From rooftop parties to cooking competitions, the summer of 2019 has been a fun time to be an intern at Vietcetera. We are part of the largest intern class yet, coming from colleges and universities around the globe to work in Ho Chi Minh City across a variety of disciplines: editorial, design, video, and engineering. Here, we discuss more about why we chose Vietcetera, the impact we’ve made during our time here, and some of our favorite things about Vietnam.
Kimberly Nguyen, Editorial Intern | Source: Kimberly Nguyen
Kimberly Nguyen
Age: 21
Lives: Connecticut, USA
School: University of Connecticut
What drew you to Vietcetera?
The company seemed like it was very open and fresh; it was not like anything I have seen in the Vietnamese media sphere.
What are you currently working on?
I am a copy editor for the English articles Vietcetera produces. I am also in charge of organizing original content for the team.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I want to walk away with the feeling that I have left something of value that will continue to grow without me at Vietcetera. I wish to help the company develop more articles and topics to write about that connect with the youth of Vietnam. I also hope I’ll make some lifelong friends and gain a different view of Saigon than I’ve had in the past.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
My mom, so that I can tell her all about the experiences I’ve gained through Vietcetera and show her how fast the city is growing. Hopefully, she won’t comment on my coffee addiction.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bánh xèo!
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Truth Hurts by Lizzo, High by Alison Wonderland, and Light On by Maggie Rogers.
Nathaniel Nguyen, Social Media Intern | Source: Nathaniel Nguyen
Nathaniel Nguyen
Age: 21
From: Oregon, USA
School: Brown University
What drew you to Vietcetera?
I loved the idea of working in Vietnam and learning from the diverse culture. Because Vietcetera is a smaller company, I felt like I could make a larger impact here doing the things I love.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently developing the media-page. This is basically a website that gives visitors an inside look into our company (i.e. our services, our team). Also, I’m making a lil’ musical jingle for Vietcetera!
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I want to develop better UI/UX skills and learn how to data-scrape from websites. I wish to be more fluent in the Vietnamese language.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
I’m sitting closest to Guy. He told me that elite interns get to sit by him, but I don’t believe him - I think he’s just trying to make sure I’m doing work.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bánh xèo.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
The three most popular songs by Soundcloud rapper Đen.
Ivy Tran, Video Intern | Source: Ivy Tran
Ivy Li
Age: 21
From: California, USA
School: Yale University
What drew you to Vietcetera?
After a gap semester in Taiwan, I was looking to stay in Asia for the summer. I’d never visited Vietnam before, although have always been interested in learning more about Southeast Asia.
The internship also seemed like a way to explore and develop areas related to my major (architecture) such as graphic design, urban studies, and architecture videography.
What are you currently working on?
Currently accompanying Vietcetera in Shanghai working with Uniplan, a brand experience company. We’re shooting videos for Uniplan’s new office opening as well as notable architecture and cultural sites in Shanghai for Vietcetera’s SPACES x Shanghai series.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I want to develop stronger graphic and web design skills, and learn some videography. I also want to leave with a greater understanding of development in urban Vietnam.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
Tom (Vietcetera’s Associate Creative Director), we’re probably taking a break in between filming and talking about how he never finishes his boba and how he needs to stop pointing at everyone he sees and calling them Agnes.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Any kind of chè, and bún chả.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Anything Niz Ngulifa produces, and any song by NCT/WayV.
Agnes Tran, Editorial Intern | Source: Agnes Tran
Agnes Tran
Age: 19
From: California, USA
School: Brown University
What drew you to Vietcetera?
