Reflecting on this trip, the biggest takeaway is that seeing a country’s economic shift in person is completely different from reading about it in a textbook. At Pitt, we often discuss emerging markets or global development in an abstract way, but walking through Saigon and the Mekong Delta grounded those concepts in reality. I will carry these lessons into the rest of my academic career by being more skeptical of how American sources portray other countries. Before I left, people talked to me like I was going to a dangerous war zone, but the reality was the opposite. I have learned to value ground level observation over second hand narratives.
This experience has changed my vision for my future. After our site visits to Dan On Food Corporation, Glass Egg Studios, and VinaCapital Foundation, I realized that I want to pursue a global internship. Seeing the scale and professionalism of these companies made me seriously consider coming back to Vietnam for a summer to intern, especially with a group like VinaCapital. It opened my eyes to the fact that my career does not have to be limited to the US. I also feel like a more patient person after navigating the pace and the cultural nuances here.
The support I had throughout this trip was essential, especially from the UEF students. They were not just peers; they were our bridge to understanding the actual culture. Whether it was explaining the social hierarchy or taking us out after hours, they made the experience authentic. My favorite memories are the nights we spent going out to parties with them. That is where I really got a feel for the royalty treatment and the energy of the city that you just cannot find in a museum or a lecture hall.
For any future Frederick Honors College student considering this program, my advice is to lean into the chaos. Download the Grab app immediately. It is their version of Uber, and you can get anywhere in the city for under $5. When you cross the street, do it with confidence. Move semi-slow and be predictable so the scooters can flow around you. Also, pack light. You do not need as much as you think, and the humidity is real.
I wish I had known just how much the face culture and hierarchy dictate life here before I arrived. Success is highly visible and being a consumer is a major marker of achievement. This trip was a perfect mix of high level professional insights and the kind of fun memories that only happen when you step outside your comfort zone. I am leaving with a much broader perspective on what a global career can actually look like.
