How to Get an Internship in China

The relevant visa and work permit must be applied for by your company or provider if you are looking for an internship in China. Internships in China require foreigners to hold a "special business F visa" that forbids pay. Any company offering paid internships in China should be avoided. Non-monetary advantages like as meals, lodging, travel insurance, and so on may be provided by certain firms.

However, finding an internship without the help of a reputable agency may be difficult, and most companies are reluctant to take a risk on a candidate they've never met.

You'll save time and money by working with a placement agency, which will take care of the visa procedure, locate a suitable internship and manage all of the legal documentation for you. Your placement agency should also take care of transportation to and from the airport, as well as lodging. The majority of schools also offer Chinese language classes, either as part of their curriculum or as an optional "extra."

There are a wide range of prices charged by placement agencies, so it's important to shop around and do your homework to discover the best deal. If you're a first-time visitor to China, you'll want a program that will help you during your internship and beyond, so you can concentrate on making the most out of your time here.

When looking for internships in China, it's best to stay away during Chinese New Year, which falls between late January and the middle of February (the precise dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar), since workplaces are frequently closed or understaffed and no official business is conducted.. In order to enhance your chances of getting placed in the industry or firm of your choice, you should submit your application at least two or three months ahead of time for every internship placement program.

Beijing and Shanghai, two of the country's most internationalized cities, host the great majority of China internships, which include opportunities in fields ranging from business and finance to media and marketing. Those interested in working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charities, or other social welfare groups may find internship possibilities in more rural areas of China.

If you're an intern in China, you'll need a "F Visa," or business visa, which permits you to remain for up to six months. It costs US $130 to apply for a Chinese visa, and you'll need to submit: 1) a photocopy of your passport; 2) a completed application form; and 3) an official invitation letter from your host firm in China. Visa assistance from your internship placement organization should be included in the total program price, and it should be free of charge.

Beijing and Shanghai are two of China's most cosmopolitan cities, and as a result, the quality of living and cost of living are much greater in these cities than in the rest of the country. Depending on where you travel, how frequently you go out, and how "Western" you want to be while you're there, your spending will vary. For example, a full lunch at a Chinese restaurant, even an elite one, may be eaten for less than $10, compared to Western eateries. In contrast, frequenting expat-friendly pubs and restaurants will significantly increase your costs. A monthly stipend of 3,000-5,000 renminbi (about $500-800) should be sufficient for most interns who choose a Western-Chinese hybrid lifestyle.