Introduction
At GEI, we are committed to providing scholarships to outstanding local students, enabling them to join our international programs. Doan Quang Huy, a business student at the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City, was one such recipient. He participated in our Social Innovation Lab field course in Vietnam, and here, he shares his experience:
Doan Quang Huy
The opportunity to join this course was an amazing experience. We were assigned to work with a Vietnamese IT company, helping them find solutions to real business challenges. Early on, we benefited from a series of introductory lectures that provided crucial theoretical background, including an understanding of Vietnam's business environment and the immense opportunities for tech companies. We also studied concepts such as Big Data and design thinking, which laid the foundation for the challenges we tackled as a team.
The opportunity to join this course was an amazing experience. We were assigned to work with a Vietnamese IT company, helping them find solutions to real business challenges. Early on, we benefited from a series of introductory lectures that provided crucial theoretical background, including an understanding of Vietnam's business environment and the immense opportunities for tech companies. We also studied concepts such as Big Data and design thinking, which laid the foundation for the challenges we tackled as a team.
Beyond technical knowledge, the course gave me the chance to work closely with incredible new friends from different countries, helping me improve my soft skills. We built relationships based on honesty, openness, and respect, which helped us bond quickly. In the process, I learned how to persuade others, share my ideas, and listen to different perspectives.
I particularly admired the character traits I saw in some of my team members. For instance, the students from Turkey were particularly persuasive, straightforward, and respectful. This experience reinforced the importance of effective communication in a multicultural environment—a key skill for any future global leader.
We also had a lot of fun! Several extracurricular activities enriched our experience. We shared our cultures, tried to speak each other’s languages, and highlighted the differences in European, American, and Vietnamese behaviors. Through these exchanges, we developed a deeper understanding and respect for diversity.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in this course. It opened my eyes in many ways, but most importantly, it taught me to step out of my comfort zone. I am deeply grateful to GEI and my international team members for giving me this incredible opportunity to broaden my horizons, and I will cherish the unforgettable memories I made.