Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

8-weeks in Hanoi! Past Review

By (Western University) - abroad from 01/04/2019 to 04/07/2020 with

Authentica: Virtual Internship eXperience

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to craft a market expansion strategy and present it in front of different cultures. I also gained the confidence that I can adapt and succeed when working in a diverse cultural work-setting. This experience was extremely worthwhile. Not only did I grow my professional and personal experience, but I also gained years of experience that make me a competitive candidate amongst a global professional workforce.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was very impressed with the level of support and guidance provided by Authentica. They provided the right balance of 'hands-on' help and self-guided problem-solving. Ravi was a fantastic mentor who was always willing to help my team enhance our project deliverables at any time of day.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were quite good. The hotel was cleaned daily and provided a laundry service.

* Food:

There was a restaurant in the lobby where we got breakfast every morning. It would have been nice to have greater options and improve the quality of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I had a great experience completing an 8-week internship with Authentica in Hanoi, Vietnam. The company went above-and-beyond to provide a cultural experience through group dinners and top-notch companies. The company supported my team throughout the duration of our project and helped us deliver an impactful project to our company. This resulted in me growing my professional skills that helped land a full-time job with a Fortune Global 500 company.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural Experience
  • Professional Growth
  • Great Location
* What could be improved?
  • Better Housing
  • More integrated with the company's employees
  • Provide better technical training to add more value
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learn some Vietnamese phrases to try and speak to your colleagues. It will help you become more approachable and it is a sign of courtesy.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.