Wutha-Farnroda, Germany

The Cicor site in Wutha-Farnroda supported a student in organising a three-month internship at our site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Thanks to this cross-site collaboration, she was able to gain valuable hands-on experience in an international setting.

Following the internship, the student wrote a report about her experience, which we are pleased to share with you below.

Internship Report – Cicor Vietnam Company Limited

As part of my gap year, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at Cicor Vietnam Company Limited from early February to the end of April 2025. The company specializes in the development and production of electronic components. My placement was in Thuan An City, an industrial area located near Ho Chi Minh City.

Responsibilities and Tasks
My main responsibility was to provide English lessons for Vietnamese employees. I designed individual sessions for staff from various departments, including production, administration, driver services, and the engineering and quality teams. It was important to tailor the lessons to the participants’ language levels, professional backgrounds, and personal learning goals. The aim was to improve practical communication skills – for example, for email writing, phone calls, or workplace meetings. I often prepared exercises such as example dialogues, dictations, or grammar tasks. Vocabulary memory games were also part of the lessons. I planned all sessions independently and adjusted them flexibly to the dynamics of each department. There were employees with whom casual conversations were possible from the beginning, while others found simple dialogues challenging. Over time, communication became noticeably easier. What particularly encouraged me was the trust placed in me: many employees attended the sessions regularly and with enthusiasm, which confirmed the value of my work.

Unfortunately, English is still not a widely spoken language in Vietnam. In Germany, it is common for us to start learning English already in primary school. In contrast, the older generation in Vietnam often began learning the language at university. The younger employees, however, had usually already started learning English at school, which made it easier for me to connect with them.

I hope I was able to support some of the employees in their learning process. However, within three months, it is only possible to improve language skills to a limited extent. Therefore, I would suggest making this position a permanent one. There would certainly be many employees who would take advantage of such an opportunity. They would be able to communicate better with customers, and the company would benefit from a stronger international orientation.

In addition to teaching, I was also involved in IT-related tasks, especially in data processing and transfer. I was also given the chance to design posters and graphics for internal communication and marketing purposes, which allowed me to contribute my design skills.

A highlight of my internship was participating in events and external visits, such as at the Eastern International University (EIU) and the International German School (IGS) in Ho Chi Minh City. These opportunities gave me valuable insights into Vietnamese education as well as engaging conversations about cultural differences, teaching approaches, and international cooperation.

Cicor Vietnam Company Limited
The Cicor location in Vietnam is led by Mr. Luat Nguyen as Managing Director – a leader who truly cares about his employees and supports them. Regular team-building events strengthen the sense of community and promote a culture of care within the company. The individual departments work together with joy and dedication, forming a warm and welcoming team that openly included me. What will remain especially memorable to me is the openness and kindness shown to me by every single person.

Personal Development and Intercultural Experiences
On a personal level, this internship was a major milestone. Daily life in Vietnam was challenging in many ways – but also incredibly enriching.

The first weeks were marked by culture shock: the traffic was chaotic, the temperatures unusually high, the language an immense barrier, and the feeling of unfamiliarity overwhelming. Living alone for the first time in an apartment, without family or close friends nearby, was emotionally demanding.

I learned to rely on myself, navigate unfamiliar situations, and approach people with courage. Through conversations with colleagues, social trips, and invitations for Vietnamese coffee, I gradually felt a sense of belonging. I began not only to respect but also to admire Vietnamese culture – for its warmth, spontaneity, and joy of life.

A particularly moving moment was experiencing the Vietnamese New Year (Tết), the most important and meaningful celebration in the country. Tết marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunar calendar. Many Vietnamese return to their hometowns during this period. It is a deeply emotional and family-centred time, where the past is honoured, and the new year is welcomed. My Vietnam experience began with this celebration. It ended with Reunification Day (Ngày Thống nhất) on April 30, which commemorates the year 1975, when North Vietnamese troops took Saigon. This marked the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. For many Vietnamese people, it is also a day of reflection and remembrance.

Conclusion
My internship at Cicor Vietnam was a rich and formative experience that went far beyond professional development. I was able to improve my language, teaching, and organizational skills, while also strengthening my intercultural competence, independence, and emotional resilience.

I am leaving Vietnam with a suitcase full of impressions, experiences, and insights – and with the feeling of having grown beyond myself. This time has shown me how important openness, adaptability, and the willingness to learn are – both in professional life and in life itself.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to complete this internship and will carry the memories of my time in Vietnam with me for a long time.