How is it possible that I am participating in what is one of the most unique experiences of my life right now, yet there have been countless moments when I wish I was back in my small town in Connecticut?
Despite what my social media may show, traveling abroad isn’t always magical and wonderful. One thing I do not think I was mentally and emotionally prepared for when beginning my internship is how lonely and isolating it could feel at times.
I am finishing the fourth week of my eight-week internship abroad program in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I have traveled and tasted more new food than I ever have in my life. I have made some amazing new friends, some of whom are also interns from the United States and others who are Vietnamese locals. I have strengthened relationships with those I knew vaguely from school, and I have truly learned a lot about myself.
But, I have also felt extremely alone and have had many difficult days.
While I enjoy spending time with my coworkers, and I appreciate the knowledge I am gaining at my internship site, I would be lying if I didn’t say there have been—and will continue to be days—when I would rather pack up and go home.
I have been given the fantastic opportunity to work for a local company in Ho Chi Minh City doing PR and communications for their website and social media pages. Since my first day at the office, my supervisor and coworkers have been nothing but generous.
My entire first week here, my supervisor took me to a new lunch place each day because he was so enthusiastic about wanting me to try the different cuisines Vietnam has to offer. Many of my coworkers love to order milk tea in the afternoon to the office and always include me in the order. They are equally as motivated to show me all of their “must-try” foods and drinks.
My coworkers order milk tea at work around three times a week. It is like their after-lunch sweet, a time I have come to look forward to every day. This is my coworker, Cám, and my newest favorite combo: milk tea with crème brûlée egg foam and bubbles!Even with all of the amazing kindness that my supervisor and my colleagues have gone out of their way to show me, I can’t help but feel alone. You see, I am the only American intern in my office, meaning that I am the only one who speaks fluent English. Everyone I work with prefers to speak in Vietnamese, and I would never expect them to change that for one person. I have learned a few words and phrases in Vietnamese over the last few weeks, but this is limited to basic vocabulary like “hello” and “How much?”
There are moments of quiet in the office when everyone is attentively working on their tasks, unable to stop and have conversations. But the other half of the day is filled with vibrant discussions and shared laughter, especially when my boss is out of the room. Our lunch discussions consist mainly of Vietnamese, with a small fraction either translated or directly spoken to me in English.
While on our way to get lunch one day, my coworkers found this board game. They told me it was called “How to be a Billionaire” and insisted on showing me how to play. Once we set everything up, I realized it was the Vietnamese version of Monopoly!In elementary and middle school, I had to constantly move my seat to a different place in the room because I talked too much. On my report card every year, there was a check next to “needs improvement” when it came to “works individually.” But now, at my internship site, there are work days that come and go, and I spend most of my entire day in silence.
Before leaving for Vietnam, I knew that being abroad and away from home for multiple weeks would have its struggles. However, I could not have expected that one of the most difficult challenges would be feelings of isolation in my workplace.
As I approach the few remaining weeks of my internship program, I continue to be optimistic. I have begun sharing almost daily meals with my coworkers, making it a highlight of my day. We share little jokes and conversations, bringing a sense of joy to our interactions. These simple experiences, though they may never think twice about them, have made my time in Vietnam extremely memorable and fulfilling.
Cassie Lathrope, Saint Michael’s College, is interning abroad in Vietnam with TEAN.
