Vietnam Professional Experiences: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Crawford & Corry?

Crawford & Corry designs and delivers bespoke, immersive professional experiences for ambitious students and young adults, helping them explore future careers, develop practical skills, and gain the experience and confidence to stand out in competitive academic and professional environments.

Our programmes span professional placements, industry masterclasses, live business simulations, career mentorship, university admissions guidance, and international professional experiences, with opportunities across fields including finance, law, medicine, STEM, consulting, real estate, the arts, and beyond.

Our work is built around three core objectives:

  • Experience: giving students meaningful exposure to professional environments, industries, and careers beyond the classroom

  • Exploration: helping students test their interests, discover potential pathways, and make more informed decisions about their academic and professional futures

  • Development: building the knowledge, skills, confidence, maturity, and professional awareness needed to succeed at university and beyond

Whether through an immersive placement in Vietnam, an investment banking simulation, a specialist masterclass, or tailored one-to-one guidance, we believe the most valuable learning happens when students move beyond observation and actively engage with the professional world.

2. Who is the Vietnam Professional Immersion Programme for?

Our Vietnam Professional Immersion Programme is designed for ambitious students and young adults aged 16-24, whether they are considering a gap year, seeking a meaningful summer experience, taking a university break, or exploring potential career paths.

We work with students from leading UK and international schools and universities, tailoring each experience around their interests, aspirations, preferred dates, and level of independence.

Whether a student has a clear career direction or is still exploring their options, our programmes are designed to provide meaningful professional experience, personal growth, cultural immersion, and greater clarity about their future.

3. What kind of placements do you offer?

We offer placements across most industries including:

  • Finance & Investment

  • Law & Legal Services

  • Healthcare & Public Health

  • Technology & Startups

  • Climate & Sustainability

  • Media, Fashion & Creative Industries

  • Science & Technology

Each placement is tailored to the student’s interests, background, and career goals.

You can see the full list of industries that we cover here.

4. Do I need experience in the field?

No prior experience is necessary. We match students with supportive hosts and ensure that placements are structured to be educational, meaningful, and appropriately challenging.

5. Do I need to speak Vietnamese?

No. All placements are conducted in English, and there is no requirement to speak Vietnamese.

However, if you'd like to learn some Vietnamese while you're here, we’re more than happy to support this. We can arrange high-quality, engaging language classes with experienced teachers to help you get the most out of your time in Vietnam.

6. How long are the programmes?

Programmes typically last between 2 and 8 weeks, with flexible start dates throughout the year, though we can tailor programmes to any duration. Most students join us during the summer holiday, half-term, or gap year.

7. Is it safe to travel and live in Vietnam?

Yes. Vietnam is a welcoming and well-established destination for international visitors, and we take the safety, wellbeing, and support of every participant extremely seriously.

We have a dedicated team in Vietnam who maintain on-the-ground support throughout each programme, while our wider team provides support from the UK and internationally.

Participants receive pre-departure guidance and cultural orientation, with carefully arranged accommodation, professional placements, transport, and activities. Families also have clear points of contact throughout their child's stay.

Our approach provides the right balance of support, supervision, and independence, allowing students to experience Vietnam confidently while knowing that experienced support is always available when needed.

8. Where will I stay?

Students stay in high-quality serviced apartments in a safe, well-connected neighbourhood of Hanoi.

The residence provides 24/7 security and controlled access via facial recognition, giving participants a secure and comfortable base throughout their stay.

Students have their own private accommodation while benefiting from the convenience and facilities of a professionally managed serviced residence.

9. What support will I receive during the programme?

You’ll be fully supported from the moment you arrive in Vietnam. Our support includes:

  • Dedicated programme coordinator to assist throughout your stay

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off

  • Personal escort to your placement on your first day, to help you settle in confidently

  • Regular 1:1 check-ins with your coordinator for guidance, reflection, and any support you need

  • Daily check-ins (if desired)

  • Cultural orientation and language tips

  • Weekend excursions and volunteering options

  • Peer buddy system — we arrange for you to connect with Vietnamese students of a similar age and interest from local schools and universities, giving you a friendly point of contact and a more authentic local perspective and cultural insight

  • 24/7 emergency support from our on-the-ground team

You're never alone — our team is always close by and ready to help.

10. How do you select placement partners?

We work with trusted local and international firms and organisations that share our commitment to mentorship, education, and cross-cultural exchange. All hosts are thoroughly vetted and briefed to support student development.

11. Can I travel independently during the programme?

Yes, with certain limitations based on your age and visa. Many students take weekend trips around Vietnam or Southeast Asia. Our team can help recommend or organise safe and enriching travel options.

12. What’s included in the programme fee?

Fees typically include:

  • Personalised placement design and coordination tailored to your interests and goals

  • Accommodation (including daily breakfast)

  • Orientation and cultural induction

  • On-the-ground support throughout your stay (see #8 above for full details)

  • Dedicated airport transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Some meals and excursions

  • Internal flights, where relevant

  • Networking and mentorship related to your field(s) of interest — connecting you with professionals and local partners

Please note: international flights are not included and are charged separately.

13. How much does the programme cost?

Our programme fees vary depending on the duration, type of placement, location, and accommodation preferences. As a guide:

  • 2-week programmes typically start from £2,495

  • 4-week programmes typically start from £3,495–£4,495

  • 8-week programmes may cost £5,995+

This includes placement design and coordination, serviced accommodation and daily breakfast, in-country support (see #8 above), orientation, networking and mentorship, any internal flights, travel insurance, and some meals and excursions.

International flights are charged separately.

Discounted rates are available for group bookings — please contact us directly for more details.

We’ll provide a tailored quotation after an initial conversation to understand your goals and preferences.

14. How do I apply?

You can apply by:

  • Emailing us directly

  • Filling out the contact form on our website

  • Speaking with your school’s Careers or Futures team

  • Meeting us during a school visit or information session

We’ll then arrange a short conversation to understand your interests and start designing a tailored placement for you.

15. How far in advance should I apply?

We recommend applying 3–6 months in advance, especially for summer programmes, as places are limited and customised placements take time to coordinate.

That said, we understand plans can change — and we’ve successfully arranged placements at short notice, including trips organised within a few days. If you're unsure, just get in touch.

16. Can schools or advisors partner with Crawford & Corry?

Absolutely. We work closely with schools, universities, and educational advisors to deliver presentations, support students throughout the university admissions process, and uphold the highest standards of guidance and care.

We have presented at and partnered with some of the UK's leading independent schools, while our students have come from schools including St Paul's School, Highgate School, and Downe House School.

If you are a school advisor, careers professional, or educator interested in exploring a partnership, we would be delighted to discuss how we can support your students.

17. Can I get a reference or certificate for my experience?

Yes. All students receive a Crawford & Corry Certificate of Completion upon request, and we’re happy to provide references or written evaluations to support future applications.

In addition, the companies and organisations where you complete your placements may provide their own references, and you can discuss your experiences in your:

  • CV

  • UCAS applications

  • Cover letters or interviews

You do not need to mention Crawford & Corry in these applications — simply name the companies or organisations where you undertook your placements.