During spring break, I came to Vietnam on a writing project for LA Times centering around documenting oral histories and the experiences of Vietnamese-American diaspora with relation to being in Vietnam. After that, I wanted to continue writing in Vietnam and Vietcetera allowed that.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently helping Huy with editing and adapting articles. Additionally, I’m working on original English editorials.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I’d like to leave with the feeling that I had maximized my time, opportunities, and potential in Vietnam. Specifically, I hope to gain a stronger understanding of journalism as a career and the language.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
I’m drinking coffee and sitting across from Ivy, who’s probably drinking some ambiguous substance somewhere in between a solid and liquid. We’re probably there waiting for Tom to come and tell us about his dreams and passions, so that we can live vicariously through his talent. Meanwhile, we’re probably deep in thought about greasy videos, Japanese feudal warlords during the Sengoku era, imperialism, youth in Hong Kong, or ill-fated karaoke plans.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bánh cuốn. I’ve literally had it every morning for breakfast.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
5am by Ca Hoi Hoang, Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira, and of course, anything by Niz Ngulifa
Annie Trieu, Video and Editorial Intern | Source: Annie Trieu
Annie Trieu
Age: 20
From: Seattle, USA
School: University of Washington-Seattle
What drew you to Vietcetera?
I came across a video produced by Vietcetera that talks about the dilemma that Vietnamese international students face when they have to go back home upon finishing their studies - that video resonated with me a lot. I also want to help build a new image of Vietnam, and Vietcetera gives me a platform to do so.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently helping the video team on the OPLA project and a video series project. I’m also editing articles and writing original content.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
By the end of my internship, I hope to leave with the feeling that I’ve contributed to my community. I wish to meet new people from the internship and learn more about video production.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
My friends. Summer is the time for us to catch up after a year long of studying abroad in different parts of the States. We’ll talk from the most random things to our experience being a summer intern in companies that we’re excited to work for.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bún thịt nướng and bún bò huế.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Anything K-Pop.
Ella Dao, Editorial Intern | Source: Ella Dao
Ella Dao
Age: 19
From: Scotland
School: University of St. Andrews
What drew you to Vietcetera?
Vietcetera is one of the most dynamic voices in Saigon right now. Being from the traditional Hanoi, I’ve always wanted to experience life in the lively Saigon, and Vietcetera is the perfect place for me to do that along with honing my writing skills and learning key skills in growing a start-up.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently implementing a series on Hanoi that explores their exciting, thriving business scene and distinct cultural differences from Saigon.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
The internship so far has allowed me to improve my time management skills, talk to and learn from talented business people, as well as explore Saigon to the fullest. I hope to maintain the relationships I’ve made with the friends and mentors I’ve met at Vietcetera.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
All the interns. We typically get dinner and drinks after work as well, talking about the most random things but also providing insightful observations as we are from various backgrounds and have different outlooks on the world.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bún chả. Hanoi pride.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Señorita by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Earfquake by Tyler, The Creator (the whole Igor album is a masterpiece), and Sorry by Joel Corry.
Phuoc Ho, Editorial Intern | Source: Phuoc Ho
Phuoc Ho
Age: 21
From: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
School: Emerson College
What drew you to Vietcetera?
I'm interested in Vietcetera's story and vision; specifically, in the publication's visual and written representation of the new Vietnam.
What are you currently working on?
I'm currently writing new content for Vietcetera's English site and translating some content if assigned.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
By the end of this internship, I hope to meet some unique individuals in Ho Chi Minh city whether they are from Vietcetera or from the interview opportunities I have over the summer.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
Probably my friends from Vietnam who are studying abroad because I want to discuss my experience at Vietcetera. After all, they are part of the reason why I was drawn to Vietcetera. As Vietnamese going abroad, we all seek out a news outlet that can represent the new Vietnam.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bún mắm
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Anything by Jungle.
Lauren Nguyen, Editorial Intern | Source: Lauren Nguyen
Lauren Nguyen
Age: 19
From: Connecticut, USA
School: New York University
What drew you to Vietcetera?
