Our third day in Vietnam kicked off with what’s quickly become my favorite routine, steaming bowls of pho and sweet fruit for breakfast, followed by our daily ride over to UEF. Today’s lecture was one of the most engaging yet. Professor Minh’s dynamic presentation on Vietnam’s green transformation was not only insightful but also incredibly energizing. It was especially fun to hear everyone’s mini environmental pitches and receive his honest, thoughtful feedback. What stood out most to me was how passionate he was about sustainability and innovation—it made the whole concept feel so much more real and urgent.
After that, we dove back into Vietnamese language class, and today’s session felt even more fun and interactive than yesterday. I’m starting to pick up on little words and phrases, and the students’ energy makes it such an encouraging space to learn, even when I’m struggling with the tones.
Next, we ventured out for lunch at a nearby mall, where I had one of the most surprising and delicious meals of the trip: a nori chicken teriyaki pizza. I never thought those flavors would go together, but somehow it worked perfectly. Definitely a fusion dish I won’t forget anytime soon.
Our afternoon visit to FPT was truly unforgettable. Walking into their headquarters felt like stepping into the future. The building design itself was stunning the integration of green architecture with trees, ponds, and open spaces made it feel more like a campus retreat than a tech company. I can only imagine how refreshing and motivating it must be to work in such an environment every day.
The session with Phil (La Hoai Vu) was another highlight. Hearing him speak about FPT Software’s global reach gave me a completely different perspective from our visit to GreenViet. He seemed incredibly knowledgeable about both the technical side of software development and the day-to-day realities of working in such a fast-moving industry. What really stuck with me was his description of the management culture—how team leaders often form strong personal connections with their coworkers. That sense of community and collaboration sounds like something I’d really love to be a part of in any future job.
We ended the day the same way we always do—hopping back on the bus, full of new ideas and memories. Vietnam continues to surprise me in the best way, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.
