Growing in independence thanks to Vietnam internships

Ask most people what an ideal trip looks like and you might get answers like: all-inclusive, spa days, fine dining or stellar views. If you asked the same question to students who signed up for the 2026 study abroad trip to Vietnam, you’d get responses like: getting outside of your comfort zone, figuring out who you want to be or connecting with cultural roots.

Accounting major Thanh Pham and Management major Elly Ramos are roommates in their fourth year at UTC. They were both accepted into the 2026 Vietnam study abroad program through the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, yet they went for totally different reasons.

Thanh was born in Vietnam and moved away when she was an infant. Half of her family still lives there, and she wanted to connect with them and experience the culture that her parents grew up in. On the other hand, Elly was used to traveling, but it was often to familiar places with familiar people. She was eager to travel somewhere new alone, specifically in a place where she didn’t speak the language.

The two friends boarded the same plane for their eight-week internships in Vietnam, but their experiences couldn’t have been more different.

The nine-to-five

The Vietnam abroad program includes an eight-week internship at local businesses to truly immerse students in the global business landscape.

Thanh was a business intelligence analyst intern at Payoo, a fintech company focused on processing and billing. She spent her working hours researching competitors and developing reports to support growth throughout the country. After hours, she spent time with her cousins, who introduced her to life as a local in Ho Chi Minh City.

Lessons learned

While neither of their internships were directly related to their majors, they both learned skills to apply to the workplace. “I got to analyze financial reports from around the world,” said Thanh. “It was cool to see other options outside accounting.”

Both ladies said the most surprising part was the lunch break nap time.

“There was a designated nap room in the office,” said Elly. “Everyone would clear out at lunch and go take a two-hour nap in the middle of the day.” That allowed employees and friends to better connect after hours. It was normal to see friends gathered at patio tables talking, playing games and hanging out late into the night, even during the work week.

Aside from the business landscape and best practices learned through their internships, the students also learned some life skills.

• Explore.
  Elly strongly recommends exploring new places, especially if you don’t know the language. “Learn about different parts of the world,” she said. “It opens your eyes to the different ways people live.”
• Try doing things alone (but be safe too).
  Thanh said traveling alone gave her a whole new perspective, saying it makes you realize how small we are in the grand scheme of things. “I’m no longer afraid to step outside of my comfort zone,” said Thanh. “I have more confidence and I’m not afraid to speak in front of groups anymore.”
• Be open to new experiences.
  Elly took up Muay Thai as a hobby while she was in Vietnam. “I’m not a morning person,” she said. “But I woke up for Muay Thai before work because I was so excited about it.” She encourages people to travel outside Ho Chi Minh because there are so many amazing things to see around the country.

“Just do it.”

If you’re considering studying abroad, that’s Thanh and Elly’s advice. “Just do it.”

They said it helps you gain a new level of empathy when you see various versions of life overseas.

If you’re concerned about dollar signs, they said to not let the cost discourage you. Elly said, “We didn’t know how we would pay for it, but the scholarships helped a ton.” Thanh added, “Just trust the process and know that everything will work out.”

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Learn more about study abroad opportunities with the Rollins College of Business.