The Hex 6.2 program in Ho Chi Minh was an invaluable experience, both personally and professionally. It was my first time traveling alone overseas and my first business-focused course. The program allowed me to form lasting friendships, expand my network, and connect with people from diverse backgrounds, which had a significant impact on me. I entered the program with an open mind, and its flexible structure enabled me to tailor the experience to my goals whether it was networking, cultural exchange, or learning about starting and running a business. The guest speakers, particularly Aaron from Draper Startup, were highlights. Their insights on personal branding and business portrayal helped me reflect on my values and strengths. This trip gave me a new perspective on life, showing me the power of networking and the endless possibilities for collaboration. As a law student, it helped me realize there’s much more beyond my field. It also put my own problems in perspective, teaching me to view challenges as opportunities for growth. The feedback from HEX mentors before Pitch Night encouraged me to embrace criticism and use it constructively. The Pitch Night, where I presented my business idea, was empowering. My 3-minute pitch on creating a legal AI assistant to improve legal accessibility in New Zealand boosted my confidence. Overall, the Hex program transformed both my professional outlook and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact.
Were you satisfied with the cross-cultural experiences this programme provided?
The Hex 6.2 program in Ho Chi Minh was a transformative cross-cultural experience. My first solo overseas trip, it allowed me to connect with diverse people and learn about different cultures, both within the cohort having this experience with a few Australians and the Vietnamese people. Observing life in Vietnam helped me put my own challenges in perspective and embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement which was constantly emphasized by the Vietnamese mentors we met. The programme opened my eyes to the value of diverse ideas and collaboration, expanding my understanding of the world and showing me the endless possibilities that arise from stepping out of my comfort zone, which is very much the culture in Ho Chi Minh city–vibrant, exciting and opportunistic. I was humbled and grateful to meet such different and amazing people.
What skills do you think this experience helped you gain, and how so? How might this differ from the experience you could otherwise gain in New Zealand?
Through this exchange, I learned how vital it is to adapt and connect with others who might approach problems or projects in completely different ways. It reinforced the idea that the power of networking is not just about meeting people, but about understanding their cultural contexts, which opens up endless possibilities for growth and collaboration. The experience left a profound mark on me, broadening my perspective on the world and the value of embracing diverse cultures.
Did you encounter any particular challenges in preparing for or during this programme that might be important for future students to be aware of?
Looking back, I was at times challenged, but the HEX program was amazing at taking away the mindset that receiving feedback means you’re failing at whatever it is you’re doing. My main challenge was within the program itself, specifically the technicalities behind proving that my business idea was feasible and addressing the real issue of limitations in access to justice. Before the pitch, after receiving some feedback during mock pitches, I was definitely doubting myself. Doubting my idea was difficult because I held my business concept close to my heart, and the passion behind the problem was deeply personal. I knew it was a real issue–access to justice in New Zealand–but proving this to people who lived worlds away from New Zealand’s political and social climate in just three minutes was incredibly hard. However, with a combination of motivation, a late night, and constant support from our HEX mentors, I was able to improve my pitch to the point where I started receiving connections, compliments, and networking opportunities from all the pitch judges.
You rated this experience as one you were “highly likely to recommend” to a friend. What gives you the confidence to do so?
I recommend this programme due to: the richness in new experiences the programme provides within the short amount of time, the meaningful connection made within the cohort, the vast and powerful networking events that are facilitated and accommodated to you and your individual needs/goals, and the basic learning period in week one of the programme that can be used in a multi-disciplinary way.
