Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program 2012 – 2014 • Engineering Women of Tomorrow
Student Information Pack and Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please click here Program Announcement (English) or Program Announcement (Vietnamese)
1. What is the Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program-Engineering Women of Tomorrow?
This is a unique opportunity for Third- and Fourth-year Vietnamese Engineering students, especially female students, in excellent standing to complete their Bachelors of Science in Engineering at Portland State University (PSU) in the United States and, upon graduation, return to Vietnam to start exciting engineering careers at Intel’s Assembly/Test facility in Ho Chi Minh City. Intel and PSU will select among the best and brightest undergraduate students in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, and Computer Engineering to become Intel Vietnam Scholars in the U.S. These graduates will become professional engineers with one of the most respected companies in the world. If you are selected to go through this program, you will play a pioneering role in helping Intel grow and thrive in this fast-changing economy. With Intel, you will have a hand in creating a semiconductor assembly-test industry in Vietnam, plus you will progress and prosper in your career.
2. We’ve heard that the program will also be open to students interested in supply chain careers. Is that true?
Yes, we do have two scholarships available for Vietnamese Third- and Fourth-year students in excellent standing to complete their Bachelors degrees in Business Administration – Supply & Logistics Management. Most of the scholarship opportunities will, however, be in the field of engineering.
3. Is this only open to women or can men apply too?
Intel is a company that values diversity, because we know first-hand that the more diverse your employees are, the better your solutions will be. All around the world where we operate, we encourage more girls and women to pursue Math, Science & Technology degrees and careers. Here in Vietnam, we see a real shortage of females in these areas, and we want to do something about that. Intel has aggressive goals for recruiting Technical Females, and Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program is a part of how we intend to meet those goals. To this end, although all applicants are welcomed to apply, we are strongly encouraging female students to apply for these scholarships.
4. Who can apply for the program?
We are searching for students in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Computer Engineering, and related disciplines) programs at Vietnamese universities accredited by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), who are interested in studying Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering at Portland State University, and working in an exciting career at Intel in Vietnam. (Note that we will also accept applications for students in Industrial Engineering or Business Administration for the supply chain scholarships.)
Eligible universities include but are not limited to:
1.Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
2.Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences
3.Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education
4.Ho Chi Minh International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh
5.Ho Chi Minh University of Industry
6.Da Nang University of Technology
7.Ha Noi University of Technology
8.Can Tho University
9.College of Engineering and Technology, Vietnam National University-Ha Noi
You must be in your Third or Fourth Year of study with excellent standing:
•Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 6.0 (out of 10)
•Have strong English language skills.
•No prior employment commitments and not a current employee of any company
•Desire and commitment to work for Intel in Vietnam upon graduation
•Strong behavioural skills in teamwork, problem solving, communication, leadership, initiative, active in community and extra-curricular activities
5. What if my GPA is not 6.0?
If your GPA is just below 6.0 (for example, 5.5 or above) you may apply and will be considered based on competition and other selection criteria.
6. How will candidates be evaluated during the Screening Process’?
There will be four stages to the process, which will take place from January-April 2012.
1.Round One: Online application and application materials submitted by January 15, 2012.
Qualified applicants will be invited to Round Two
2.Round Two: Qualifying Tests
Applicants who meet basic eligibility in Round One will be invited to demonstrate engineering (or supply chain) and English proficiency.
•Engineering (or supply chain) technical knowledge, as demonstrated via a test administered by PSU.
•English skills pre-screening
3.Round Three: Interview
Applicants who pass Round Two will be invited to participate in an Intel Interview designed to assess future fit in a career with Intel. There will be a Behavioral portion of the interview, looking at Verbal Communication, Team Building, Motivation, Problem Solving, Leadership, Creativity, and Personal Qualities. There will also be a Technical portion of the interview.
4.Round Four: English Proficiency Testing for PSU Admission
Applicants passing round three interviews who have not already submitted a passing TOEFL or IELTS score to the program will take TOEFL iBT. The testing fee will be covered by Intel .
Minimum English language scores required for admission will be:
oTOEFL: 71 (iBT)
oIELTS: 6.5 overall, with minimum 6.0 on each individual band
Applicants who pass all the rounds and who are able and willing to sign a legal contract accepting an offer of employment with Intel, contingent upon completion of a Bachelor of Science degree from PSU, will be selected for the program (contingent upon receipt of a visa). These selected students will be designated “Intel Vietnam Scholars.”
