Discover the stories of past interns here or on Facebook!
Our 2019 Alumni!
Brian Huynh
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Current Position: Student in Public Affairs and Policy Management at Carleton University
“This internship program has given me the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge from my studies in a practical setting. The Senate is an important institution that is instrumental in addressing the issues that Canadians face today and tomorrow. Working amongst other Vietnamese Canadian students has been an experience that I’ll never forget!”
Michelle La
Hometown : Winnipeg, Manitoba
Position: Human Nutritional Sciences student and Research Assistant at the University of Manitoba
“This internship allowed me to diversify my research skills and work collaboratively in a transdisciplinary team. As a Canadian of Chinese-Vietnamese descent, this internship has allowed me to develop a deeper comprehension of Vietnam’s history and my familial roots. Furthermore, working at Parliament Hill was a truly wonderful experience that allowed me to understand the inner functions of the Canadian political system.”
An Pham
Hometown : Ottawa, Ontario
Position: student of industrial design, Carleton University
“This internship has offered me the chance to expand my horizons and learn about our governmental system and meet other Vietnamese-Canadians like me. Working on the Hill with the other interns has led to a great experience. As one of the designers of the report, I had the chance to express my creativity and develop my knowledge.”
Vinh To
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Current Position: Bachelor of Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University
“After 2 and a half years of volunteering for Senator Ngo, I have always found the work to be extremely rewarding. On top of my previous involvement with the office, I found that the internship was an enriching experience filled with various opportunities to foster learning, growth and creativity. I hope that the knowledge acquired while working on the Hill will take me far.”
Sophia Tran
Hometown: Chatham, Ontario
Current position: Student in Medical Science at Western University
“This internship allowed me to deepen my understanding of Canadian politics as well as the situation in Vietnam in a unique, immersive environment. The knowledge and skills that I gained inspired me to become more engaged not only in politics, but also the Vietnamese community in my hometown. I am grateful for all of the opportunities that this internship provided me with; I took away valuable skills that will undoubtedly help me in my future studies!”
To-Yen Tran
Hometown : Montréal, Québec
« Ce stage a été une expérience enrichissante qui a certainement su assouvir ma curiosité intellectuelle. Il m’a permis de rencontrer des parlementaires inspirants et de découvrir l’environnement parlementaire de près. J’ai été en mesure de mettre mes habiletés au profit d’une cause qui me tient à cœur tout en développant des compétences qui me permettront d’avancer dans mon cheminement professionnel. »
Our 2018 Alumni!
Carolyn Tran
Hometown: London, Ontario
Current position: Student in Medical Science and Piano at Western University
“This internship provided a unique experience in which I was able to meet parliamentarians and connect with my Vietnamese heritage. Having been raised in a small town, I did not have a chance to explore my background or make acquaintance with people who were so openly proud of their Vietnamese culture. Working on the Human Rights Report deepened my understanding of my family’s history through Vietnam”
Benjamin Ngo
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Current position: Student in English Literature and Political Science at the University of British Columbia
“I got involved in this internship because I wanted to learn more about my family and country’s history. I am happy that I was able to do all of that while at the same time moving forward from these issues of the past and tackling the challenges of today.”
Jacques Huynh
Hometown: Brossard, Québec
Current position: Student in Law at the University of Sherbrooke
“Over the course of the internship, I was able to spend many hours exploring the halls of Parliament. It was truly a wonderful and eye-opening experience, and working on the human rights report was incredibly rewarding. I am very grateful for this positive experience, and appreciate the confidence Senator Ngo showed in me by giving me this opportunity. His advice and experience have been tremendously helpful throughout these past three months.”
Judy Dang
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Current position: Student in Political Science at Carleton University
“Although I was born and raised in Canada, the wounds of the Vietnam War were still fresh throughout my childhood. They were embodied through every sacrifice that my mother had made as she built a new life in Canada. I am extremely grateful to work at Parliament Hill and fulfill the bright future that she had envisioned for my family. It has been incredibly meaningful experience and this project has allowed me to develop an even greater understanding of Vietnam’s history and my heritage.”
Quang Tran
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Current position: Student in 3D animation and Image processing
Thương cho thân phận lưu vong của Ba Mẹ.
