SOFIA WAGNER – THE JOURNEY OF CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

“Leaving the US to live and work in Vietnam for two months was one of the bravest decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t just a change of location, it opened up an entirely new way of seeing life and work.” – Sophia Wagner, IWCA Vietnam Intern

A student at Northwestern University, Sophia arrived in Vietnam with curiosity and a genuine eagerness to immerse herself in a new culture. For her, Vietnam wasn’t just a place to visit, it was a place that never ceased to amaze her.

STEPPING OUT THE COMFORT ZONE

Choosing to leave home and live thousands of miles away, in a country so culturally different from her own, gave Sophia an once-in-a-lifetime experience she’ll carry with her for life. What locals might see as ordinary as the rhythm of city life, everyday routines, the way people connect and communicate felt like discovery after discovery to Sophia.

“Every day taught me something new. Some things confused me at first, but the longer I observed, the more I discovered captivating stories hidden just beneath the surface. Everything came together in such harmony, forming something distinctly Vietnamese, a richness I’ve never found anywhere else.” – Shared by Sophia

A NEW WAY OF WORKING

Rather than simply staying with a local host family or traveling the country, Sophia chose to deepen her experience through an internship at IWCA Vietnam. Spending two months in Hanoi, working for a Vietnamese organization, gave her a firsthand look at what it means to work in a cross-cultural environment.

At first, she noticed real differences in communication style, mindset, and approach to work. But over time, those differences became familiar, even endearing: the midday nap that’s part of the workday rhythm, colleagues bringing lunch to share at the office.

Working on both individual tasks and team projects, Sophia adjusted to a work culture that blends personal initiative with a strong sense of collectiveness, quality that runs through both daily life and the workplace in Vietnam.

“What I’ll take away most is understanding that everyone works differently. The key is to respect that, stay open-minded, really listen, and adjust how you communicate so you can get the best results together,” Sophia shared.

MEMORIES TO TAKE HOME

Beyond the professional experience, Sophia’s time in Vietnam and at IWCA Vietnam left her with unforgettable memories, yet valuable: the people she met and the connections she built along the way.

Thank you, Sophia, for bringing your openness, warmth, and curiosity to our team. We hope your road ahead is full of wonderful experiences, meaningful stories, and countless chances to see the world through fresh eyes.