FAQ

Internship participants must be at least 18 years old.

Our Programmes are open to individuals of any nationality. Visa eligibility should be confirmed before booking as some nationalities may find it difficult to obtain the correct visa for certain locations. We will advise you on this once we have your application.

Many of our funded programmes such as Generation UK or University-Specific programmes may have additional eligibility criteria. You can find out more about these on our Programmes Page.

Most of our funded programmes have specific application deadlines. You will be able to see all our programmes on our Programmes Page where you can find the application deadlines.

You are welcome to submit an application after the application deadline has passed. However, it is not a guarantee that we’ll process your application. We adhere to strict deadlines and often fill 100% of the places available on each programme. You’ll hear from our Admissions team regardless of the outcome of your application.

If we do not have a partnership with your university, then we may not have any programmes to offer you at this time. 

However, you are welcome to reach out to our Admissions team at info@pagodaprojects.com and we’ll let you know if there are any other upcoming programmes that you may be eligible to apply for.

Some programmes may offer both online & in-person formats. However, we ask that you submit only one application for either an online or an in-person programme – not both. Please apply for your preferred programme format. 

Submitting multiple applications can cause errors and delays in your admissions process. If you are happy to participate in either an online or in-person programme, please let us know once we’ve reached out to you regarding your application submission. We’ll make a note in our system in case we need to suggest an alternative format.

Yes, of course! More than half of our participants are absolute beginners in the language of our host countries. Our programmes are open to students of all levels — beginner to advanced — and you do not need any previous knowledge. Our programmes are a perfect opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and even Vietnamese in a native environment.

Please start typing your country in the “Nationality” bar. Your country name should appear and you can select it. If it is not listed, then please type “N/A” and select the “N/A – Stateless / Not Listed” option. Our Admissions team will follow up with you directly after you submit your application to ensure we have the correct nationality on file.

Please enter the expiration date of your old passport. Once you’ve heard from our Admissions team regarding your application, please let us know when you expect to receive your new passport. We can update the correct expiration date in your application after you’ve received it.

Open the application form using a different browser and check first if the “Apply Now” button is visible at the bottom of the form. If that doesn’t work, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Here are the direct links to our application forms: In-Person Application, Online Application & SGE/Study Tour Application.

Please note that our application process may vary slightly if you apply as part of one of our government or university-funded programmes.

A member of our Admissions team will email you within 48 hours of your application. Firstly, we’ll advise you on programme fees and answer any of your initial questions. Next, we’ll request your CV and possibly a recorded interview, as well as your internship position preferences.

Once we’ve identified that we can accept your application, we’ll send you an agreement to sign to confirm your place on the programme, as well as request your refundable deposit payment. The programme agreement outlines our full terms & conditions in relation to your internship, accommodation, insurance, visa and our support. 

Our Placement team will then send your application to several different host companies to secure and arrange an interview for you. If you choose to take up the offer of an internship after interviewing with the company, our Compliance team will assist you with your visa (if required).

If you have applied and we’ve requested an interview from you, you should have received the link to submit your interview from our Admissions team. Please reach out to your Admissions contact for the correct interview submission link.

If you have applied for one of our programmes, a CV is always required to complete your application. Follow this link to submit your CV, and carefully follow the tips on that page.

It’s important to put time and effort into your CV. Host companies will have access to your CV when deciding whether or not they would like to interview you. Even if you don’t think you’ve had relevant experience, there’s still plenty you can include! Reach out to your Admissions contact at Pagoda if you need help.

Once you submit your application, our Admissions team will send you an email explaining our programme fees. We try to work with partners to provide full or partial funding where available. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Admissions contact at Pagoda and we will outline the full cost and any potential funding options that you may be eligible for.

Our programme fee covers administrative costs, placement assistance (where required), accommodation (not including Manchester), and travel insurance. 

Please keep in mind that our programme fees typically do not cover the cost of your visa, flights, meals, activities, and any other daily expenses incurred during your programme. However, some of our Sustainable Global Experience (SGE) programmes may cover meals and activities.

You may also be required to pay a small refundable deposit to secure your place on the programme, which is not included in the full programme fee.

The vast majority of Pagoda Projects’ programmes have funding available as part of our partnerships with universities and government-funded organisations.

