Quentin Phan, a passionate robotic engineering student from Upssitech in Toulouse, France, embarked on an exciting journey to Vietnam. Arriving at the end of April, Quentin was eager to share his experiences and insights during his interview with us.
Back to the ancestral homeland
Born and raised in France, Quentin Phan had always felt a strong connection to Vietnam, the country where his parents were born and raised. Growing up, Quentin had listened intently to his parents’ stories about their childhood in Vietnam, their traditions, and the unique beauty of the country. As he grew older, his curiosity about his heritage intensified, and he yearned to explore Vietnam for himself.
When the time came for Quentin to pursue an internship abroad, his mind immediately turned to Vietnam. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to not only gain valuable professional experience but also to immerse himself in the culture and history of his ancestral homeland.
During his search, Quentin discovered the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH), which captivated him with its outstanding reputation and diverse range of majors. The Department of Applied Engineering and Technology, in particular, caught his attention. The quality and variety of programs offered at USTH impressed Quentin, prompting him to apply for an internship opportunity at the university.
While Quentin had visited Nha Trang in Vietnam before, it was merely a family visit during his younger years. He hadn’t truly explored the country on his own. Therefore, the chance to discover Vietnam independently during his internship filled Quentin with joy and anticipation.
Arriving in Hanoi, Quentin was initially overwhelmed by the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the city. The streets were teeming with people, and the constant flow of motorcycles was a sight to behold. Quentin soon discovered that there were numerous apps available for taking taxis, making navigation around the city much easier and safer. As time went on, Quentin adapted to the lively rhythm of Hanoi and fell in love with the city’s inherent beauty and vitality.
One aspect of Vietnam that Quentin found particularly delightful was the cuisine. Growing up, he had always heard his parents raving about the delicious food in Vietnam, and he was eager to experience it for himself during his time in the country.
However, it wasn’t just the food that had made Quentin’s experience in Vietnam memorable. It was the kindness and warmth of the people he encountered. From the moment he arrived, Quentin was struck by the genuine hospitality and generosity of the Vietnamese people. Whether it was a friendly smile on the street or a helpful hand in navigating the city, the locals had made him feel welcome and appreciated. The kindness extended by the people he met had left a lasting impression on Quentin, making his time in Vietnam all the more special.
As an adventurous person, Quention was keen on traveling to discover the natural beauty of the cultural richness of Vietnam. His latest trip to Cat Ba island and Lan Ha Bay allowed him to immerse himself in the awe-inspiring nature that Vietnam had to offer. The adventure provided him with cherished memories and an appreciation for the country’s breathtaking scenery. He planned to visit many more places in the upcoming time.
Dynamic life at USTH
Balancing his studies at USTH and his exploration of Vietnam was a rewarding experience for Quentin. During his internship, Quentin had been engaged in a research project about computer vision-enabled cameras inside cars. He felt fortunate to be a part of the USTH academic community. The lecturers were highly supportive and dedicated, always available to assist him with any challenges or questions he had. Quentin expressed his appreciation for their presence and guidance during his internship, which helped him quickly adapt to the new environment.
Moreover, USTH was well-equipped with modern facilities and equipment, which could be easily accessible to students. He found it to be a welcoming and conducive learning environment. Quentin believed that USTH had become his second home, a place where he felt comfortable and supported.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Quentin also valued the opportunity to connect with his Vietnamese friends. They would often have lunch together, sharing meals and engaging in conversations that broadened his cultural perspective. Although back in France, his parents had taught him the basics of Vietnamese, he knew he needed to learn more to communicate effectively with the locals. Quentin took these shared meals as opportunities to practice and improve his Vietnamese language skills. His Vietnamese friends patiently guided him through conversations, teaching him new phrases and expressions. Through these friendships, Quentin gained a deeper understanding of Vietnamese customs and ways of life, which made him feel even more connected to the Vietnamese community.
As the end of his internship approached, Quentin realized that his journey in Vietnam had exceeded his expectations. He had not only gained invaluable professional experience but had also discovered a deeper sense of self, rooted in his Vietnamese heritage. The internship had given him the opportunity to explore the country he had always longed to know more about, and in the process, he had forged a profound bond with his ancestral roots.
Quentin knew that he would return to Vietnam one day to embrace his heritage and continue his exploration.