7. What does the Intel Study Abroad Program comprise?
The program includes several components, or phases:
•“Summer Bridge Program”: The program officially starts in August 2012, when the Intel Vietnam scholars leave for Portland, Oregon. They will spend several weeks prior to the regular academic school year in intensive preparation for an exciting yet demanding PSU curriculum and new living experience. This intensive preparation is called the “Summer Bridge Program” and will focus on Engineering (or Supply Chain), English, and Academic Success.
•First Program Year/2012-2013 PSU Academic Program: PSU academic school year, which operates on a quarter basis, runs from Fall 2012 through Spring 2013. As entering juniors in the university, the scholars will integrate into classes based on their majors. The scholars will participate in special programming during the Winter and Spring breaks to enhance their academic success and living abroad experience.
•Summer 2013: During this time, scholars will return to Vietnam to complete an internship at the Intel site in Ho Chi Minh City. This will also give the scholars a midway point to visit friends and family back home.
•Second Program Year/2013-2014 PSU Academic Program: As seniors in the university, the scholars will begin their final year, which includes an industry “capstone” project involving a real industry problem to be solved. Upon successful completion of the academic course, including the capstone project, students will receive their degrees.
•Intel Career/2014 and beyond: Upon graduation, Intel Vietnam Scholars will become Intel Vietnam Employees and embark on their new careers with Intel in Ho Chi Minh City.
8. What are the key dates for the program?
The following are approximate dates (subject to some modification) of the Intel Vietnam Study Abroad –Engineering Women of Tomorrow Program:
•By January 15, 2012: Apply for the program
•February-April 2012: Candidate screening and evaluation
•May-July 2012:PSU Admissions, Visa, Intel bond
•August-September 2012:PSU Summer Bridge Program
•September 12-June 14:PSU Academic Program
•Summer 2013:Internship at Intel Vietnam
•June 2014:PSU Graduation—join Intel as a full-time Engineering professional
9. How many scholars will the program accept in total?
The number of selected scholars is limited and based on skill qualification. There will be only two scholarships for Supply Chain; the number of Engineering scholarships will be greater.
10. How does the visa process work?
Once selected into the program, Intel Vietnam Scholars will receive directions on visa processing. Here is a brief summary of how that processing will flow:
•Scholars will be formally admitted to PSU, which will trigger a visa request for each scholar.
•Intel will arrange a group visa interview with the US Consulate in HCMC or Hanoi (to be determined). Visa compliance will be managed by PSU’s International Student and Scholars Office.
•Scholars will be responsible for paying their own Visa and SEVIS fees.
11. What expenses will Intel provide?
•PSU application fee
•PSU Out-of-State Tuition (two academic school years)
•On-campus housing and meals
•Required books and materials
•Local transportation pass
•Small discretionary cash allowance (scholars will likely need to cover some additional miscellaneous expenses)
•Round-trip airfare for Summer 2013 Program in Vietnam
12. What expenses will the scholars be responsible for?
•Round-trip airfare to U.S. and back to Vietnam for the program overall
•US Visa and SEVIS fee
•Any fee for measles inoculation as required by the US government. Scholars can receive the measles inoculation in Vietnam or in the US.
•Additional spending (over Intel discretionary cash allowance)
13. How will Intel ensure that the scholars will work for Intel upon graduation?
It is common practice to establish a legally binding contract, or bond, when companies (or other entities, such as the government) sponsor study abroad with the intent of employing the scholars upon graduation. Such a contract generally stipulates a minimum number of years of employment with the sponsoring company upon graduation. While we are confident that participation in this program will mark the start of a long and prosperous relationship between Intel and the Intel Vietnam Scholars, the legal contract will require scholars to be employed with Intel in Vietnam for at least three years, contingent upon successful completion of a Bachelors of Science in Engineering (or a Bachelors of Business Administration – Supply & Logistics Management for Supply Chain scholars). Individuals who fail to comply with the contract will be required to reimburse the full cost of sponsorship incurred by Intel.
14. What if the scholar is offered a preferred job with another company upon graduation?
By taking part in this program, Intel Vietnam Scholars will enter a legally binding contract committing to a minimum of three years employment with Intel in Vietnam. Individuals who fail to comply with the contract will be required to reimburse the full cost of sponsorship incurred by Intel.