Amounts will vary depending on the specific programme, and typically cover all or most of our programme fees. Additional funding may also be available through your university to assist with paying for flights. 

If you have further questions regarding potential funding, we recommend reaching out to our Admissions team at info@pagodaprojects.com

Costs that are typically not included in the programme fee include:

• Flights
• Visa Fees
• Food 
• Activities
• Transportation 
• Spending Money

Universities may have additional funding available to help offset additional costs. You can reach out to your university to see if this is available.

The primary purpose of the deposit is to secure your place on the programme. Significant staff time and resources go into securing an internship placement, booking accommodation, assisting with visa applications, and preparing our programmes. A deposit payment demonstrates to Pagoda that you are committed to completing the programme.

We do not charge application fees, and deposits are only required if you have been formally offered a place on the programme.

Yes, deposits are fully refunded at the successful end of your programme once you have completed all key programme requirements outlined in your programme agreement. We will send several reminders after your programme has ended about the steps required to receive your deposit refund.

The only situations where we would retain a deposit, either partially or fully, are in the event of damage to the accommodation, personal costs incurred that Pagoda has supported with up front (e.g. medical bills), incomplete post-programme requirements, or canceling your programme without extenuating circumstances. You can find more information in our Cancellation Policy: https://pagodaprojects.com/documents/participant-cancellation-terms.pdf

Retained deposits are donated to a charity of our choice.

You will receive your invoice within 1-3 working days of signing your programme agreement. It will be sent from our online accounting platform ‘Xero’. Please check your junk/spam folder if you think you should have received it and you haven’t yet.

Please send an email to payments@pagodaprojects.com and our finance team will work with you to find the best solution.

Normally visa application fees are not included in the cost of your Pagoda Projects’ programme, with the exception of a small number of our scholarships and university-funded programmes.

The cost of a visa varies depending on the country you’re applying to and your nationality. Please contact us for further information.

We assist with the visa application process for all participants on Pagoda Projects’ programmes that need a visa to participate in the programme. We issue the required invitation letter and send detailed instructions for your application. We have a dedicated team to guide you through the application process.

Valid passport signed by the holder, valid for at least 12 months beyond the programme start date. The passport needs to have at least 2 subsequent blank pages. 

For Lisbon and Madrid, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years ago.

If you have applied for a new passport and are waiting for that to arrive, please inform us immediately and state when you expect the new passport to be issued.

There is a general summary of the visa process here: https://pagodaprojects.com/documents/visa-process.pdf 

If you require a visa to take part in the programme, you will be contacted by a member of Pagoda Staff who will explain the process in more detail, probably through a Visa Workshop.

A brief overview of each location can be found here, however, please be aware that this is subject to change by different governments.

Amsterdam & Belgium:

Most participants will be required to apply for ETIAS online before traveling to Europe as of January 2024. 

Some participants may be required to apply for a Schengen Visa.

The Pagoda visa team will contact you to inform you, based on your nationality and the travel document/passport you hold, which of the above applies to you.

Bangkok:

Most participants will require a visa to participate in an internship, with very few exceptions.

Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC):

Most participants will require an Education visa sponsored by a local university to participate in an internship, with very few exceptions.

Madrid & Lisbon:

If you hold a valid passport for the following countries or regions you will be required to apply for ETIAS online prior to the Programme (as of January 2024):

• Member States of the European Union
• Member States European Economic Area
• Member States European Free Trade Area
• Canada, Japan, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, US, Korea, UK

If you do not come from any of the above-mentioned countries, you will need a Schengen visa to attend your internship programme.

A member of the Pagoda visa team will contact you to inform you, based on your nationality and the travel document/passport you hold, which of the above applies to you.

Manchester:

Your current study visa & BRP card for the UK is sufficient for the programme, since you are doing this programme as an accredited part of your university course. 

Mexico City:

If you are a citizen in the Schengen Area, UK, USA, Canada or Japan or if you have a permanent residence permit or a valid visa for any of those countries, you DO NOT REQUIRE A VISA to visit Mexico under the following conditions:

• The purpose of your visit is tourism, studies or business.
• The duration of your stay does not exceed 180 days.
• You will not receive any remuneration at all from Mexico.

Pagoda Projects will assist you with the necessary documentation for passing through immigration when you arrive in Mexico.

If you do not fit the above-mentioned criteria, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel to Mexico for the programme. Again, a member of the Pagoda visa team will contact you to guide you through the process.

