Natalie Van Peer: Postcard from Ho Chí Minh City
Back to Out and About
Otago University law graduate Natalie Van Peer is currently in Hồ Chí Minh City on an Asia:NZ-supported internship with KPMG. She reflects on her Viet Nam experience to date.
The opportunity has been amazing. This experience has deepened my understanding and knowledge of Viet Nam. Saigon is a fantastic city, and I can imagine coming back to work here sometime in the future. I was initially overwhelmed by the traffic, sights, smells and sounds, but saw past this all quite quickly and now think Saigon is a beautiful place.
The whole transition has been unproblematic and trouble-free due to the attitudes and support of my team at work. I am the only foreigner in the Strategic and Commercial Intelligence section, and everyone has gone to great lengths to include me. I work and socialise with this amazing group of people, and sure I have made some long-lasting friendships. The Vietnamese have a very dry sense of humour, and I have quite comfortably found myself at the centre of many jokes. Everyone is eager to practice their English too, and to learn about my culture and share theirs. In fact, the greatest part of this experience has been gaining insight into Vietnamese culture and life, which is facilitating a truly enriching experience.
In terms of formal work, things have come in waves. The work I have been given has been challenging and interesting. With a wide range of foreign clients, I have become chief proofreader. This job is good for me as I get to see a wide range of projects the teams are currently working on. I have also conducted legal research, and as a law graduate the exposure to the Vietnamese legal system has been an eye opener!
Most work days end with a cold beer with my colleagues at about 5 o’clock, and then I head to the gym with my boss before ending my night with some delicious Vietnamese street food. No one can believe I have not been sick yet. I have been brave in my restaurant selections, but also think that being a vegetarian means I avoid many potential food risks.
The new apartment building I am living in is run by a group of Vietnamese friends and family, and they also look after me very well. I am supported by them and encouraged to immerse myself in this colorful and fast paced city of theirs. My good friend Clare, also from Otago University, is working in Saigon and living in the same building.
She is a nursing student and volunteering at an orphanage with 600 children. It has been great to be part of her experiences also. She is arranging for me to assist at the orphanage in the weekends, so I am looking forward to that. Clare’s knowledge and skills have been recognised and appreciated. She has an extremely tough job, and I think does New Zealand very proud by doing this work compassionately, and with a great deal of patience and humility.
