The Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), performs world-leading research on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and - more recently - COVID-19. A rigorous yet supportive academic culture has nurtured the careers of many successful health sciences researchers, some of whom have worked for the organization since its inception over 20 years ago. This focus on professional development is founded on a training programme that invests heavily in the individual with the payoff of strengthening the science base for HIV and tuberculosis research in South Africa. Those selected for mentorship are typically medical students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, adjoining the headquarters of CAPRISA in Durban. Increasingly, however, the institute attracts international fellows from partnering organizations to experience the intellectually demanding, scientifically robust, cutting-edge research environment. The purpose of this voices piece is to narrate and critically evaluate the experience from the dual perspectives of host and visitor of a research training programme undertaken by three undergraduate health sciences students from Vietnam, enrolled at VinUniversity. This was the inaugural running of what is expected to be an annual summer trip to CAPRISA by Hanoi-based medical and nursing students. The formative educational experience in best practice tackling of infectious diseases in challenging clinical contexts demonstrated the importance of investing in research placement programmes for public health impact. The exchange has inspired each student to become a future leader in seeking bold, innovative, and strategic approaches to improve global health issues in their home country.