15. What support network will PSU and Intel provide in the US
PSU and Intel will provide a dedicated support network who will meet regularly to support the scholars. These include mentors for program success at PSU, program coordinators (both at Intel and PSU), faculty advisors, teaching assistants, and Intel Oregon Mentors (Intel employees providing support and advice about academics, life, and career). PSU will also provide a peer mentor for each Intel Vietnam Scholar. That peer mentor will be a fellow student, one who has been at PSU long enough to help the new student navigate the campus and be a personal connection at school.
16. Is there a Vietnamese community in Portland?
Yes. Nearby Asian markets both PSU and Intel will assist participants in building connections with the Vietnamese Student Association at PSU and the Intel Vietnamese Community.
17. Will scholars receive medical insurance?
Yes, PSU will provide student medical insurance.
18. My parents are worried about my travelling to the US and being at a university alone. What can you tell me about safety and security?
Portland is a very safe city, and if you are a female in the program, the program will provide additional safety measures that we will tell you more about at the information sessions. We encourage you and your parents to attend, especially for female applicants, so that all concerns can be addressed.
19. What happens if a scholar falls ill and is unable to continue or has a gap in their study?
Anyone falling ill should immediately contact the PSU and Intel coordinators to seek guidance. Any gap in study will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. PSU and Intel will monitor the progress of our Intel Vietnam Scholar cohort, as we want every scholar to succeed. We will do everything possible to ensure your success.
20. Are scholars allowed to return back to Vietnam during the course?
The demands of the PSU Academic Program are high, and for this reason Intel and PSU have planned to provide programming during all of the breaks, to include both education and entertainment. Since the Intel Vietnam Scholars must complete both the Program and University course curriculum in order to graduate, they should plan to be in the US for the entire duration. One exception is the internship period to take place in Ho Chi Minh City midway through the program in Summer 2013. This will give the scholars an opportunity to visit friends and family back home.
21. What will the scholars do during university breaks and vacations?
During university holiday periods, Intel and PSU will provide programming, to include education, training, sight-seeing, and fun. In addition, over the longer summer vacation in 2013 students will partake in an exciting work experience opportunity at Intel, and have an opportunity to visit with their families.
22. What if the scholar wants to come home for a visit with his/her family during the study abroad period?
Any travel outside the US must be approved by both the PSU International Student Advisor and Intel.
23. What happens in the case of a family emergency which requires the student to return home?
In the event of an emergency, the scholar should immediately contact the PSU International Student Advisor and the IVS Program Coordinator to explain the circumstances and make an exception request.
24. What if the scholar has a change of heart while studying abroad and wants to return to Vietnam?
All students must be certain that they will be able to stay for the two full years in the US before applying, as the expectation is that every scholar will remain in the US for the duration of the program. Scholars who fail to comply with the contract will be required to reimburse the full cost of sponsorship incurred by Intel.
25. Are the scholars allowed to perform part-time work while studying?
Although US visa status generally allows part-time work while maintaining full-time study, it is expected that Intel Vietnam Scholars will devote themselves wholly to their studies and the program during their time in the US. The program is designed to allow scholars to concentrate solely on their coursework and associated courses, and the financial support from Intel will ensure that no scholar will need to work for financial support. Moreover, scholars will gain industry exposure and experience during summer vacation, plus will need to be available for scheduled excursions and additional training with the cohort, with which part-time work could interfere.
26. Will PSU and Intel provide information about the scholars and the program to parents?
Yes, once the applicants begin undergoing the screening, we will create a communications channel for students and parents.
27. Are students able to pursue a career with Intel in the US after graduating?
No. Intel Vietnam Scholars are required to start their Intel careers in Vietnam. Above all, the new facility needs the talent and leadership of these individuals to be successful in this fast-growing country. As is the case with every Intel employee working in this global company, permanent and temporary assignments and job opportunities may arise within Intel in other countries, and employees may apply for those positions. Such opportunities will be eventually available to the Intel Vietnam scholar-employees.
28. Are students able to pursue an advanced degree after graduation from the IVSA Program and prior to coming to work at Intel?