I was drawn to Vietcetera because I felt that it was a platform for Vietnamese-Americans to learn more about the new Vietnam. To me, Vietnam and its people are extremely beautiful and I wanted to show the rest of the world that through Vietcetera’s content.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently managing a Motion Design Bootcamp that Vietcetera is hosting in collaboration with Mathijs Luijten. Aside from that, I’m also trying to help the video team with their new series, mainly with script writing.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
At the end of my internship I hope to have learned more about the working environment in Vietnam and whether it fits me. I’ve always wanted to come back to Vietnam and write scripts for the Vietnamese entertainment industry so I took this opportunity to see if I could picture myself working in Vietnam in the future.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
No one, I like my alone time. I’d have a white chocolate mocha or maybe a caramel macchiato and my laptop open in front of me to an unfinished script but I wouldn’t be typing. I would be staring out at the people outside and thinking. Mostly about scenes and characters I could write. But also about why I chose this path. About my fears. Lots and lots of thinking.
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Xôi mặn :) I love all types of xôi really.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Nến Và Hoa by Rhymastic, Lovely by Billie Eillish, and Jenga by Heize
Kellie Dinh, Developer Intern | Source: Kellie Dinh
Kellie Dinh
Age: 21
From: Texas, USA
School: Bryn Mawr College
What drew you to Vietcetera?
Having grown up in the US, I have always been interested in experiencing what Vietnam is like now since most of what I know is from my parent’s generation. The opportunity to intern with Vietcetera was a fitting way to learn about the new Vietnam and meet the people shaping modern Vietnamese media. Since Vietcetera is launching many exciting new projects, I am able to utilize my computer science background and work on shaping their online presences from the ground up.
What are you currently working on?
I am helping build our Vietcetera’s media hub website. I’m also creating monitoring tools for web traffic and analytics.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
At the end of the summer, I hope to be more fluent in Vietnamese and have a stronger understanding of the working culture and lifestyle here.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
I’d likely be sitting alone to get some time to reflect and journal away from the busy city. Or I would be at a cafe to use their WiFi so I can FaceTime my best friends back in the states!
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Bánh đa cua! Thanks to fellow Vietcetera interns for introducing me :)
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Boyfriend by Ariana Grande & Social House, Talk REMIX by Khalid feat. Megan Thee Stallion, Yo Gotti, and In the Morning by Arianna Bernas, Matt Young
Vy Mai, Editorial Intern | Source: Vy Mai
Vy Mai
Age: 19
From: Long Xuyen, Vietnam
School: Beloit College
What drew you to Vietcetera?
Vietcetera has so many spaces to fill in, regardless of my level and skills. It’s perfect for learning about myself, what I can do, where my limits are, and it’s a great way to set a foot in the door. The company has a never-seen-before perspective and acknowledgement of Vietnam’s fast-growing society, especially Saigon, in all kinds of industries.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently bouncing between many projects, most of which are on-going and long-term. I’ve been coordinating with GRAIN Cooking Studio to put together pop-up Cooking Classes by Helen’s Recipes, working on my original interview articles, adapting Vietnamese articles as well as editing English articles, researching topics and helping Trúc (Vietcetera’s Account Manager) for on-call needs, researching ideas for OPLA videos, and featuring people and places for assigned articles
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I hope I can learn some critical writing skills and enhance my project management ability. I wish to leave with personal accomplishments and life-long friendships.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
I’m drinking VITA Lemon drink and sitting (not across but) beside Annie Trieu, who is probably sipping her Soya Garden (again).
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
My all-time favorite Vietnamese dish is cơm tấm.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
100 degrees by Rich Brian, Spring Day by BTS, and Lo Que Siento by Cuco.
Huy Tran, Editorial Intern | Source: Huy Tran
Huy Tran
Age: 20
From: Massachusetts, USA
School: Brown University
What drew you to Vietcetera?
I want to explore Vietnam and practice my Vietnamese. In addition, I want to spend time with my relatives who are still in Ho Chi Minh city.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working with Kim to format and schedule articles for the English site.
Where do you hope to be at the end of your internship?
I hope to get to know more about my family members that live here in Ho Chi Minh City. I wish to become a better Vietnamese speaker and connect with locals inside and outside of work.
You’re drinking coffee and sitting across from _____. Why?
The editorial team because they can tolerate how much I talk :)
What is your favorite Vietnamese dish?
Any Vietnamese dish with a curry base.
What are your top three songs of the summer?
Anything by Shawn Mendes - he’s bae.