In the first week of June, Concordia Hanoi’s rising seniors are required to complete a one-week internship that aligns with their intended college major or future career aspirations. These internships span a wide range of fields, from placements at the International Children's Hospital and the Intercontinental Hotel to positions at the American Chamber of Commerce, law firms, and marketing agencies. This hands-on experience is designed to give students valuable insight into their prospective careers, helping them determine if their chosen path is the right fit. It’s just one of the many ways our High School Counseling Program distinguishes Concordia Hanoi from other schools.

Leah and Chanyoo, rising Seniors in the Class of 2026, embraced this opportunity in unique ways. Leah chose to explore her passion for education by interning at Concordia Hanoi, gaining first hand experience in teaching and classroom management. Meanwhile, Chanyoo pursued his interest in medicine through an internship at Family Medical Practice Hanoi, where he observed medical professionals and learned about patient care. Both Leah and Chanyoo had their own motivations for selecting these internships, and their experiences offer valuable insight into how these opportunities shaped their perspectives on their future careers. 

Chanyoo and Family Medical

A few weeks ago, one determined Junior took a significant step toward a future in healthcare by interning at Family Medical. This student, who learned about this opportunity through Mr. Compton, was eager to gain firsthand experience by shadowing doctors and participating in day-to-day clinical activities. For Chanyoo, the decision to pursue this internship stems from a longstanding fascination with medicine and medical technology. “Since High School, I’ve been intrigued by the development of medical devices and the meaningful impact healthcare professionals have on society,” the rising Senior explained. 

By immersing himself in the daily routines and challenges of a medical practice, Chanyoo hoped to deepen his passion for medicine and acquire skills that will be directly transferable to future studies and a career in healthcare. “I want to learn more about the life of a doctor, how they interact with different types of patients, and how they collaborate with other healthcare professionals,” he shared. As an aspiring doctor, Chanyoo was excited about the chance to work alongside experienced professionals and gain a realistic view of the medical field. “I (was) truly looking forward to working with the doctors and learning from real patient interactions,”, adding that any nerves are outweighed by excitement for the experience.

For many students considering a future in healthcare, firsthand experience is invaluable. During the internship, Chanyoo worked closely with Dr. Chiba and several other physicians, shadowing them during consultations and observing their interactions with patients. This unique vantage point offered a masterclass in effective communication, as he witnessed how doctors built trust and conveyed complex information with clarity and empathy.

One of the highlights of the experience was the opportunity to learn about different medical specialties. Through conversations with doctors from various departments, Chanyoo gained department-specific knowledge that broadened his understanding of the field. A particularly memorable moment was riding in the ambulance with the emergency medical service team. This hands-on experience provided insight into the fast-paced world of EMS and the critical role first responders play in patient care.

The internship also included a visit to the hospital laboratory, where he observed an array of scientific equipment—some familiar from school, others entirely new. Here, Chanyoo learned about diagnostic tests and procedures, such as blood and urine analyses, gaining a deeper appreciation for the science that underpins medical decision-making.

Beyond observation, Chanyoo also actively engaged with the learning process. After meeting with patients, Chanyoo and the doctors he worked under often consulted textbooks and reviewed patient records, such as complete blood counts (CBC), to practice diagnosing conditions and identifying possible causes of symptoms. Dr. Chiba provided mini-lectures on topics ranging from ligaments and joints to the nuances of diagnostic testing, including the challenge of false positives and the art of interpreting lab results. These moments allowed Chanyoo to connect classroom knowledge with real-world clinical practice.

One of Chanyoo’s standout experiences was attending a guest lecture on innovative approaches to cancer detection and prevention. This session left a lasting impression on him, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of medicine and the exciting possibilities on the horizon.

Above all, what resonated most deeply with Chanyoo was the powerful connection formed with patients—even during brief conversations about their conditions. These moments of genuine human interaction underscored the profound impact healthcare professionals can have on the lives of others.

Reflecting on the experience, Chanyoo feels more inspired than ever to pursue a career in medicine. The internship not only deepened his understanding of the medical field, but also reaffirmed his passion for making a difference in the lives of patients. With a clear vision for the future and a proactive approach to learning, this internship marks an important milestone on his journey toward becoming a healthcare professional and making a meaningful contribution to society. 

Leah and Concordia International School Hanoi

Another rising senior, Leah, chose to dive into the world of education by taking on the role of an education supporter at Concordia Hanoi. The decision to pursue this internship comes from a genuine interest in the field of education. Leah explained that, while teaching is often seen as the primary career path in education, there are many other avenues to explore. “I hope I can get a better idea of what I really want to do in the future——by experiencing different roles within education,” she shared.

A key goal for the internship was to gain firsthand experience working with students and to develop stronger communication skills, particularly when interacting with younger children. She expressed both excitement and some nerves about the challenge of connecting with kids, noting that effective communication is a skill best learned through real-world experience rather than online courses or research.

Her summer plans also include participation in a research program called Pioneer, where students are paired with professors to develop and write research papers. Leah sees both the internship and the research program as valuable opportunities to explore interests, grow professionally, and clarify future academic and career goals.

From the very start of her internship, she found herself drawn to the daily interactions with the students. Building connections with the children and getting to know their unique personalities made each day enjoyable and meaningful. “It reminded me why I’m passionate about working with kids,” she reflected, emphasizing how these relationships became the highlight of her experience.

Beyond the joy of connection, the internship offered a wealth of practical learning. She was given the opportunity to lead the class herself—a responsibility that demanded clear communication, patience, and quick thinking. Through these challenges, she discovered that effective teaching is about much more than mastering content. It’s about engaging students, managing the classroom environment, and adapting on the fly to meet students’ needs.

One of the most surprising aspects of her experience was realizing just how observant and supportive young students can be. She noticed that children picked up on even the smallest details—whether it was a passing comment or a modeled behavior. “It made me realize how important consistency and awareness are when working with younger students,” she noted. She was also touched by the encouragement she received from her students. During her first solo lesson, the classroom teacher, Mrs. Richmond, let the students know it was her debut. The children responded with warmth and enthusiasm, reminding her of every step in the routine and making sure she didn’t forget anything. Their genuine desire to see her succeed was both endearing and motivating.

As her internship came to a close, she felt more certain than ever about her future. The experience not only confirmed her interest in education, but also deepened her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young learners. With newfound confidence and a heart full of inspiration, she looks forward to the next chapter in her journey as an educator.

Chanyoo and Leah’s diverse experiences highlight how Concordia Hanoi’s internship program empowers students to take meaningful steps toward their future careers. The internship program is just one example of how Concordia Hanoi prepares students for life beyond High School. By encouraging students to explore their interests in real-world settings, the school helps them make informed decisions about their futures and equips them with skills that will serve them well in college and beyond. As Leah and Chanyoo’s stories show, hands-on experiences can be transformative, inspiring students to pursue their passions with confidence and purpose.