For Sam Weber, a junior at St. Lawrence University, the opportunity to intern abroad in Vietnam through Next Step Connections was more than just a summer program—it was a chance to immerse himself in a culture he knew little about and apply the skills he was learning in a classroom setting to real-world situations. A student-athlete with a diverse academic background in International Relations, Arabic, Chinese, and Data Science, Sam was looking for an experience that would push him out of his comfort zone, give him hands-on experience in a professional setting, and open his eyes to new perspectives.
Sam first learned about the internship opportunity through a program at his university funded by the Freeman Foundation. “My university runs a program called the SLU Asia Internship program, which provides funds for eight students to complete summer internships in Bangkok, Saigon, or Kyoto through Next Step Connections,” Sam shared. The program, which is marketed annually by the university’s study abroad office, covers all costs, making it accessible to students like Sam who are eager to expand their horizons.
While the university promotes the program through its own channels, it was actually through a friend who had also participated in a Next Step Connections experience that Sam heard about the opportunity and decided to take the leap. The idea of interning in Vietnam intrigued him, especially since he felt he didn’t really know much about the country outside of what he’d learned in history class in high school. “In the US, all we ever learn about Vietnam is the war. I wanted to learn about the country itself as it is,” Sam explained.
Programs like those offered by Next Step Connections provide students with a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in a real-world setting while also exploring new cultures and perspectives. Ultimately, though, experiential learning opportunities like these are important in helping students prepare for a career after graduation. However, some students have challenges accessing these programs. For example, a Fast Company survey of over 1,000 students found that 64% who hadn’t participated in an internship actually wanted to but couldn’t. By working with universities to connect students with these experiences, Next Step Connections helps overcome obstacles that might prevent them from partaking in beneficial real-world learning opportunities.
Sam approached his time in Vietnam with as few expectations as possible. He wanted to let the experience unfold naturally without preconceived notions influencing his perceptions. “No amount of online research can truly prepare you for actually being there. I wanted to go in with a completely blank slate so my perception wouldn’t be influenced by my expectations,” Sam shared.
This open-minded approach not only allowed him to fully embrace cultural differences but also enriched his professional experience. Working in data science and marketing, he had the opportunity to apply what he had learned in school to real-world projects. “I especially enjoyed doing search engine optimization for a series of blog posts the marketing team wrote about our company and the services we provide. It was really gratifying to see the positive effects of my work.”
Programs like the one Sam participated in connect students to experiences that shape their academic and professional journeys. According to Jerome Le Carrou, founder of Next Step Connections, “Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Students like Sam embody the purpose of our programs — providing them with opportunities to explore new cultures, apply their academic knowledge, and ultimately, discover more about themselves and their future careers.”
One of the most significant advantages of internships like the one Sam participated in is the opportunity they provide for students to explore different career paths and discover what they truly enjoy — or don’t enjoy — doing. Many students enter college with a vague idea of what they want to do but lack the concrete experience needed to make first-hand, informed career decisions. Sam’s time in Vietnam allowed him to apply his academic learning in a practical setting, giving him a chance to explore the direction of his future. “This internship gave me a clearer image of what that career could look like, so I’m in a much better place to make decisions now than I was before the internship,” he reflected.
Sam’s experience is also a testament to how these programs can also help students identify the skills they will need to fulfill their greatest potential. “I’ve gained valuable experience working in data science/analytics. I’m still not sure exactly what I want to do for a career, but this is such a broadly applicable skill that I’m sure I’ll be able to use it regardless of what field I end up in,” Sam shared.
Internships can be a critical factor in helping students refine their career aspirations as well as access job opportunities. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 56% of students who completed internships received job offers after graduation, compared to 36% of students who did not.
In addition to clarifying career goals, internships abroad equip students with a range of skills that are highly valued in today’s global job market. These experiences provide a unique blend of cultural immersion and professional development, offering students the chance to gain insights that go beyond traditional classroom learning. For Sam, working in Vietnam not only sharpened his data science and analytics skills but also enhanced his ability to navigate different cultural contexts — an increasingly important skill in a globalized world.
According to a report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), students who study or intern abroad develop skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and intercultural communication, which are all critical for success in a global economy. The same report noted that most study abroad alumni felt that their experience had helped them develop valuable job skills and that their experience had influenced their career path.
For Sam, these skills have already begun to shape his academic and professional journey. “I plan to use this experience to do another internship next summer, hopefully where I can build on the skills and experience I’ve accumulated so far,” he said. This drive to continue building on his experience highlights the long-term impact that internships like those offered by Next Step Connections can have on students’ career trajectories.
Next Step Connections played a pivotal role in facilitating Sam’s internship, providing him with the platform and support to explore Vietnam with an open mind. “Ann and Kevin, the program coordinators in Saigon, were amazing!” Sam shared. “They were so helpful. They were always there when we needed them with advice and recommendations and to help us navigate life in Saigon.”
However, for Sam, the experience in Vietnam was not just about gaining professional skills but also about personal growth and overcoming fears. “This program has made me less nervous to take new opportunities that are presented to me, no matter how daunting they may seem.” This seems to be the trend among students who participate in learning programs abroad. The same IIE report found that study-abroad alumni felt their experiences helped them to become more ambitious and less tentative about making career choices.
“I’ve gotten much better at getting to know people from completely different cultural backgrounds to mine,” Sam explained. “It has also made me more curious to meet new people from different places and learn about more places and cultures.”
