Internships in Ho Chi Minh City
Join us on one of our life-changing one or two-month international internships Vietnam’s vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Immerse yourself in an energetic and fast-paced economic center surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and close to the coastline with a dynamic internship in Ho Chi Minh City.
Why intern in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Ho Chi Minh City is the main economic & business hub of Vietnam , which has recently attracted significant foreign investors’ attention. Vietnam is currently the fastest growing economy amongst ASEAN countries.
- In 2019, Ho Chi Minh City was ranked as the 4th best city in Asia for millennial employment prospects.
- The cost of living is 60% less than New York and London, with taxis and movie tickets priced lower than the global average.
- According to CNN Business, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the 10 best emerging cities to launch a start-up.
- Vietnam is home to delicious cuisine and global favourites including pho noodle soup, banh mi (baguettes), and goi cuon (summer/spring rolls).
- The country has a young and vibrant population, with 70% of Vietnam aged under 30.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Top Internship Career Fields
With the huge influx of global companies moving their offices, supply chains, and operations to Vietnam, the economic capital of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has become a hotbed for business development and has recently attracted significant foreign investors’ attention. In order to meet this new demand, fields such as Entrepreneurship, Computer Science/IT, Legal & Tourism have skyrocketed. In particular, there’s been an overwhelming need for legal advice for newly established companies in-country, in areas such as Corporate, Public & Business Law. This, in turn, has led to an incredibly strong presence for aspiring lawyers, as CRCC Asia has a network of over 20 law firms in HCMC alone, from regional & domestic firms all the way to global players. Interns will get to experience the thrill of a quickly developing and hands-on work environment throughout these booming industries.
What’s included in Ho Chi Minh City
5 Key Learning Objectives
The wealth of skills and knowledge you will gain from your 5 Key Learning Objectives during your internship in Vietnam will greatly increase your future employability, enrich your resume and give you the edge you need to land your dream job.
For every Vietnam Internship Program intern
In addition to the above, your program will also include;
- High-quality accommodation
- CareerBridge, our Professional Development Hub, which contains 12 professional development courses
- Welcome Pack on arrival (SIM card included)
- Airport Pickup and Accommodation Drop-off
- Orientation Weekend including city tour
- Company First Day Support/ Drop-off
- Business, Cultural, and Community outreach events
- 24/7 emergency support
- Exclusive Alumni Network and LinkedIn groups
The latest from our Ho Chi Minh City Program
See what life on the CRCC Asia Internship Program could be like with our Intern Influencers.
Find out more about what an internship in Ho Chi Minh City could offer you by reading our latest blogs.
We offer 18 professional Career Fields for all our internship programs
Program dates
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to apply at least 6-10 weeks prior to your preferred start date.
Ho Chi Minh City Placement-Only Dates
We also offer a Placement-Only program for 1, 2, 3 months all year round.
Please refer to all program start dates HERE.
Placement-Only Programs include guaranteed internship placement & emergency support, but exclude accommodation, visas, and events.
High-quality Accommodation
By choosing our Internship Program you will be provided guaranteed accommodation in fully furnished shared apartments or private studios.
- The accommodation is vetted and approved by CRCC Asia
- Access to private or shared kitchens and laundry services
- Wifi and utilities are included (there is a fair usage policy, so any excess may be deducted from your accommodation deposit)
- Convenient location with amenities and/or public transport links in the surrounding area
- Within reasonable commuting distance of all our host companies
- Some accommodations require a refundable deposit at check-in
One of CRCC Asia’s 5 Key Learning Objectives is “Global Connections” – therefore we will do our best to ensure all participants are housed in the same building/complex. Due to demand, for some program locations it might be necessary to use accommodation in different locations across the city.
Program Fees
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM – ‘Our award-winning flagship program’
- USD
- GBP
- EUR
- AUD
- NZD
PLACEMENT ONLY – ‘Our value option’
- USD
- GBP
- EUR
- AUD
- NZD
Visa Requirements
As of August 15, 2023, citizens of 25 countries on this list are allowed to stay in Vietnam for 14-90 days from the time of entry without having to apply for a visa.
