[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”2796″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Please refer back to this blog post for regular updates on the effect of Covid-19 on our partners and partcipants, and everything we are doing at Pagoda Projects to continue to bring you extraordinary and safe work experience.

If you’re a student signed up to one of our programmes or are thinking about enrolling and have any questions, feel free to give us a call on 0161 818 8824 or send Ali an email at ali.hashemi@pagodaprojects.com

Thanks, stay safe everyone![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” parallax=”content-moving” parallax_image=”2490″ css=”.vc_custom_1585320293491{padding-top: 30px !important;padding-bottom: 30px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-4″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1585662291009{background-color: #ffffff !important;}”]

PAGODA NEWS: COVID-19

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”143557″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Monday 19th October

We had a little success story last week as Paul Yeandle, Director of Programmes, made it back into China after nearly 7 months in Vietnam.

A few negative COVID-19 Tests and, 14 days of quarantine in Guangzhou later – Paul was back in Chengdu. Keeping a routine, home exercise, Netflix and, of course, some work and engaging Pagoda team meetings kept boredom at bay!

Paul is now back in Chengdu where he’s linked up again with the Chengdu office and remarked at the way China has gone back to business following tough lockdowns and strict measures on the borders. It’s a price worth paying, according to Paul, to return to his wife, cat, and, an open economy![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Thursday 24th September

This week marked the start of our #Funded50 Remote Internship Programme where 50 recent grads or placement students have been given the opportunity to intern remotely with companies in Greater China, Vietnam and Mexico.

Pagoda Projects secured a grant from  Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, to develop our online internship programme as well as a tech platform here interns can access all aspects of the programme;  internship management & support, online events and the cultural mentorship. Throughout the internship, the interns will not only gain valuable international business insight from their day to day roles but also through workshops and events with industry leaders including LinkedIn Learning.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”132246″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”127672″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Friday 18th September

It is safe to travel to Taipei for our year-long placement programme! Our participant completed his 2-week quarantine and today completed his first day at his company, Winnoz!

Quentin had the following tips for quarantine: proactively do some remote work for your host company, keep active in your room with bodyweight exercises and commit to a couple of series on Netflix!

In Vietnam, the second wave has been well controlled and Danang, the centre of the outbreak, has eased its lockdown. The borders have become to open foreigners, but still focusing on business experts, which is similar to the situation in China. Life goes pretty much as usual in the new normal – with masks and hand sanitiser.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Thursday 30th July

Unfortunately after 100 days, Vietnam has recorded it’s first community transmissions of COVID-19 in Danang City.  This has come as quite a shock to the community given how successful they had been at controlling the spread. Nevertheless, as usual, the government and people have reacted quickly by implementing social distancing, isolating those who may have been at risk of infection and contact tracing all those with possible connections.

Whilst it is a bit of a damper on the success so far, we remain confident in the measures being taken to effectively tackle this new wave of infections.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”91236″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”85090″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Wednesday 22nd July

Somehow we are almost at August – where has this year gone? We were delighted a couple of weeks ago to host our first public webinar ‘Failures: The Secret to Success’ in conjunction with our Remote Internship Programme. We were joined with three great panelists from Zhuhai, Taipei and HCMC who shared on the challenges that they have faced to get where they are today.

As remote working / WFH has now become somewhat the norm, we enjoyed hosting a Remote Working Workshop yesterday as part of our Remote Internship Programme. As University of Dundee students come to the end of their internship after 8 great weeks, we are now joined by students from universities across Wales, England and Australia working for organisations all around the world for the next 8!

With August around the corner our UK team are looking forward to potentially heading back into their new office in Manchester. Fingers crossed![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Thursday 2nd July

Vietnam has now gone 77 days without any community transmissions of COVID-19. Whilst the borders are still closed except for ‘experts’ working on projects of national significance and repatriated Vietnamese with mandatory 14-day quarantine on arrival, business very much goes on as usual within the country (as does the traffic!).

All facilities, shops and services have now reopned, and since many have vacation at this time, domestic tourism is restarting with hotels, resorts and tourist attractions reopening up for business. Temperature checks and face coverings are only required in notably crowded places and there is certainly a sense of ease amogst the population towards the lower threat of the virus.

Vietnam has fantastically recorded no deaths, with the most serious patient making a remarkable recovery from the virus over the last couple of weeks.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”74163″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”74133″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Monday 29th June

Taiwan Celebrating NO NEW LOCAL CASES in over 88 days!
Only a few cases have been imported but contained.

Status report on daily life in Taiwan – Face masks are still required to be worn on entering public transport (metro and buses) but masks can be removed on the metro if a safe distance of 1.5 m can be maintained… Which is unlikely during rush hours!

All shops, offices, restaurants, cinemas (showing old western movies and new Taiwanese movies), parks etc are still fully open to the public. Large malls and some restaurants are still performing temperature checks upon entrance with alcohol spray for the hands.

Weather is sunny and hooooot as per usual :)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”73955″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Tuesday 2nd June

As lockdowns and restrictions have been eased slightly around Europe we have been very excited to onboard over 70 students onto our first Remote Internship programme. As interns have remotely settled into their new workday and host company throughout the week, we have held an Employability Skills Webinar and Virtual Fireside Chat with Louise Nicol, Founder and Director of Asia Careers Group.

Alongside their internship, interns have been paired with a Cultural Mentor to exchange stories and knowledge about the intern’s home country culture and their Host Company country’s culture. It’s been great to see their cultural journals, hear about their conversations and witness development of intercultural awareness.  Even the Pagoda Projects team are learning new things![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Thursday 7th May

Vietnam is Back! Of course with cautious optimism, but over the last two weeks shops, restaurants, cafes and sports facilities are back open for business, with care taken to the numbers inside and the ability to safely distance. Schools are slowly going back and as Vietnam celebrated Reunification Day last week; 45 years after the end of the Vietnamese War, the country has supported each other and worked together to keep the virus at bay.