No. Scholars are required to return to Vietnam in order to receive their degrees. If the scholar does not come to work for Intel Vietnam immediately following graduation, as stipulated in the contract bond, he or she will be required to reimburse the full cost of sponsorship incurred by Intel. The Intel Study Abroad Program is part of a larger workforce development initiative to ensure both a successful ramp of the facility and the existence of highly trained professionals in the country. For these reasons, we require the selected candidates to return to Vietnam and work for a minimum of three years after graduation. As an Intel employee, you will have access to internal training programs as well as Extended Education assistance. Intel often supports existing employees with a strong performance record to pursue advanced education while working at Intel.
29. Will Intel Vietnam Scholars also receive degrees from their Vietnamese universities?
No. Degrees will be awarded by PSU upon successful completion of the program.
30. Why is this program limited to Portland State University?
PSU has a world-class Engineering college and is nationally acclaimed for its “active learning” curriculum, which enables graduates to work immediately and effectively in the global high-tech industry. PSU works closely with Intel in Oregon and is one of the largest suppliers of engineering talent to Intel. PSU has strong support for Intel Vietnam Scholars, as can be seen in the success of the first graduates of this program.
31. Will Intel Vietnam Scholars tour and/or have access to Intel facilities while studying?
Yes. The programming will include a tour of the Intel facilities in Oregon, as well as technical talks, exposure to Intel as a company and Intel careers, and a work experience, among other things. Intel employees from the Oregon site will also provide mentorship to students, assisting them in studies and integration to US culture.
32. What jobs will be available at Intel upon graduating?
Specific roles will be determined upon hire and vary by specific degree and skills strengths. The jobs may fall within these job families such as Product Engineering, Quality & Reliability Engineering, Yield Engineering, Failure Analysis Engineering, Test Engineering, Assembly Engineering, Chemistry (Materials), Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, and Planner (for Supply Chain).
33. Is Intel going to sponsor any more cohorts in the future?
This is the third cohort of scholars to be sponsored by Intel, and the first in which we are especially encouraging women to apply. We have no plans at this time to continue the program beyond this third cohort.
34. Why is Intel offering this program and why does is the company encouraging women to apply?
Intel’s largest global Assembly and Test site is in Ho Chi Minh City. The Intel Study Abroad Program is part of a larger workforce development initiative to ensure both a successful start of the facility and an on-going highly trained technical workforce in this country. Encouraging women in technical disciplines is very important to this effort. We are committed to offering opportunities for talented women engineers. We believe that the Intel Vietnam Scholars will play a critical role as leaders and pioneers within Intel in Vietnam, serving as role models to others, providing innovative thinking, and ultimately making this facility the most efficient and productive in the world.
35. Why is the program only open to students from Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, and Computer Engineering?
These areas are critical for Intel Products Vietnam, and the majority of engineers that we hire have these degrees. Also, these degrees are common across much of Intel in different groups and sites around the world. It should be noted that although the program is open to students from several Engineering disciplines, once at PSU, selected students will study either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering only. (The exception will be for the two Supply Chain scholarships.)
36. Is it true that the program is open to Third-Year and Fourth-Year students?
Yes. The program is open to any Third-Year or Fourth-year student (with heavy focus on females) who agrees to complete two additional years of academic study—that is, Junior and Senior Years—at Portland State University (PSU).
37. What if I am pursuing a Chemistry degree instead of one of the aforementioned Engineering degrees?
The program is limited to the Engineering degrees stated in our eligibility requirements. The reason is twofold. First, Intel Vietnam hires predominantly recent college graduates with these two degrees, as Electrical and Mechanical Engineering are core to our manufacturing process and methodology. Second, even though Intel Vietnam does occasionally hire from other degrees, such as Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, it would be challenging to include degrees outside of the core. We have elected to simplify what is already a complex program. However, you can still qualify for a career at Intel. Upon completion of your degree, we would encourage you to apply for any jobs within Intel Vietnam for which you meet the qualifications.
38. What if I am pursuing a Computer Science or any other IT-related degree?
We cannot include CS or any other IT-related degrees at this time. Again, Intel Vietnam hires predominantly recent college graduates with Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, and Computer Engineering degrees, as these areas are core to our manufacturing process and methodology. However, upon completion of your degree, we would encourage you to apply for any jobs within Intel Vietnam for which you meet the qualifications.