Taiwan:

Most participants will require a visa to participate in an internship, with very few exceptions.

A rough pricing guide for visa costs can be found here: https://pagodaprojects.com/documents/visa-process.pdf 

Please note that visa charges are subject to change by the relevant embassy or consulate and may vary from the prices listed above.

The visa you’re issued for the Pagoda programmes, in all destinations, does not permit you to earn a salary of any kind for the duration of the programme.

Any participants who are found to be earning a wage of any amount for work completed outside of their internship will risk fines and even deportation from the country.

Yes. All participants traveling abroad for in-person programmes are covered under the Pagoda Participant Business Travel Insurance Policy (“Pagoda Policy”) unless you have specifically been told in writing via email from a Pagoda Staff member that you are not. Full policy details can be found here.

You may also be covered under the university’s own insurance policy for your in-person programme.

IMPORTANT! Please note that you are only covered for travel during the Programme dates as stated in the Programme Agreement you signed with Pagoda Projects. If you intend to continue traveling independently after the programme end date, you will no longer be covered by the Pagoda Policy. Before you start your journey, you are advised to purchase your own insurance policy for the full duration of your time abroad.

If you have chosen to purchase your own the coverage details must be passed to the Pagoda team to support in case of emergency.

Yes, you are still covered by the travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition. 

However, please note that ongoing treatment and ongoing prescription medication for the management of your pre-existing medical condition is not covered.

If you are claiming on the Pagoda Policy, then please collect all original purchase receipts, new purchase receipts, tickets, medical reports or police reports that are relevant to the insurance claim. 

Email these to contracts@pagodaprojects.com and explain what you are claiming for. You will then be asked to fill in and sign the appropriate insurance claim form. As the policy holder, a member of Pagoda’s compliance team will submit the insurance claim on your behalf, you will be kept on Cc so that you can keep track of the claim’s progress.

If you are claiming on your own insurance policy, or on your university’s insurance policy, then please be aware that the Pagoda staff will not be able to assist you with the claim.

The first step would be to chat to your doctor and ask them what you need. There most probably won’t be anything that you specifically need to get for our locations but you may need top-ups for some jabs if you do not already have them. Please consult with your GP on this matter.

When packing your suitcase, there are a few essential things to consider bringing. These essentials include:

• Copies of passport and insurance
• Other important documentation (in your hand luggage)
• Laptop
• Power adapters for your Destination
• Medicine (especially prescription medicine, allergy medicine etc.)
• Deodorant, hand sanitizer, and other toiletries (can be expensive & difficult to find in other countries)
• Clothes and shoes, in case you cannot find your size while abroad
• Sanitary products

There are many international shops and large supermarkets, so you don’t need to bring your whole wardrobe with you! Depending how long you are coming for, we would recommend that you only bring what you really need!

It can be extremely hot in many of the Pagoda Destinations so make sure the clothing you bring is light and comfortable. We recommend:

• Smart casual clothing for your internship
• At least one formal attire for special occasions / important meetings
• Poncho and/or umbrella & waterproof shoes for downpours
• Sun cream & insect repellent
• Sandals/flip-flops (shoes that can get wet!)
• Cardigan or light jacket for in the office (in case of powerful aircon)
• Towel (in case your accommodation doesn’t provide one)
• Bedding is provided in all Pagoda-provided accommodation.

Daily costs are what you will need to budget for, including things such as food, drink, social events, and transport.

It may be useful to refer to our blogs about budgeting in our various destinations, found here: https://pagodaprojects.com/cost-of-living

Use this link to find out the current daily exchange rates: https://www.xe.com/currency/gbp-british-pound/

Yes, you can. Please ensure you unlock your phone to be able to use another network’s SIM cards as Pagoda will provide you with a local one to use for the duration of your time on the programme.

There will be credit provided to get you started, which would typically last one week. Any further credit will need to be covered by yourself. Pagoda will be on hand to provide advice on how to add further funds to your phone should you need it.

If you have a smartphone we would recommend you download these apps before coming:

• Pagoda Portal
• Whatsapp
• Uber / Grab / Bolt
• XE (Currency Converter)
• Google Translate (or a similar Dictionary/translation app)

We generally advise against this. You would have to book their accommodation separately and arrange their visa (if necessary) and all additional costs involved in this would be self-funded.

