arrived in Vietnam, she carried with her a simple question: “Can I really do this?”
Over the course of three months at USTH, she found the answer through every challenge she overcame, every lesson she learned, and every new experience she embraced.
Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with uncertainty. And for those willing to step beyond their comfort zone, they can lead not only to new opportunities, but also to discovering a stronger version of themselves.