39. Is there a charge for any of the tests associated with the application and/or screening process?
There will be no charge to the students for taking application and screening tests. The IVS Program will pay for testing costs and fees. However, there are fees associated with the visa application process for which the student will be responsible.
40. What is the format of the TOEFL?
TOEFL format will be internet-based (iBT). The Program will provide additional information to students who pass Round One screening regarding TOEFL.
41. Will the TOEFL test focus more on Reading or Writing?
TOEFL iBT typically tests Reading Comprehension, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
42. In the Round Two Qualifying tests, what kinds of questions will be included in the Engineering technical knowledge test?
The PSU faculty have spent time with the faculty from Vietnam universities to understand how far along in their studies students are expected to be. The Engineering technical knowledge test will capture the expectations faculty have of the students based on their current level of instruction. Also, the test will assess student ability to solve problems and apply theoretical knowledge, more so than it will assess student ability to memorize and recite theory. While we cannot provide more specifics at this time, we would like to stress that the tests will be as fair as possible and that they will be based on current level of instruction and current expectations for the applicants.
43. Will the Engineering technical knowledge test include questions that are based on early studies and/or technologies that Vietnamese students may not have access to in their curricula?
We are doing as much as possible to ensure that the Engineering technical knowledge test reflects the actual instruction that the students have received. Our goal is to assess the students at their current levels. Early studies will likely only be included insofar as Third Year instruction has built upon earlier instruction. Again, while we cannot provide more specifics at this time, we would like to stress that the tests will be as fair as possible and that they will be reflect the reality of the current Vietnamese university instruction.
44. Will the Engineering technical knowledge test be different for Electrical and Mechanical Engineering students?
Yes, the Engineering technical knowledge test will include some different questions for Electrical and Mechanical areas, although the tests will also have some of the same questions, since there is a core of knowledge common to both.
45. How many applicants will be accepted into each Round?
We have not set quotas or limitations as to the number of applicants accepted into each Round. All applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to Round Two, and all applicants who make it through the qualifying tests for Engineering technical knowledge and English will be invited into Round Three.
46. Since results will be announced in May 2012, can students who get into the program drop out of their Vietnamese studies at that time?
No. Absolutely not. Students must fulfil their entire academic year in Vietnam in order to ensure that they are both adequately prepared for the PSU academic curriculum and that their local courses articulate into PSU’s academic program. If students drop out before the current academic year is completed, they will not be admitted into the program.
47. How does the program accommodate students from different schools and different degrees/programs in terms of their integration to the PSU curriculum?
Intel and PSU have worked with faculty from different universities across Vietnam on integrating curriculum. PSU has created a “bridge” program, implemented the summer prior to the start of the Fall 2012 term, that helps level all students and prepare them to integrate into the PSU Junior-level engineering curriculum. As you can imagine, PSU admits students from many different countries and degrees and at many different levels, so integrating all students is something with which PSU has much experience. And in the case of the Intel Vietnam Study Abroad Program, the customized bridge provides an extra layer of integration.
48. Do Vietnamese students experience difficulties learning in the US due to the different styles of teaching, learning, and studying between the two countries?
No. Our experience with the first two cohorts of students has been very positive. The students of cohort 1 all graduated on time and with excellent grade point averages, and students in the second cohort are also doing extremely well. The most important thing you can do now to prepare yourself for studying in the US is to focus on your English competency.
49. I’ve already taken the TOEFL. Will I have to take it again?
If you already took the TOEFL and earned a score of at least 71 for the iBT or 525 for the paper-based test, your score is considered “passing”, and you will not need to take TOEFL again. You will need to submit your TOEFL score report to the IVS program.
50. Will Intel pay me a salary while I am at PSU?
No. During your time at PSU, you are not an Intel employee.
51. While studying at PSU, if I fail a course, does Intel cover the expense of re-taking the course?
There is no provision for re-taking any courses during your time at PSU. There will be multiple levels of support built into the program to help assure your academic success.
52. Is the academic program customized for students from this scholarship program?
No. This is the standard PSU Engineering curriculum. Your BS degree will be granted by PSU, not by Intel.
53. Do I have to submit a letter of recommendation from one of my professors?
No letter is required. The information package includes a list of required application materials.
For more information, please click here Program Announcement (English) or Program Announcement (Vietnamese)
Posted: Dec 13, 2011. Updated: Mar 2, 2013.
