Liverpool John Moores University – Vietnam Industry Experience – Pagoda Projects

4-week Vietnam Industry Experience

Solve real business challenges in Vietnam

Want to build cultural and professional experience?
On this programme, you’ll work under the guidance of experienced mentors to complete an industry project set by an international company in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Programme Dates: 19th June 2025 - 19th July 2025

Apply to your University between February and 21 March 2025

Gain genuine workplace experience, applying your knowledge and skills to identify and help solve real world problems for an international business

Demonstrate and develop skills sought by employers including communication, teamwork, cultural IQ, time and self-management, presentational skills and self-awareness

Increase your understanding of business needs and practices around the world,

Improve your intercultural awareness, cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills

Build your professional and personal networks, gaining different perspectives, advice and guidance

Have fun exploring a new and exciting country whilst growing into a confident, well-rounded, independent and adaptable individual

Phase 1 - Project Brief & Preparation

Be equipped with the necessary skills needed to understand the local culture and business environment
Orientations, seminars and local field trips
Icebreakers and teambuilding to establish a positive and productive group environment
Kick-off event and meet your project supervisor
Assign team member roles and responsibilities
Knowledge sharing and information gathering about the brief
Draft week-by-week project plan including objectives and deliverables to reach final goal

Phase 2 - Project Work

Two weeks supervised project work
Weekly check points with your project supervisor to gather feedback and clarity in any areas required
Work collaboratively with your group to complete relevant research to support your final analysis and recommendations
Develop your skills working through the Pagoda Online Skills courses applying your new knowledge to your tasks and work on the project.
Develop your professional and cultural understanding through further workshops and activities
Grow your international network further by connecting with locals and professionals

Phase 3 - Project Deliverables

As a group finalise your research and recommendations within your playbook
Prepare & practice to present your project outcomes with a mock online presentation and direct feedback
Present your findings to your peers, company and other industry professionals
Reflect on your 4-week programme, identifying areas of development, and how you can articulate this within your CV, future job applications and interviews
Celebrate a successful programme and let your hair down in a final awards dinner and celebration.

About Pagoda Projects

Pagoda Projects is a leading provider of internships and sustainable global experiences. We work with universities and companies around the world to provide quality internships that enhance students’ international employability.

Programme Details

Eligibility

Open to all full-time level 4 and 5 students from across the university.

Funding

The programme fee is fully funded by Liverpool John Moores University.

Students will need to pay a £200 refundable deposit. Deposits are refunded upon completion of the programme, minus any cleaning fees or additional charges.

Please note that daily living costs, flights, and visa costs are not covered by our programme fees.

Application Process

Apply to your University: Apply through the Global Opportunities Portal on your myLJMU app or email goabroad@ljmu.ac.uk for more information.
Selection: Once you have applied to your university and they have completed selection you will be put in touch with the Pagoda team to confirm your place on the programme.
Agreement & Onboarding: If awarded a place and you’re happy to proceed, just sign our agreement and pay the refundable deposit to secure your place. Following this, our team will be in touch for onboarding and will support you through the necessary pre-departure steps.

Programme Dates

19th June 2025: Arrival in Vietnam
20th June 2025: Programme Start
18th July 2025: Programme End
19th July 2025: Departure from Vietnam

Pre-Departure

Pagoda will host a virtual pre-departure event where participants will have the chance to have their questions answered. A recording of the event will be provided to those unable to attend.

Orientation & Support

A Pagoda team member will greet you at the airport and accompany you to your accommodation. You’ll be provided with a welcome pack and detailed orientation to help you feel settled in your new country. Throughout the programme you will check-in weekly with the Pagoda team, who will also provide 24/7 emergency on-site assistance if required.

Industry Projects

In groups of 2-6, you’ll work collaboratively on industry projects set by local companies. You’ll have weekly checkpoints with your mentor who will check in on progress and be able to answer questions, provide information and guidance. At the end of the programme, you’ll present your research and an accompanying playbook of findings to a panel of industry professionals.

Industry projects are aimed to build your transferable skills that can be applied across any role that you may go on to do in the future.

Group Activities

Throughout the programme, you’ll enjoy a range of activities including field trips, cultural tours, social events, networking opportunities and hands-on project work—all aimed at fostering teamwork, cultural understanding, and professional growth.

Example Activities:

Mekong River Delta Boat Trip
Skills Course: Building Intercultural Fluency
Employability, Leadership and Career Development Workshops
Vietnamese Language Class
Chamber of Commerce Networking Event
Coffee Class: Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam War Museum

Accommodation

Our expert in-country teams will source and manage your accommodation, in line with our accommodation quality policy. Our furnished apartments are all located on good transport links and in a secure area of the cities where Pagoda delivers programmes, inclusive of all bills and wifi.

You will always be provided your own private bedroom.

Pagoda Portal

The Pagoda Portal is a digital hub for our student community. You can use it to network with other interns, locate key information and register for online skills courses.

Our online skills courses focus on Workplace Basics, Employability, Digital Competency and Intercultural Fluency which you’ll have chance to complete during your programme. They’ll provide you with the skills and agility needed for a global and ever-changing workplace as well as a certification upon completion.

Destination

Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam. This bustling city is the business and financial hub of Vietnam. With it’s classic French architecture, sleek skyscrapers and mixture of French, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine it’s no wonder why millions of tourists visit the capital each year.

Pagoda Portal

All programmes are managed on the Pagoda Portal - a digital hub for our student community. This is where you can track your progress, register for events, access skills courses, network with other participants and request additional support.