Work Culture in Shanghai

Every firm in Shanghai will have its own unique culture as well as set of expectations, just as in your native nation. While some employers are open to employees wearing business casual clothes to the office, others insist that employees adhere to a strict dress code and work within predetermined hours.

It is considered rude to arrive late for work in China, and Chinese citizens do not often criticize the decisions of their superiors or those in higher management positions.

Mandarin is the language of instruction in schools across Shanghai; yet, English is the language most typically used in corporate settings. When applying for an internship, it is quite likely that proficiency in either English or Mandarin will be necessary.

It is typical for workers in China to put in lengthy shifts and be required to work on the weekends. It is possible that as an intern you may be required to work the same number of hours per week as full-time workers. If this is the case, it is important that you establish clear limits for both your hourly and weekly commitments and that you adhere to them.

If you want to be successful, you need to have sensitivity to other cultures, a sense of humor, patience, and a strong work ethic.

Networking: Utilizing an internship placement program, whether it be one offered by your university or one offered by a professional internship service, will provide you with excellent opportunities for networking, ranging from student meet ups to events that are networking-specific to your industry.

Laws Regarding Work and Labor in Shanghai

Legally speaking, unpaid interns who have an F-business visa for a period of six months or less cannot take money. A person requires a Z employment visa, which has more tougher requirements, in order to be legally qualified to take money for working in China. The requirements for this visa may be found here. If you are in the nation on a F visa and you accept remuneration for your internship, you will be kicked out of the country.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Consume water from bottles (never from the tap).

Always remember to bring along a name card that includes the Chinese address of both your current location and your destination.

If it's at all feasible, you should download a translation app on your smartphone.

The weather is going to be completely different from one season to the next. During the middle of winter, you may anticipate temperatures below freezing, while during the summer months, you can anticipate temperatures reaching above one hundred degrees.

When you first arrive, it is recommended that you go on a tour of the city so that you may get acquainted with its many neighborhoods.

It is generally considered to be good practice to avoid discussing political and religious topics, particularly with unknown individuals.

Smile and try to have an open mind since it's likely that Shanghai will be quite different from where you come from, so make the most of the experience.