Finding the process excessively manual, he suggested switching to digital devices for market research surveys. However, his manager explained that building a system on iPads would take two weeks and cost around 10,000 USD. In Vietnam, hiring someone to enter 1,000 samples in two days costs only two million dong (80 USD).

He then realized that in Australia, with an hourly wage of 50 USD, businesses are compelled to adopt technology to save costs. "The same problem has different solutions, depending on the context," Alex Huynh said.

Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Alex Huynh went to study in Australia at the age of 15. He earned a master's degree and managed investment funds before moving to the National Australia Bank.

After more than 10 years working abroad, Alex realized the environment was too stable, the competition low, and growth opportunities limited, especially for immigrants. In finance, he also encountered the "bamboo ceiling"—an invisible barrier in the culture and system that hinders the advancement of people of Asian descent, despite their abilities.

Meanwhile, he always yearned to return and contribute to Vietnam, a place that always gave him the feeling of belonging. In mid-2016, Alex applied to a financial company in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. He only had two days to prepare, finishing his work in Australia on Friday and starting his new job in Vietnam on Monday. "I thought I understood the culture of my country, so I didn't need much preparation," he said.

But Alex realized he was mistaken after experiencing some cultural shocks.

The first was the culture of working hours. In Australia, all employees leave the office at 5 PM. If they have to work overtime, they are paid, along with taxi fare or dinner. During his 10 years working abroad, he never brought work home. Conversely, in Vietnam, working overtime is normal.

"Employees in Vietnam work a lot but rarely demand their rights," he said. Efficiency is sometimes measured by the time spent in the office, following the mindset that "the busier you are, the more capable you are."

Next was the difference in feedback culture. In the first few meetings, he was reminded to be more restrained because his way of debating and arguing was too direct, although not intended to be offensive. Gradually, he understood that many people often avoid asking questions for fear of being judged as incompetent, choosing to speak tactfully or guess each other's intentions instead of communicating frankly.

For the first six months after returning, Alex often met with friends who were overseas Vietnamese from the US, Canada, and Australia working in Vietnam. He realized his experiences were quite similar to theirs.

This phenomenon is called reverse culture shock and occurs when people who have lived abroad for a long time have difficulty reintegrating into their homeland.

The study "Vietnamese Graduate International Student Repatriates: Reverse Adjustment" conducted by the University of Nebraska (USA) shows that most international students face many difficulties when returning home, even though they have lived in Vietnam for a long time. The researchers concluded that the reintegration process is even more difficult than adapting to the American environment.

Alex Huynh at a seminar in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Alex Huynh at a seminar in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the subject

Research by Doan Thi Ngoc, a lecturer at Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City, estimates that about 70% of students experience reverse culture shock when readjusting to life back home.

She explains that "reverse culture shock" stems from the fact that returnees have to readjust their habits, thoughts, and behaviors formed during their long stay abroad. While they were studying and living abroad, the social environment, communication styles, and even the value system in Vietnam may have changed, or may no longer align with their new experiences and perspectives. This contrast between what was once familiar and the current reality creates a sense of bewilderment and isolation.

"This psychology creates feelings of displacement, insecurity, and self-isolation in many returnees," Ngoc said. The lack of support and reintegration strategies makes many people feel stagnant, even regressing compared to their previous selves.

Thuy Tien, 30, returned to Vietnam to work for a startup in Hanoi in mid-2020 after a long time living in the US.

She felt shocked in the first week when she saw the company's clear hierarchy between bosses and employees, the habit of taking lunch breaks and naps, and the frequent organization of drinking parties on major holidays or anniversaries. Also, discussing work at these drinking parties was something she couldn't get used to.

"I realized each environment has its own way of operating and communicating, and I tried to acknowledge these differences," she said. However, when she witnessed others taking credit for a day's work as an achievement, she felt the environment was no longer effective and chose to leave.

In mid-2025, she returned to the US to continue her studies. According to her, life abroad is stable, but the Vietnamese environment is growing rapidly, so it will need to move faster. "The most effective way is to look back at yourself, identify your strengths and weaknesses, avoid high expectations, and be ready to change," she concluded.

Doan Thi Ngoc believes there is no fixed formula for overcoming reverse culture shock, but returnees can proactively adapt by focusing on the present, maintaining old habits, meditating, walking, writing, and connecting socially.

Applying international skills, including language, to work and life helps create a sense of contribution and self-renewal. When feeling confused or disappointed, they should remind themselves of the achievements, values, and courage they had while living abroad.

At the same time, interacting with people who have had similar experiences, sharing culture through blogging, journaling, or participating in community projects are also ways to create new meaning. When feeling overwhelmed, they need to connect with experienced individuals, share experiences, and seek support from family or professionals.

As for Alex, he said he has witnessed many overseas Vietnamese become senior managers, start businesses, or invest in Vietnam. Despite experiencing culture shock, they all see opportunities in a fast-growing economy. He gave an example: 10 years ago, making a bank card was a whole process, now it takes less than 30 minutes.

However, to truly succeed, he believes one must live and think like a Vietnamese person.

"Cultural integration is a must," he said. "I have never regretted coming back."

Ngoc Ngan