For our internship programme, the cost of flights is not included in our programme fee. You will need to self-fund your own return flights to the destination. However, some universities may have additional funding available.

Where possible, we highly encourage you to book a train. This is because the environmental footprint of trains is far less than that of planes. You can read more about this here.

However, we understand this may not be possible, particularly if you are traveling long haul. It’s a good idea to research the carbon footprint of your flight, and some airlines and third-party providers will provide you with details of this, so you can choose the best option for the environment.

It is often cheaper to book a flight with a connection/layover in another country. HOWEVER, before you book a flight with a connection, please check the following:

• Do you require a transit visa to change flights in that country? Even if you have traveled via that country without a visa in the past, PLEASE CHECK. The regulations for visa-waivers can change.
• If you are required to have a transit visa for that country, have you checked how long it takes to obtain it and how much it costs? Transit Visas may take months to apply for.
• If you do not need a Transit Visa, you may be required to stay in the International Zone of the airport. If you have a long layover, this could make your journey more uncomfortable.

If you are unsure about any of the above, please get in touch!

It is completely up to you. If you want to know what flights other participants have booked you can send us a quick email and we will check if others are happy to share, so you can travel together.

We advise you to make one booking directly with the airline and not a third party for your flights, all the way to your destination, rather than splitting your booking and/or using a third-party provider. That way in the event of cancellations or delays, the airline company should provide support and/or compensation during transfers.

Things to think about before booking a train/flight:

• Flexible Tickets – it is always wise to buy flexible tickets where possible so that the dates of travel can be changed if needed
• Carbon Offsetting – have you considered carbon offsetting your flights?

WARNING! If you are buying a flight with a connection in Europe, the USA or elsewhere please CHECK IF YOU REQUIRE A TRANSIT VISA before you book the flight. Applying for transit visas through the USA or a European country can cause delays and add extra cost to your journey.

For most locations, we recommend booking your flights after you have booked your visa appointment.

For Hanoi & HCMC, we work with a university in those cities to handle the visa process, which could otherwise be quite complex. As a result, you can book your flights after you have confirmed your programme with Pagoda and returned your signed Programme Agreement! This will allow time to find the cheapest possible flight and choose the most suitable for you.

In some cases Pagoda may request that you delay booking your flight for logistical reasons. We appreciate your patience in this situation. If you are unsure, please just ask the staff member that has been handling your application.

Typically, there is no funding available to cover the cost of flights. However, we recommend that you reach out to your university for more information regarding your specific programme.

We STRONGLY advise that you DO NOT arrive early to your Pagoda destination before the arrival date that has been confirmed by your Programme Coordinator. The reason for this is that visa restrictions can make early arrival dates extremely complicated. Also, the Pagoda Team will make special arrangements for accommodation and a schedule for transfer for the day of arrival for the entire group. 

If you wish to travel in the destination country after your programme end date, then please inform us that this is your intention and take note of the following:

• You must obtain your own travel insurance policy for the whole duration of the programme and your trip. The Pagoda Policy only covers you if you arrive and return home within the programme start and programme end dates indicated.
• We cannot extend Pagoda accommodation contracts to cover additional time you are staying in the city after the Programme end date.
• You are responsible for securing your own visa for your travel after the programme end date. Most visas for our trips will only be valid for a short time (if that) after the programme end date. You therefore may be required by the local authorities to exit and re-enter the country on a tourist visa in order to stay longer beyond the programme end date. So you should factor this additional cost into your travel plans.

Your arrival date can be found in your Programme Agreement. Please ensure your flight arrives on the date specified, to be able to make use of our airport transfer and arrival activities. If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact your Programme Coordinator.

Yes, as long as you arrive on the specified arrival date, your Programme Coordinator will be waiting for you at the airport and will take you to your accommodation.

For internship programmes outside of the UK, your Programme Coordinator will meet you at the airport and take you over to your accommodation.

Your Programme Coordinator will arrange an orientation to run through the programme in more detail, what to expect from your time with us, health & safety information, hints and tips to make the most of your internship and social time, and of course, all the emergency procedures.

Arrangements will be made for you to get to your company, whether that is by giving you directions, assisting you by traveling there with you, or arranging for your host company to collect this. This varies by location, depending on what transport is available. You will be visited in the first week by your Programme Coordinator, to make sure you are settled in and happy with your company and working location.