However, if your country is not on the visa exemption list, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Please speak with our Admissions Team to know more about the visa application process. Your visa & processing costs are not included in your Program Fee.
CRCC Asia has partnered with Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey, to offer a U.S. transcript and award 3, 6, or 9 academic credits for our international internship programs. Students will be enrolled in CRCC-295: CRCC Asia Internship Course.
Credit awarded will be based on the successful completion of CRCC Asia’s Global Internship Curriculum, CareerBridge, proof of hours worked, reflective essay, and an evaluation from your host company supervisor.
Access & Mobility
Q: How accessible is public transport in Ho Chi Minh City for people with disabilities?
- A: Ho Chi Minh City’s public transport is improving, but there are still challenges. The bus system covers much of the city, and it’s an affordable way to get around. However, buses are not always equipped with features like ramps or low floors, which can make it difficult for people with mobility issues. Ride-hailing services like Grab are very popular and offer a convenient alternative for those needing more flexibility. The upcoming metro system, expected to be fully operational soon, should provide more accessible options.
Q: Are sidewalks and streets pedestrian-friendly?
- A: The streets in Ho Chi Minh City are vibrant and busy, often filled with motorbikes. While some central areas have well-maintained sidewalks, others can be uneven or cluttered with vendors and parked vehicles, which can pose challenges for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities. However, pedestrian-friendly zones are expanding, particularly in District 1, and the city is making efforts to improve infrastructure.
Q: Are public buildings accessible?
- A: Many newer buildings, especially malls and hotels in central districts, are built with accessibility in mind, offering ramps and elevators. However, older buildings and some public spaces may lack these features. As the city modernizes, more facilities are being updated to be more inclusive.
LGBTQIA+ Norms
Q: Is Ho Chi Minh City LGBTQIA+ friendly?
- A: Ho Chi Minh City has an emerging LGBTQIA+ scene, and the community is gaining visibility. Events like VietPride are celebrated, and there are a number of LGBTQIA+ friendly bars and clubs, particularly in District 1 and District 3. While societal attitudes are slowly shifting toward more acceptance, it’s still common for people to be discreet about their sexuality in some parts of the city.
Q: What legal protections exist for the LGBTQIA+ community?
- A: Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Vietnam, but the law does not prohibit same-sex couples from living together or organizing private ceremonies. There is growing advocacy for more rights, and societal attitudes are gradually changing, especially among younger generations.
Race and Ethnicity
Q: How diverse is Ho Chi Minh City’s population?
- A: Ho Chi Minh City is a multicultural hub, with a significant mix of ethnic Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and an increasing number of expatriates. Areas like District 5, known as Chinatown, offer a vibrant mix of cultures. Expats from Western and other Asian countries are settling in growing numbers, making the city feel more international. This diversity is reflected in the city’s cuisine and culture.
Q: Do foreigners face challenges in Ho Chi Minh City?
- A: While most foreigners find Ho Chi Minh City to be welcoming, there may be occasional cultural misunderstandings or assumptions. For example, some locals might assume that Westerners are wealthier or that foreigners from certain countries are only in Vietnam to teach English. However, these interactions are typically curious rather than hostile, and most expats find the city easy to navigate once they’ve settled in.
Religious Tolerance
Q: What is the religious landscape in Ho Chi Minh City?
- A: Ho Chi Minh City is religiously diverse, with Buddhism, Catholicism, and indigenous beliefs like Cao Dai practiced alongside each other. Temples, churches, and pagodas can be found throughout the city, such as the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Religious festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival are widely celebrated and are integral to local culture.
Q: How should I behave when visiting religious sites?
A: Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering temples or pagodas. It’s also respectful to remain quiet and avoid taking photographs where not allowed. Participating in religious customs, like lighting incense or making offerings, is welcomed if done respectfully.