“Learning about the journey of Boat People and the hardship of Vietnamese refugees amplified the visceral connection I share with my parents. In this way, I am truly proud of our team of interns for having entirely conceived the 2018-19 Human Rights Report. It is the culmination of our extensive work and shared effort to bring to life a lasting insight on the dire situation of Vietnam.”
Steve Chau
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Current position: Student in Criminal Justice at Humber College
“Working in parliament allowed me to forget all my ordinary troubles and work towards something greater than myself. I sincerely believe I’ve grown from this experience, even if just a little, and I’m thankful to all those whom I shared this brief, yet memorable chapter of my life with.”
More testimonials!
Andrew Nguyen
Intern Year: 2013
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Current Position: PhD Candidate, Queen’s University
“Senator Ngo’s internship program provides opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds in Vietnamese communities to come together and engage with challenging issues that impact all members. Just as important, Senator Ngo’s internship fostered significant relationships that continue to contribute to my professional development.”
Dessa Nguyen
Intern Year: 2013
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Current Position: Articling student at Dentons Canada LLP
“There is something uniquely special and bonding as secondary generation Vietnamese diaspora – where, although we come from different walks of life, we share a rich heritage as well as optimistic visions for Vietnamese at home and abroad.”
Frédéric Vo Van
Intern Year: 2014
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Current Position: Student
“Le Parlement, une expérience unique qui vous ouvrira toutes les portes. Croyez en vos rêves.”
Timothy Doan
Intern Year: 2014
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Current Position: Junior Analyst at Citizenship and Immigration Canada
“Before I started, I knew next to nothing about Canadian politics. After working in the Senate for the summer, I realized how much there is to know about such an important, complex and ever changing institution.”
Thuy-Dan Dang
Intern Year: 2015
Hometown: Kingston, Ontario
Current Position: Law Student at University of Ottawa
“My internship with Senator Thanh Hai Ngo’s office was exceptional. As a law student, it was important to me that I spend my summer after first year learning about how our government works, from the legislative process, to Senate and House of Commons committee meetings. Senator Ngo’s internship offered me all of this and much more. I would definitely recommend this internship to other students, especially those who are interested in Canadian law and/or politics!
Melinda Phuong
Intern Year: 2015
Hometown: Markham, ON
Current Position: Master’s Candidate, York University
Growing up in a community where I was one of the only Vietnamese-Canadians, Senator Ngo’s internship program was instrumental in helping me learn about my heritage. I enhanced my research skills while examining the past and present situation in Vietnam, and gained a greater appreciation for the important work done in the Senate. Having the opportunity to work on the Hill is something any young Canadian should do and I’m happy I made the decision to apply!
Nina Nguyen
Intern Year: 2016
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Position: Student
“I’m a third-year student at University of Calgary and am currently studying to become a speech pathologist. I decided to use this internship program as an opportunity to broaden my horizons because as a young Canadian I believe that it’s important to understand how our country is governed and how we are able to make an impact on it.”
Nicholas Dang
Intern Year: 2016
Hometown: London, ON
Current Position: Student
“I’m from London, Ontario, currently going into my third year at Western University in Political Science. I’m very happy to be working here with Senator Ngo and with all my other colleagues/interns. This is not an opportunity that a lot of people get, and every single day is a new learning experience for us. We do a lot of interesting stuff too – like for example the other day our team had the opportunity to meet Rona Ambrose.”
Kim Nguyen
Intern Year: 2017
Hometown: Vancouver
Current Position: Student
““I think it’s a really valuable program because not everyone can say that they’ve worked in the Senate, directly for a Senator. It’s been a really eye-opening summer and it’s made me love what I study even more. This internship is a very rare and valuable experience and I think it’s going to help me in the long run,” said Kim Nguyen, a fifth-year international relations student from the University of British Columbia.”
Nathan Ly
Intern Year: 2017
Hometown: Toronto
Current Position: Student
“I believe that students aren’t necessarily interested in politics to begin with and they don’t really understand how the system works or get exposed to the inner workings. So, coming to Ottawa and experiencing it firsthand is one of the best ways to learn. I’ve come away with a greater appreciation for the Senate as an institution,” said Nathan Ly, a fourth-year biochemistry student from the University of Toronto.”