Not at all. Our destinations have plenty of options to fit your dietary requirements, including Vegetarian, Halal, Vegan, etc. We have many participants with specific dietary restrictions, and you’ll have a kitchen to prepare food in your apartment accommodation (internship programmes only). There are also a number of delicious options and restaurants available in our destinations. We just ask that you first inform your Programme Coordinator of any dietary restrictions before arriving to your destination country so that we can better plan any activities that may include food.

All the events in-country are optional to attend and most will come with an additional cost associated with taking part. We run all our social activities at cost price and do not profit from these activities. It’s worth budgeting for additional trips and activities if you want to take part. Our team is always mindful of different budgets and most trips will be planned well in advance to allow for financial planning. 

You will be invited to a weekly meet-up that may be at a restaurant, park, museum etc., so you can meet up with other participants and your Programme Coordinator to do a fun activity together. We arrange these activities for our participants to take the stress away from organising them yourself so you can enjoy your new surroundings to the fullest! 

Your Programme Coordinator can also provide advice on how to arrange activities yourself if they aren’t planning to host an event for something you are interested in.

24/7 Emergency support is provided as standard for all participants.

Should you need to visit the hospital for example, your Programme Coordinator will accompany you to ensure there are no language barrier issues, and you receive the medical attention you need.

On your arrival, you will be provided with the Pagoda emergency number, so please save this in your phone.

Pagoda will be on hand throughout your programme to support you with your internship, give advice on how to maximise your social time, provide recommendations for places to eat/drink, and generally be there to support you during your programme.

We will ask you to complete a quick weekly check-in via the Pagoda Portal, to summarise how you’re feeling, if you have anything you wish to raise, and what went well that week. We will check these to make sure everything is going well, and support you if and when needed.

We can provide internship coaching, so if you do not have work experience, domestically or internationally, we can help you with guidance when needed.

If we provide accommodation for you, details will be sent to you prior to your programme start date. As standard, you will have the following:

• Private bedroom
• Shared bathroom
• Shared living room
• Shared kitchen, with basic cooking utensils
• Wi-Fi
• Within a reasonable distance of public transport

Bangkok, Hanoi, HCMC, Lisbon & Madrid:

We will provide accommodation information to you prior to arrival. We aim to make this within 40 minutes of your internship company, where possible.

Manchester:

Accommodation is not provided for you by Pagoda Projects, for the Manchester programme. You need to book your own accommodation, and cover the cost yourself. Accommodation is usually in the range of £200-£300 per week. We recommend you look for accommodation around the city centre, Fallowfield, Rusholme or Victoria Park.

We recommend shopping around to try and find the best deal for your accommodation. You could look on sites such as Housemates or Spare Room, as they tend to be student-friendly and have lots of options available. After you have booked your accommodation, please fill in the Manchester accommodation form so we know where you will be staying.

If we provide accommodation for you, we will try to house everyone within a similar part of the city so that you can visit and socialise with other participants on the programme, however we cannot guarantee that you will be housed with your friends. It is also important for us to consider your commute times when placing you in your accommodation. However, if you put in a request to be housed with a friend we will consider it and see what is possible.

For short visits this is usually fine, as long as you ask in advance for permission from Pagoda Projects, and where applicable, your housemates or host family.

For location-specific information, please go to ‘My Programmes’ on the Pagoda Portal and look for your city location (applicable only to participants who have been accepted onto a programme).

Internships that last less than 6 months are always unpaid. It is up to each individual host company whether or not they will provide a salary. In almost all cases, the internships are unpaid. However, select placements in Manchester may provide payment.

We work with hundreds of host companies across different sectors around the world to provide students with a wide variety of internship types. 

Instead of listing the sectors that we have available, it’s easiest to list the sectors that we do not currently place in:

• Medicine-related fields
• Lab-based positions

Our most popular internship sectors include Business, Education, Engineering, Finance, IT, Law, Marketing, NGO’s, & Sustainability.

You can browse all our internship listings here!

We prefer not to list the names of organisations on our website, but we are happy to tell you the company in question for any internship listed after you’ve completed a non-binding application for our programme.

