All foreigners doing formal internships in Vietnam are required to obtain at least a DH student/intern visa. However, it is noteworthy that many internships in Vietnam are informal, unpaid, and found via NGO’s. In this case, a tourist visa should suffice but always check with the company offering you the internship.

Procedures

If you obtained a paid internship through a company, the company will apply for a professional visa on your behalf. You will need to send your personal information, including your name, your birth date, and details about the location and duration of your stay in Vietnam.

Once your authorization of entry has been obtained, in some cases you might have to go to the Vietnamese Embassy in your area to complete the application form. Otherwise, the process is typically conducted smoothly online. Either method is subject to charging you an administrative as well as an acceptance fee.

A company sponsoring your internship might require you to be skilled or qualified in a certain area, and reserves the right to request proof of qualification and identification upon arrival.

Industries

Below are some of the industries where interns are in high demand. Do note that this list is not exhaustive, and it is possible to find a position in many other fields too, such as banking and healthcare.

Information and Computer Technology

It’s probably no surprise that interns are in high demand in Vietnam’s rapidly expanding ICT industry. Not only are technical engineers required, but some companies also seek foreigners with general technological experience e.g. having used websites for many years and have good insights of users and user interface.

Education

It is no secret that Vietnam has invested a lot in the education of their youth. Country-wide there are opportunities to intern as an educator, primarily if you are in a language field.

Tourism

A tourism internship in the country’s booming industry will expose you to many facets of developing tourism sustainably in a third world country. This is also a great way to exercise your affinity to travel and explore a different culture

Agriculture

Interning in agriculture will teach you interesting and likely different techniques to those that you might learn in your home country. It will also expose you to the advantages and disadvantages of modernisation and industrialisation of a fast-growing country

Finding an internship in Vietnam

Finding an internship in Vietnam is often not as easy as finding a job, however, it is still possible and very much encouraged. Contacting the Foreign Chambers of Commerce can assist in sourcing an internship. Additionally, you can seek help from a recruiting agency or simply start searching on the internet.