CAPI: Global BBA Internship Report in Vietnam

We caught up with Thi Han, a 4th year Global BBA student who has just completed an overseas internship in Vietnam through the NUCB CAPI Program (Career Advancement Program International) with the help of the NUCB Careers Office.

What is CAPI?

NUCB Undergraduate School has developed an international internship program with Japanese companies in the ASEAN market to provide our students with an international perspective to be successful in the rapidly globalizing world of today.

Students can transfer up to 2 credits for the internship if they submit an internship report (2,000+ words) and do a final presentation in English. The university scholarship covers 50% or airfare and 50% of hotel accommodation. The total amount of scholarship ranges from ¥120,000 - ¥140,000

Why did you want to do an internship overseas?

I wanted to do an overseas internship to gain valuable international work experience, explore new travel opportunities, and develop essential cross-cultural social skills. This experience would allow me to broaden my professional perspective, learn from diverse workplace cultures, and grow both personally and professionally beyond the confines of Japanese work culture.

What made you choose TOTO?

I chose TOTO Company because of my strong interest in the manufacturing industry and the company’s outstanding reputation, which immediately caught my attention. With over 107 years of experience and a commitment to advanced technology, TOTO represents the innovative environment I seek for my career. I am drawn to companies that continually evolve, offering opportunities for skill development and professional growth. I believe working at TOTO would allow me to challenge myself and contribute to cutting-edge technology, rather than taking a more conventional or stable career path. My decision to choose the country was based entirely on the company—if TOTO had been located in Thailand instead of Vietnam, I would have chosen TOTO Thailand, as the company itself was the driving factor, not the location.

What have you learned from this experience?

This experience taught me a lot about different aspects of the business and industry. In management, I saw firsthand how important leadership is in making decisions and keeping things running smoothly across teams. Working in logistics and export & import, I learned about supply chain operations and how products move across borders, ensuring everything stays compliant with regulations.

In customs, I understood how critical international trade rules are in getting products from point A to point B. Through my exposure to HR, I realized how important it is to engage employees, run smooth recruitment processes, and create a positive company culture.

Seeing the processes behind making TOTO products was eye-opening. From design to production, I learned how much attention to detail and innovation goes into creating high-quality goods, and how technology plays a huge role in manufacturing.

Finally, experiencing both Japanese and Vietnamese work cultures gave me a deeper understanding of how communication, hierarchy, and teamwork vary between countries. It was a great lesson in the value of cultural awareness in the workplace, and how diversity can strengthen a team.

What would you say to other students to encourage them to do CAPI in the future?

My advice to other students is to dive into the experience and make the most of it. An overseas internship is not only a chance to learn new skills but also a great opportunity to network and connect with potential employers for life after graduation. Don’t be shy about meeting people, whether it’s your coworkers or industry professionals—it’s all about building relationships that can help you in the future. Stay proactive, ask questions, and get involved in as many opportunities as you can. You never know what connections or experiences might shape your career down the line.