We never guarantee that you’ll be successful in securing a placement. However, we only accept students onto our programmes who we are very confident in placing. If, for some reason, you are unable to secure an internship offer, we will cancel your programme and fully refund any payments you’ve made towards the programme fee and deposit. 

For our online programmes, we only allow changes to programme dates for special circumstances. Requests to change dates are subject to both your university’s and Pagoda’s approval. 

For our in-person and blended programmes, we cannot allow participants to change their programme dates. This is because our overseas programmes are group programmes that have set programme dates that have been carefully selected based on multiple university schedules. In addition, we do not offer in-country support outside of the programme dates, and our group travel insurance policy does not cover participants outside of these dates. Accommodation is also booked as a group, which means that you would potentially need to source your own accommodation if you started your programme earlier or later than the confirmed dates. For these reasons, we do not allow changes to programme dates.

All in-person and blended internship programmes are a full-time commitment (30-40 hours per week).

Our online internships may be either part-time (10-30 hours per week) or full-time depending on the programme’s requirements. Please check the programme page for your specific programme for more details. Weekly working hours for the online internship are to be confirmed in writing between interns and their internship supervisors at the confirmed host company prior to the programme start date. 

Requests to increase or decrease the weekly hour commitment of your programme must be first approved by both Pagoda and your university and are typically granted only for special circumstances.

Daily working hours (ie. 9 to 5, for example) can vary. These specific hours should be communicated during your interviews with each host company. We recommend that all participants ask questions during their interviews about the daily working hours for further clarification on when you’ll be expected to come into the office. 

Many offices tend to be fairly casual, however, you will still be expected to wear work appropriate clothing (as opposed to beach-wear!). Ties/suit jackets/pencil skirts/formal trousers are normally not necessary, but we encourage you to check with your supervisor what the dress code is, before departing so you know what to pack.

TIP! Try to dress relatively smart on your first day of work. That will leave a good impression on your colleagues. Then you can assess how formally your colleagues are dressed and dress appropriately for the remainder of the internship.

After you have signed the programme agreement and made any necessary payments, Pagoda will begin the process of placing you with an internship host company. We will send your application to your preferred host companies and introduce you to the host company if they decide to offer you an interview. Interviews will be offered at the discretion of the host company, and Pagoda cannot guarantee that you will obtain an interview with your preferred host company. Your internship host company will be finalised prior to the programme start date.

We recommend reviewing our interview guide for more information on a successful interview with our host companies.

We will do our best to ensure you are happily matched with an internship host company before the programme start date. In the event that you are not offered an internship by any of the Pagoda host companies before the programme start date, then you will be refunded all payments you have made. 

In the event that you choose not to accept any internship offers that have been made to you by Pagoda host companies, we reserve the right to retain any payments you have made. This will depend on the exact circumstances but is subject to the absolute and exclusive discretion of Pagoda.

We ask that you respect the time that our host companies have invested in the interview process. If you are not interested in a role after receiving an offer to interview, it is better to turn down the interview altogether.

We do not typically allow students to change their host companies once they have accepted the offer. We try to work with you and your company/supervisor to address any concerns, to make sure everyone is happy with the internship. If for any reason that cannot be achieved, we will consider a request to change the host company on a case-by-case basis. If this request is after the programme has started and a replacement cannot be found within five working days, then we would have to terminate the programme.

You will be sent a reminder to check in on every Friday. If you are uncertain about how to do it, please watch this video.

If you have not received a response from your host company, we recommend contacting our Pagoda Staff Supervisor for assistance. They are specifically trained to handle situations like these and will be able to guide you through the process. The Pagoda Staff Supervisor serves as a mediator between interns and companies, ensuring effective communication and a smooth onboarding experience. We understand the importance of communication and are here to support you throughout your internship journey. 

To check in with your Host Company supervisor, it is important to maintain regular communication throughout your internship. Begin by determining their preferred mode of communication, such as email, phone calls, or a messaging platform. If you haven’t heard from your supervisor, please get in contact with your Pagoda Staff Supervisor. Request a discussion with your Host Company to address your progress, ask questions, or address any concerns. Remember, open and proactive communication is crucial. If you encounter difficulties, reach out to your Pagoda Staff Supervisor for support throughout your internship.

The skills courses offered at Pagoda are optional, but we highly recommend that you complete some of them in order to maximize your Pagoda experience. These courses have been designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in specific areas that are directly relevant to the activities and opportunities available at Pagoda.

