Day 3

MORNING

Considering we partied pretty hard on Tuesday waking up in the morning at 6:00 to talk to my girlfriend was VERY painful. However I managed to take a shower, skype for 30 mins and put some clothes on myself before heading downstairs for a 5 minute breakfast. I had fried rice and noodles with this delicious chocolate cake without icing. The feeling of energy and rejuvenation didn’t last long however as we went outside and stepped in even warmer weather than the day before. Throughout the bus ride, my shirt was clinging on to me and I drank 2 bottles of water in 15 minutes. Did not have any Vietnamese language class today as we would be visiting 2 companies. VSIP (an industrial park) and II-VI (a manufacturing company). The visits would prove to be the most fruitful experiences of my trip thus far.

 

VSIP

VSIP was the company I researched and presented on prior to coming to Vietnam, so I was heavily immersed in the discussion and had many inquiries. I was captivated by all that they had to offer and how modern and cutting edge it all was. Essentially VSIP serves as a One-Stop-Service for manufacturing companies who want to have power, sewage treatment facilities, amenities, customs, a healthy working environment and a proficient labor force all in one location. Many companies have benefited from the set up and the country of Vietnam has attracted a large number of foreign investors through its creation. 

II-VI

One of these investors is II-VI. A company that has it’s paws on a very large sector of manufacturing from low end to high end optics and laser technology. We got a chance to explore their manufacturing plant and talk to their chief engineer who is the head of the program in Vietnam. He was especially helpful to me when I spoke with him one on one and I exchanged contact information with him hoping to get back to him in the future. He spoke of many worthwhile scholarships and I look forward to exploring that option as soon as possible. In general the manufacturing plant exposed me to the chemical and labor processes of the creation and utilization of certain materials. The set up and execution was fascinating to see.

Later we all went to dinner with the head of II-VI and continued our conversations. He also gave us fantastic advice for local bars and clubs. We followed the visit with another night of debauchery and fun.