My Experiences as an Overseas Placement Student with Disrupted Plans

As I wait 12 hours for my layover in Istanbul Airport, I thought it would be a great time for me to document some of the happenings which have unfolded, due to the exponential developments of the global health pandemic.

The past week has been crazy for everyone, especially with the declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. Draining as this period might be, these trying times have surfaced some of the most invaluable lessons and observations which I would like to share with all of you!

Image: Hurried to take the last photo with my company's logo when I was notified about the recall

My recall back to Singapore from Israel It all started with an email from the school, informing us about the suspension of all overseas placements by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL). As part of the NUS Overseas Colleges Programme in Israel, we were told that we had to be "prepared to leave anytime". Initially, we were set to fly on a Friday. Flight tickets were booked and we prepared to wrap up our internship stints for the week. As the week progressed, country borders were closing and flights were getting cancelled. Needless to say, this situation got us into a state of anxiety.

On Tuesday, we received news from our programme manager that the school managed to get us on an earlier flight the next day after she painstakingly liaised with the travel agency for alternative arrangements. I am thankful that everyone was cooperative, and that we managed to execute this plan smoothly.

Image: Waiting at our boarding gate to go home! (Featuring: Bookful goodie bag given to us as a farewell gift, accompanied by a heartfelt note and a book about Tel Aviv!)

Throughout this whole episode, we received constant assurance from the school that we would get back safely regardless. Our programme managers lost countless nights of sleep and checked in on us at every stage of our journey back home. As much as this recall came as a shock for us, we are appreciative that all relevant authorities have put us before themselves to get us back safely!

Image: Finally back home safely at Singapore Changi Airport!

Work from home in Israel The announcement of the global pandemic also saw schools shutting down and companies working from home in Israel. My internship company also implemented the work from home policy with immediate effect.

Image: Caught a last selfie with my colleagues during our last physical day in the office!

I vividly recall how everyone jumped onto the Zoom call on the Sunday we started implementing the measures. Being a company which operates from multiple locations all over the world, that was the first time I saw everyone in a meeting together! With much charisma, confidence and composure, our CEO laid out the next steps forward. He assured the company that as long as we were willing to work hard together, we can control our destiny and stand against the virus, alongside its consequences. In fact, some of my colleagues have already started working doubly hard across the weekend, taking the opportunity to turn this threat into an immense opportunity for the business to grow.

Since the recession turns the tide in startups' favour, the more important it is for a lean startup culture to be instilled in these uncertain times. I remember how our CEO encouraged everyone to turn on their web cameras on Zoom to foster a feeling of closeness and connection. This encounter has taught me how agility is a key ingredient to thriving in uncertain times. Despite unforeseen circumstances, our team is able to be adaptive - indispensable to producing adaptive solutions for our users. Be it work from home or work in the office, everyone has a part to play in doing their best in difficult times!

Skilio Industry Attachment Programme

Looking at things from another perspective, having co-founded an EdTech start-up which aims to prepare our youth for the VUCA world ahead, my team launched an initiative - Skilio Industry Immersion Programme to support our youth, especially those who were affected by their disruption of plans just like me. We designed the Skilio Industry Immersion Programme to provide accelerated exposure through 1-month project stints with partnering companies and organisations. Throughout the course of these projects, we are providing participants with our Skilio platform for free, allowing them to document their soft skill growth throughout this immersion programme.

Our initiative has caught the attention of many since our launch, and we are more than happy to get even more students and participants on board. For interested companies/ organisations, indicate your interest here as one of our supporting projects! Students looking into expanding your industry knowledge, join our telegram group here for more information!

Returning home

My family is excited about my return! After all, it is great to be able to celebrate my 21st birthday with my loved ones. Although I'll be home earlier than expected, 3 months have made me realise how much warmth and comfort my home has provided me.

As much as I am eager to return to the comfort of my own home, this meant having to leave my newfound home - my Israeli colleagues. To be honest, it feels like I've known them for a long time. I miss how adamant they are about pronouncing my name right, not leaving the office until they complete a task, and sending me home just so that I'll be less exposed to the virus. The Israeli spirit is one of my biggest takeaways here!

Image: Well wishes from my colleagues make it very hard for us to leave! Decided to get the company a 招财猫 (fortune cat in Chinese) as a farewell gift.

Conclusion

In all, the virus has called for extreme measures to be taken, but it has also shown me the compassionate, genuine and vulnerable side of humankind. I am optimistic that these traits of ours will pull us through these tough times. Meanwhile, let's be responsible, wash our hands regularly, and keep healthy! We got this 💪