Intern Abroad in China

With the largest population in the world and one of the largest economies, China is the ideal place to do an internship abroad. There are countless industries and opportunities that await you in this burgeoning country. You will be able to launch a career in any number of fields after completing an internship and you are pretty much guaranteed a head start over your competitors. 

This is an especially great choice for an internship location if you already know a little Mandarin or are willing to learn. You will be given a chance to network for multinational companies from all around the world since many companies have headquarters or at least regional bases in major Chinese cities. Imagine living in Beijing or Shanghai and being able to take advantage of all that this vast country has to offer. Take the plunge and expand your work horizon in China. 

China at a Glance

Domestic Population: 1.35 Billion People

Capital City: Beijing

Language: Mandarin

Currency: Chinese Yuan

Trivia: China is known as the Middle Kingdom and the Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure in the world.

When Is The Best Time To Intern in China

There is never a bad time to look for an internship in China. Many programs have placements year-round depending on the needs of each individual company. What you need to consider is the length of time that you are willing to commit to an internship. There are some programs that run 1-2 months and others that go up to a year or more. 

If you stay for a longer period of time, you have a higher chance of being able to translate that internship in a potential full-time position. Otherwise, the shorter stints will still look good on your resume/curriculum vitae and you will still be able to gain valuable real-world experience. Since you can find a program pretty much every single month, you need to also look at weather and what else you want to accomplish during your time in China. If you are looking to travel during your time in this country, then finding an internship that runs through the Chinese New Year would be a great way to take time off during your work.

Internship Programs and Popular Cities in China

With the sheer variety and opportunity of positions in China, you have a good chance of finding paid internships or at least positions that provide a stipend. The usual process is that you find a company that places you in the position and field of your choice. The best placement companies not only take your desired field into consideration, they also will narrow down that field into the perfect position that suits your strengths and your future career. 

There is a wide variety of fields and positions available to you in China. If you are interested in a long-term career, specifically look for companies that advertise the backdoor method of getting a job in China. 

Beijing: The capital of Beijing is an ideal place to begin a career in China. This gigantic city holds everything you could ever want in any company or field that you could ever dream of. Find a position in everything from social media to architecture to graphic design

• Getin2China Group (Gi2C Group)
• CRCC Asia Beijing

Shanghai: A crucial center for commerce, Shanghai is perfect for those aspiring businessmen/women. If you are not interested in business, this bustling city has a lot to offer in a variety of diverse fields and is a must-visit for those international travelers. 

• Connect-123 Internships in Shanghai
• Gi2C Group Internships in Shanghai

Other popular areas include Tianjin, Chengdu, and Hainan Island.

Housing Options For Interns in China

There are many different housing options available to interns in China. Some programs have arrangement with local universities, which would allow you to live on-campus with a roommate from your program or a local roommate depending on your choice. Another option is to reside in a homestay. This would give you a chance to improve your Mandarin skills. There are some internship companies that keep their own accommodations for interns. These are usually well-placed in exciting areas of town. Finally, you could always choose to find your own housing or to enlist a company in helping you find an apartment.  

Costs Of An Internship Programs In China

Depending on the length of your internship and the perks included, companies charge anywhere from $1000 to $9000 and up. The most basic packages include internship placement and orientation while the more expensive packages cover everything from accommodation to visa fees. 

If you are enrolled or have been accepted to a longer-term internship, you can negotiate a living stipend to help with the costs of living and working in China. There are also scholarships available. 

China Visa 

Depending on the company, you will either have your visa completely taken care of or you will be issued an invitation letter so that you can submit the appropriate visa materials to the nearest Chinese Embassy. You cannot enter China, let alone work there, without a visa. 

Wrap Up

It is never too late to start on your career or to start a new career. Consider an internship in China as the perfect way to explore your future options or even to fall in love with a future job. This powerful country is at the top of its game when it comes to economic expansion and cultural exchange. This chance-of-a-lifetime will help to secure your future and ensure that you are prepared to meet any, and every, challenge that comes your way. Explore the all of the historical and environmental sights that are spread through the Middle Kingdom and come back home with a renewed excitement for travel and adventure.