Program Reviews

Vietnam has been an incredible experience for me. The colours, smells, and all the history and traditions have left a lasting impression on me.

I worked as a Communications Assistant at PanNature and learned how to explain complex ideas to different people. It was very interesting to see how environmental conservation works in Vietnam.

I also got to know the Vietnamese culture much better. I tried their food, learned traditional crafts and made new friends. It was great to feel like a part of the community.

Vietnam's history is amazing, from the ancient dynasties to their ability to withstand many occupations. I loved exploring the ancient temples and the markets. It was fun to see all the hustle and bustle in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

My GESI experience changed me in many ways. I now understand how everything is connected, and that we should be more sensitive to other cultures. I realized that even small actions can make a positive difference.

I'm very grateful to everyone who made this trip possible, especially to my mentor, Julie Le. She showed me so much and taught me a lot about cross-cultural understanding.

I will always remember Vietnam and all the memories, lessons, and friendships I made there. This experience showed me how important it is to engage with different cultures and make a positive impact on the world.

Thanks, GESI and Abroader, for giving me this amazing opportunity and helping me become a global citizen.

The journey to Hanoi was such a memorable and amazing experience. Upon arriving I was met with some of the sweetest and caring people I've ever met. They helped me the entire way as I integrated with my new surroundings! Throughout my time in Hanoi I made so many lasting friendships, we went to so many different landmarks in Hanoi and explored the beauty of Vietnam. I will cherish my friends and time I had and can't wait for what the next chapter of my life has in store! Until next time!
Thank you

Had an absolutely incredible time here and possibly the best two months of my life so far. Really appreciated the support that I had from ABROADR with giving details about living in Vietnam and navigating different cultural norms, social norms, and an entirely new city. The learning buddies during my stay were particularly helpful, and more than being just strangers they really became friends on the trip. Entire team is extremely responsive and willing to help - they put so much energy in the work.

Every moment spent with the local buddies and engaging in Abroader's planned activities - even those that were organized apart of that - helped make my time in Hanoi a fantastic 7 weeks. Every day was a good day. Every week was a great week. And it was all in part possible thanks to the local Abroader team! They went above and beyond what's expected of them, and especially considering the local buddies are volunteers, their work is invaluable. Friendships were forged, memories were made, and I'm sure this will hold true for years to come.

You're probably reading this because you're interested in interning abroad. I don't know what other programs are like, but ABROADER has to be the best. First of all, if you're going to intern abroad, Vietnam is an excellent choice. The people are incredibly friendly and the food is amazing. And if you're a student like me you'll definitely appreciate the low-cost of living (and traveling!). There are also so many different internship sites, and ABROADER matches you with the most welcoming and meaningful ones. I had an extremely positive experience at mine, and so did the other students in my ABROADER cohort. Outside of work, ABROADER even plans programming and exciting activities for you. We got super close with the local buddies (who were beyond helpful and I can't even describe how amazing it was to have them around) and still stay in touch. The ABROADER staff are always available if you need help or have questions about anything from food recommendations to traveling around Vietnam. I felt safe and supported the entire time. ABROADER really made this the best summer of my life. I only wish I could do it again!

My experience with Abroader has been an incredible chance for me to learn and grow as a global citizen and as young adult coming into the workforce. My internship has been very fulfilling and I have gotten a chance to learn more about what I do like and what I do not like. I got to travel and explore Vietnam on my own or with friends during the weekends which allowed me to experience the many different sub-cultures of this rich country. Although there will undeniably be some culture shock, the on-site staff is always quick to provide support and the relationships I have built this summer will be there for many more years to come.

The positive qualities that ABROADER shares with other overseas internship programmes (i.e. Kaya Responsible Travel, Pachaysana Institute, ICADS, Amizade, etc) have been belaboured before, but what really sets ABROADER apart is the local buddy system. Local buddies are students at Vietnamese universities who help students with everything from cultural immersion to arranging travel within the country to solving technical difficulties. By creating an interface that is separate from the host company, ABROADER makes the experience that much easier---and consequently better---for interns in the programme. Internships and homestays are masterfully selected to match the students' talents and personalities. Any challenge is easily surmountable with Julie or Moon's help and the advice of the local buddies.

This opportunity was a once in a life time experience. It was truly such an amazing and wonderful time. I have grown and learned so many valuable lessons during my time here. I got such an immersive experience. They make sure you have such an amazing support system while also allowing you to grow independently. Not to mention the fun you get to have traveling around, meeting new people, and gaining new experiences. I've had such a gratifying time here and can't be more thankful for being able to have this opportunity to do so.

I flew into Vietnam on my birthday, and from the moment I saw my local buddy holding a little birthday cake for me when she picked me up from the airport I knew this was going to be an amazing 8 weeks. The summer of 2023 interns arrived in 3 separate groups and my individual group has become some of my favorite people. My host organization has been incredibly welcoming and while I help them with English they get to help me learn some Vietnamese. I was scared coming to a country where I could not speak to anyone but a large majority understand English or I find other ways to communicate (ie. google translate).

I couldn't have found a better program. I absolutely loved my time in Vietnam, and I always felt supported by the team at Abroader. Even before I landed in Vietnam, they were able to assist with ever issue I had. They were there every step of my journey. I genuinely do not think I would have had as much fun and been as supported anywhere else. They set me up with the absolute best internship and paired me with other interns who were absolutely phenomenal. I never felt alone in Vietnam because I knew Abroader would be there for me.