By participating in the skills courses, you will have the opportunity to learn valuable techniques, acquire new tools, and gain insights from experienced mentors. These courses are tailored to provide you with the necessary knowledge and abilities to excel in various aspects of your career.

Completing the skills courses will not only help you make the most of your time at Pagoda, but it will also enhance your overall experience by enabling you to fully engage with the unique opportunities and challenges that Pagoda has to offer. The skills you acquire through these courses can significantly contribute to your personal and professional growth, both during your time at Pagoda and beyond.

While participation in the skills courses is not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to consider taking advantage of this opportunity. Investing your time and effort in these courses will enhance your skills, increase your confidence, and equip you with the tools needed to succeed in the Pagoda environment.

Ultimately, the decision to enroll in the skills courses is yours, but we believe that by doing so, you will enhance your overall Pagoda experience and increase your chances of achieving your goals.

Generally, daily working hours for an online internship are more flexible. This will depend on the timezone of your host company and their expectations for any crossover hours in your timezone. You can discuss a reasonable working schedule for the online internship with the host company during your interview.

The availability during work hours is also something you can (and should) discuss in detail with your supervisor. Working remotely may mean it is possible to set your own schedules and get your work done during times that work for you. That said you may still need to work within the confines set by your host company.

Have a respectful discussion with your supervisor on the nature of the work, the practice of the company, the expectations, etc. A remote internship is a great opportunity to practice and get more experienced in your time management skill.

As with everything, you can discuss this with your Host Company supervisor. As long as you can plan ahead and let your supervisor know well in advance. That way it is also possible to plan your work accordingly to avoid any disappointment from either side.

When engaging with a cultural mentor, there are numerous topics that you can explore based on your interests and goals. While Pagoda will provide you with weekly suggestions, here are some general areas you may want to consider discussing:

• Cultural heritage: Learn about your mentor’s cultural background, traditions, customs, and significant events. This can help you develop a deeper understanding of their culture and its values.
• Language and communication: Discuss language nuances, common phrases, idioms, or expressions used in their culture. You can also practice conversational skills to improve your language proficiency.
• Daily life and routines: Inquire about your mentor’s typical day-to-day activities, family dynamics, and social interactions. This can provide insights into their lifestyle and allow you to compare and contrast with your own.
• Arts, literature, and music: Explore your mentor’s artistic traditions, literature, music, dance, and visual arts. This can give you a glimpse into their creative expressions and cultural heritage.
• Cuisine and culinary traditions: Share and discover traditional recipes, cooking techniques, and food preferences. This is an excellent way to experience their culture through the senses and build a connection through shared culinary experiences.
• Social and religious customs: Gain knowledge about social etiquette, religious practices, and celebrations that hold significance in their culture. This can foster understanding and respect for their beliefs and values.
• History and significant events: Learn about major historical events, influential figures, and their impact on the culture. Discuss how history has shaped their society and contributed to their identity.

Remember that the specific topics you discuss will depend on your mentor’s cultural background and your own interests. Approach these conversations with curiosity, respect, and an open mind to foster a meaningful and mutually beneficial relationship.

Unfortunately we cannot share other participants’ details as this will violate GDPR policy. 

However, if you are accepted to our programme you’ll be sent instructions to register on the Pagoda Portal and App. You’ll then be added to a group for your specific programme. Through the App, you will be able to reach out directly to other participants who will be joining your programme.

Unfortunately we cannot share previous participants’ details as this will violate GDPR policy. 

However, upon request we can reach out to our alumni network and ask if anyone would be willing to speak to a potential participant.

Pagoda provides access to digital resources for all our internship participants.

Pagoda Projects have developed a series of skills courses set to encourage the development of students and recent graduates’ current skillset with the fundamental elements needed to improve their ‘work readiness’. The skills series includes courses focusing on:

• Intercultural Fluency
• Employability
• Digital Competency

We believe this framework provides the learner with the agility needed for a global and ever-changing workplace, preparing them with the knowledge to communicate effectively within an international work group or team, and to tackle the job market with awareness, preparation, and confidence. As qualifications remain a vital measure of achievement, a certificate is provided following each completed course.

The Pagoda Portal, where you can access these resources, comes with lifetime access, so you can continue to see the events and skills courses after your internship with us.