A Vietnamese-Canadian intern’s visit to Hoi An

During his internship at Phan Chau Trinh University Hospital, Peter Do – a medical student at James Cook University (Australia), took a special trip with his friends, who are PCTU students. Their destination was Hoi An, a place closely connected to Peter’s family and his memories of Vietnam.
 

Born in Canada, Peter is a Vietnamese-Canadian. His mother is from Hoi An, so the city has always held a special place in his family story. During his return to Vietnam to study and complete his internship at PCTU, Peter had the opportunity to revisit Hoi An, this time with new friends he met during his internship.

Together, Peter and his friends walked through familiar streets, visited the Japanese Covered Bridge, explored the ancient town, and enjoyed Banh Mi Phuong and Mot herbal tea. For the PCTU students, it was a day of discovering Hoi An; for Peter, the trip was an opportunity to see his hometown again after spending time away.

Hoi An in Peter’s memories has also changed over time. The familiar streets, shops, and pace of life are gradually evolving, seen through the eyes of someone who has lived in another country and returned to his hometown with new friends.

Peter shared stories of Hoi An through his memories, while the PCTU students brought their own stories, perspectives, and experiences as young people studying in the city.

A friend Peter met during his internship became someone to explore the streets of his hometown with. For the PCTU students, a day in Hoi An became even more special as a friend studying medicine in Australia shared his personal memories of the city with them.

This is also part of the international student experience at PCTU. Alongside academic learning and professional internships, students have opportunities to meet Vietnamese students, participate in experiential activities, and learn about the local culture.

A trip to Hoi An, a banh mi, a glass of Mot herbal tea, or a few hours walking through the ancient town may not seem like particularly significant experiences. Yet from these simple moments, young people from different backgrounds gain more stories to share, more experiences to remember, and new friendships to cherish.

Images from the visit to Hoi An