Le Thanh Ha (from Hanoi) and Dang Bao Ngoc (from Thai Nguyen), both 23, are 5th-year medical students at Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. In September, they will travel to France for two-month internships at teaching hospitals affiliated with Paris-Saclay University. Paris-Saclay is a leading French university, ranked 70th globally by QS.

Both teaching hospitals are part of AP-HP, the public hospital system of Paris, encompassing 38 hospitals. Ha will intern in obstetrics at Antoine-Beclere Hospital, renowned for performing France's first in-vitro fertilization procedure in 1982. Ngoc will intern in dermatology at Bicetre Hospital.

Both students secured these internships through a partnership between Hanoi Medical University and Paris-Saclay.

In June, upon receiving an email about the program with minimum requirements like a B2 French language certificate and a good academic record, Ngoc and Ha applied. After an interview at their university, they were selected to submit their applications to France and were accepted by Paris-Saclay University.

"I never thought I'd have the chance to intern at a major hospital abroad during my undergraduate studies," Ngoc said. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us."

Bao Ngoc (left) and Thanh Ha. Photo: Duong Tam

Bao Ngoc (left) and Thanh Ha. Photo: Duong Tam

Ngoc grew up in a family with a medical background. Accompanying her mother to the hospital from a young age sparked her curiosity, leading to a passion for medicine.

This led her to excel in her studies, enrolling in the biology program at Thai Nguyen Specialized High School before being admitted to Hanoi Medical University.

Already holding an IELTS score of 7.0 upon entering university, Ngoc began learning French in her second year, recognizing the abundance of medical literature in French and aspiring to pursue graduate studies abroad. She obtained the DEFL B2 French certificate (level 4/6) a few months ago.

Ha has been studying French since the first grade and holds the DEFL C1 certificate (level 5/6). A graduate of the bilingual French program at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School, Ha's true passion lay in medicine. She explained that her parents were concerned about the demanding nature of medical studies, but her determination stemmed from her love of challenges. Ha gained admission to the university with high scores in math and biology on her graduation exam, combined with an IELTS score of 7.5.

Both students admitted facing difficulties initially, having to absorb a vast amount of information in a short time. Ngoc described weeks spent more at the hospital than at home, attending clinical practice in the mornings, theory classes in the afternoons, and hospital shifts in the evenings.

Ha recalled the daunting 300-400 page textbooks. "The end-of-year review outline was everything between the two covers," she said.

Despite the challenges, their passion for their chosen field has resulted in strong academic performance. By the end of the first semester of their 5th year, Ngoc achieved a GPA of 3.39/4, while Ha attained 3.15/4, earning honors and merit respectively (honors require a 3.2/4 GPA).

Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Thu, Vice President of Hanoi Medical University, said that when the French internship program was announced, only 5 students met the initial criteria for an interview. Ha and Ngoc had the strongest academic records.

"Beyond French language proficiency and academic achievement, we sought students with an interest in other aspects of French culture like music and cuisine, along with clear academic aspirations and plans," Thu explained. "Therefore, despite having the option to send up to 4 students, the university selected only these two who fully met the criteria."

According to Thu, these are the first two students from the university to undertake internships directly in foreign hospitals, with guidance from professors and doctors.

Professor Le Ngoc Thanh, President of Hanoi Medical University, presents gifts to Ngoc and Ha on 30/7. Photo: Provided by the university

Professor Le Ngoc Thanh, President of Hanoi Medical University, presents gifts to Ngoc and Ha on 30/7. Photo: Provided by the university

Thu views the French internship as a valuable opportunity, allowing students to experience a rigorous and structured medical environment, learn to integrate into a new culture, and develop independent living skills. They will also gain valuable experience and build relationships with professors and peers in France, fostering their professional aspirations.

These are the very aspirations Ha and Ngoc hold as they prepare for their time in France.

"The two months in France will be invaluable, providing a foundation for our continued studies and future contributions to Vietnam's healthcare system," Ha said.

Duong Tam