Four months in Hanoi

Arne Meller, student: "The internship is a special experience that has opened my eyes to new perspectives."

I joined Inros Lackner Vietnam in Hanoi in April 2025 as part of the talent programme – a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge as a civil engineer and to gain international experience. I was warmly welcomed into the team right from the start, and quickly became actively involved in projects that ideally match my professional interests in maritime and geotechnical engineering.

A key focus of my current work is the development of a foundation design concept for a ferry terminal in the British Virgin Islands. The project poses special challenges such as the local tropical soil conditions that must be taken into account in the design. Together with the rest of the team, I am working on a solution that is both technically and economically feasible – a design process that requires a great deal of care and creativity. I am also helping to develop a rainwater percolation concept for the drainage of a new commercial area in Hanoi. The project’s focus is on sustainable rainwater management in tropical climate conditions. With so-called sponge city elements integrated into the streetscape, rainwater can be more efficiently collected and used locally. The project combines engineering expertise with a strong environmental focus – an approach that I particularly appreciate.

Besides work, I have enough time to get to know Vietnam better – for example, on excursions into the surrounding countryside, strolling through the streets of Hanoi, or simply having lunch with the team. Not only am I learning a lot about the culture, but I'm also getting a sense of how different (and at the same time, how similar) everyday life is here.

My highlight in Vietnam so far was my trip to Cát Bà. There, I took a boat to see the spectacular chalk cliffs of Ha Long Bay – the landscape was simply breathtaking. Along the way, the boat stopped on the open water and we were able to go swimming.

The absolute highlight, however, was the subsequent evening kayak tour through an area with bioluminescent plankton. In the darkness, the water glowed with every movement – ​​a truly magical experience that I will never forget. Beyond that, the island had a lot more to offer, such as delicious food, relaxation on the beach, and an exciting scooter ride across the island which rounded off the trip perfectly.

The internship has been a very special experience that has opened my eyes to new perspectives. I'm really looking forward to the rest of my time with the team in Vietnam.