This January, I was fortunate enough to go on the QUEST Winter Abroad Trip to Vietnam and Singapore. Signing up for the trip, I really didn’t know what to expect, and I have to say, this opportunity far exceeded my expectations. On my transcript, what looks like a 3-credit course was an opportunity where I was able to learn, grow, and have fun.

Our first stop on the trip was Hanoi, Vietnam. In Hanoi, we had the opportunity to visit several companies, including Abivin, DHL, Indochina, Allcargo, Gemadept, and Bee Logistics. While there were important and unique takeaways from all the companies, overall, we really got to see what it is like to conduct business in Hanoi, Vietnam and the differences from the United States. Personally, the highlight of Hanoi for me was our overnight trip to Ha Long Bay. In Ha Long Bay, we had the opportunity to stay overnight on a ship and get off to do different activities on the bay, including going to a pearl factory, exploring Ti Top Island, hiking, a cooking class on the ship, kayaking, and exploring salt caves. Outside of our organized activities, our group got to enjoy Hanoi, Vietnam and explore on our own. One of the best moments was going to the tailors and helping some trip members pick out fabrics for custom-fitted suits, something Vietnam is known for. Being in Hanoi, Vietnam was such a unique and special experience. 

QUEST students kayaking in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam

For the second half of our trip, we flew from Hanoi to Singapore. While Hanoi, Vietnam and Singapore are different, both were unique and amazing experiences in their own way. In Singapore, we got to meet with more companies, including Rapyd and The American Chamber of Commerce. We also got a special visit to the Singapore University of Technology and Design and the US embassy in Singapore. Additionally, we did some great sightseeing including visiting Little India, the Sultan Mosque, Chinatown, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel (where they filmed the movie “Crazy Rich Asians!”), Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Island. A highlight of Singapore for me was doing sunrise yoga on the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. While yoga is not my specialty, it was a beautiful way to see Singapore and spend the morning. Another highlight was seeing the light show at night at the Gardens by the Bay. It was a 15-minute light show that was incredible to sit and watch. I also had the opportunity to enjoy multiple Hawker Centers, which is a collection of food stalls filled with delicious food and drinks.

QUEST students at a site visit to Rapyd, an Israeli start-up in Singapore

To say this trip was special is an understatement. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to go with QUEST on this trip. The memories I made, people I met, and places I saw will stay with me forever.

For more photos from the trip, click here.