An international internship at the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) offers much more than the opportunity to conduct scientific research in an international academic environment. It is also a journey of cultural discovery, meaningful connections and personal growth through hands-on experiences. For Jannah, a third-year undergraduate student from France, her nearly four-month internship at USTH became a defining chapter, broadening her academic horizons and deepening her perspective on life in Vietnam.
From France to USTH: A journey inspired by scientific research
While studying in France, Jannah began searching for an overseas internship opportunity with a desire to immerse herself in a new research environment. During her search for research opportunities in Vietnam, she stumbled upon published scientific works by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hoang Nam, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences (LS) at USTH.
Impressed by Dr. Nam’s research interests and the opportunity to gain practical laboratory experience, Jannah reached out to him to learn more about internship opportunities at USTH. The open and professional communication, together with the enthusiastic support she received from the academic staff, strengthened her confidence and ultimately led her to choose USTH as the destination for her internship.
Beyond academics, Vietnam captivated Jannah with its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene. Furthermore, as a French-Vietnamese international university, USTH offered an academic structure closely aligned with the French higher education system, enabling her to adapt seamlessly to the new environment.
Hands-on research experience in the laboratory
During her internship, Jannah joined a research project entitled “Antibiotic resistance of bacterial strains isolated from street food.” Beyond the practical relevance of the research topic, what impressed her most was the laboratory’s research culture and working approach.
Students are entrusted with significant responsibility throughout the entire research process – from designing research plans and selecting sampling locations to collecting samples, preparing laboratory materials, managing schedules and conducting experiments independently. According to Jannah, this approach enables students to develop independent scientific thinking, project management skills and a strong sense of responsibility as young researchers from an early stage of their academic journey.
In addition to strengthening her technical knowledge, her time in the laboratory also helped her become more proactive, improve her teamwork skills and adapt to working in an international research environment.
Discovering the charm of Vietnamese culture
Outside the laboratory, Jannah took every opportunity to explore Hanoi and immerse herself in Vietnamese culture. One of the first things that surprised her was the early rhythm of daily life. As early as 5 or 6 a.m, parks are already filled with people exercising, while the tradition of taking an afternoon nap was another cultural habit she had rarely encountered in France.
Among the many memorable experiences, karaoke stood out as one of the most distinctive aspects of Vietnamese culture. For Jannah, it was far more than just entertainment – it was a meaningful activity that brings together friends, families, and even strangers, creating a unique sense of connection.
What left the deepest impression on her, however, was the generosity and spirit of sharing that she observed in everyday life. During meals with friends, instead of ordering individual dishes, people would typically order a variety of dishes to share with everyone at the table.
“It really made me feel a sense of connection between people. Everyone wants those around them to enjoy and experience the same things they do.”
“Just Do It”: Step beyond your comfort zone
Reflecting on her internship, Jannah describes her time at USTH as one of the most memorable experiences of her university years. Beyond advancing her research skills, she embraced a new culture, built lasting friendships, and grew both personally and academically through every experience.
When asked what advice she would give to international students considering an exchange or internship programme at USTH, her message was simple: “Just do it.”
According to Jannah, stepping outside one’s comfort zone opens the door to meeting new people, discovering different cultures and gaining invaluable experiences that remain meaningful long after the journey ends.
Jannah’s internship at the Food Science and Technology Laboratory reflects the vibrant and collaborative research environment that USTH offers to international students. Here, students not only engage in meaningful scientific research with real-world applications but also immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture while building valuable academic and professional connections. Through its extensive international partnerships and internationally aligned academic programmes, USTH continues to strengthen its position as an ideal destination for students worldwide seeking to develop their research capabilities, broaden their global perspectives and experience the dynamism, hospitality and cultural richness of Vietnam.