The picture is the view from famous Nguyen Hue towards the Saigon Opera house as people enjoy the cool city evenings. We haven’t been able to see this view for several years because of construction work to the Saigon metro, but this station is now finished![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”73481″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/nba3D5vsNTk”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Friday 24th April

A quick Vlog from our Vietnam Branch manager Vicki Offland today, chatting about the situation in Ho Chi Minh city at the moment regarding Corona Virus as successful government measures have helped keep the virus at bay which is leading to a phased relaxation of social distancing.

Vicki also reveals what Pagoda Projects has been doing to keep morale up :)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”72882″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Tuesday 14th April

A couple of rays of good news from Taipei today!

Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced today that there are no new cases of Wuhan Coronavirus (COVID-19) to report for the first time in 36 days!
It appears the CECC’s efforts at quickly identifying, isolating, and tracing confirmed cases have held the virus at bay, for now…

Another trick up Taiwan’s sleeve is their new ‘Mask Vending Machine‘ which is being deployed across the city.
To help alleviate the queues at 7/11’s and pharmacies, the government have set up vending machines which can dispense up to 2000 masks per day! Costing only 45NTD for a pack of 3 ($1.5 / £1).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”72585″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Thursday 2nd April

Our InternVietnam team are now working on developping our Remote Internship Programme for the University of Dundee from home! They are also planning for the arrival of our scheduled employability programmes in August/September 2020.

Vietnam has entered day two of a 15-day country wide voluntarily lock-down in order to prevent community transmission of COVID-19. Many of the population were already maintaining good social distancing and following government health advice. All non essential business are closed except in cases of delivery which maintain as normal and is making less inconveniences for the population.

As of today 62 out of 222 cases recorded have recovered and many business and organisations are adapting to this new way of working online through online webinar and workshops.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Friday 27th March

We are EXTREMELY excited to announce the imminent launch of a remote internship programme for our partners at the University of Dundee! The University of Dundee programme will be taking place this summer in a slightly different format. Take a look below to find out more. We will be expanding our remote internship opportunities to our other valued partners in the near future. Watch this space for announcements!

Company? – click here to find out more

University? – click here to find out more[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”72531″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Tuesday 31st March

Well, we have entered the second week of lockdown in the UK and seemingly more uncertain times lay ahead. All of us at Pagoda Projects just wanted to share a quick message to all our participants, alumni, partners and everyone going through challenging times.

Look after yourselves, whether that’s with crazy new home workouts,  becoming a jigsaw master or learning how to light a Zoom call like a Hollywood film set.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsqv-X6QARY&feature=youtu.be”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1603082691594-2934867c-dbd1-6″ include=”72427,72426″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Friday 27th March

Although our InternMexico programmes for June & July 2020 have also sadly been postponed, our InternMexico Branch Manager James is busy planning the launch of our newest initiative from the comfort of his own home in Mexico City.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Friday 27th March

Our InternVietnam team waved goodbye to the final few participants on our Ho Chi Minh City programme this week. They are on their way home to the France, the UK and Germany, hopefully taking lots of fond memories of Vietnam with them.

All InternVietnam programmes for participants due to head out to Vietnam until July 2020 have been postponed but the InternVietnam team are still planning for some arrivals in August and September 2020![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1603082691597-0a3da6c3-963a-8″ include=”64457,71866″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1603082691598-934cb2d3-08a9-7″ include=”64473,64477,71863,64819″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Friday 27th March

Our Taipei team are hard at work and continuing to plan for participants wishing to embark on our Taipei programmes from September 2020 onwards.

Participants on place in Taipei are exercising caution and looking out for themselves. We are supporting these participants in their decision to either continue with their placements or to return home early, dependant on advice from official government channels such as FCO, DFAT, MFAT and GAC.

Our participant insurance policy will continue to cover those hard-working interns who are eager to stay under the current circumstances. However, we will be reassessing the safety of these participants daily in case of further developments and will remain in close contact with our insurance providers as things progress.

If you have any concerns regarding a participant currently on place in Taipei, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Daniel (in Taipei) or Clare (in the UK).

daniel.miller@pagodaprojects.com
clare.harding@pagodaprojects.com

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Thursday 26th March

Our InternChina teams are slowly emerging back into the world after a period in lock-down. Our Chengdu Branch Manager Liam is thrilled to be back working in the office again.

Programmes that were due to take place in Mainland China in April or May 2020 have sadly been postponed in light of current travel and visa restrictions.

All of our study tours along with Australian and New Zealand Government and University programmes have already been postponed. Some of the InternChina programmes that are due to take place in June, July and August 2020 on behalf of students studying in the UK may also be postponed. We will stay in close contact with the participants and ongoing applications hoping to take part on these programmes about any changes to over the coming weeks.

This includes those applicants hoping to take part on the GenerationUK Programme this year, your programme dates may be subject to change. Please keep your eyes on your inboxes for an update and thank you very much for your patience and understanding in the meantime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_masonry_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1603082691601-9ce7ac2f-6179-1″ include=”64471,64461,64463,4059,64469,64465″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dsqv-X6QARY&feature=youtu.be”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Thursday 26th March

Just as our participants, alumni and faithful partner universities and companies across the world are striving to endure, adapt and thrive through the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pagoda Projects are doing the same!

From all of us at Pagoda Projects, our thoughts and best wishes are with medical workers and governments who are doing their best to heal and protect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1585662336458{padding-top: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;background-color: #ededed !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2658″ alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]

Get in touch:

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