The People's Republic of China has been a center of international attention for the past 15 years as it has emerged as a global economic power. China has the world's highest population with more than 1.3 billion people, and is the third largest country in the world with respect to land area. Due to such a large population and land size, China has immense cultural and geographic diversity within its borders. Chinese history can be traced back thousands of years, making ancient China one of the world's oldest civilizations. The Chinese lifestyle--founded in Eastern traditions that include religious, medical, and governmental beliefs far different from the west attracts students from all over the world to study abroad.
Architecture and Urban Planning
Architecture and urban planning internships expose you to the design and construction of buildings and urban areas in cultures that have different planning models than those at home. Gain technical skills and practical experience within the field, while providing exposure to new systems and styles. Participants interested in an architecture internship may need to submit a portfolio.
Arts and Humanities
Encompassing a wide range of academic fields including history, philosophy, cultural studies, and sociology among many others, internships in the arts and humanities allow you to explore career options across many business sectors and industries while refining professional interests and strengths. Internships in these fields tend to be multi-disciplinary allowing you to gain a robust set of skills and knowledge.
Business and Marketing
Internships in business fields include a wide range of companies across all industries-—from small start-ups to large multinational corporations. Interns can focus on a specific area within business such as economics, finance, or marketing. Business internships provide valuable experience in understanding regional trade practices, international economies, and global marketing strategies from a new cultural perspective.
Communication, Media, and PR
Understanding the cultural climate of the times and the ways to effectively navigate it is a valuable skill. Working alongside international colleagues and within a new culture helps shape your worldview and ability to more effectively communicate with a wider audience. Work in an array of industries as communications, media and, PR jobs span all industries.
Education
An internship abroad in education is a great way to prepare for a career as a teacher, administrator, or principal. You will be exposed to new educational structures, curriculum, and methods in a variety of educational environments. The experience provides future educators with an expanded cultural perspective and worldview to broaden their approach to education and be more successful educators in our increasingly diverse classrooms.
Engineering
You will work alongside professionals from around the globe from reputable companies, universities, and research organizations in the industry. Interning abroad promotes innovation, technical understanding, and interpersonal and cross-cultural communication, which are just some of the skills necessary to translate ideas and plans into reality for cultures that are different from our own.
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
An internship abroad in environmental studies or sustainability will expose you to some of the most diverse environments in the world. Working with scientists and business professionals, you will gain real-world experience while making a global impact. From placements in biology and ecology to those focusing on sustainable business practices and technology, you will work to solve some of today’s most pressing environmental issues.
Fashion
A fashion internship abroad is a great stepping stone into the industry. Get hands-on experience in a truly global industry, learning about new aesthetics and understanding how business-to-business transactions between suppliers and distributors come to be. Placements focus on design, merchandising, PR, e-commerce, or a combination thereof. Portfolios are required for those participants interested in fashion design.
Film and TV
With a film or television internship abroad, you have the opportunity to work at a variety of companies, providing you with hands-on experience at every step in pre-production, production, and post-production. Exploring the field from a new cultural context while learning best practices will be an invaluable career stepping stone. A portfolio may be requested.
Health
Health internships abroad provide opportunities to shadow professionals, participate in community outreach, and conduct research. Gain first-hand experience with diverse practices in health care systems across a range of specializations. You will leave with a new understanding of how culture influences the practice of medicine, providing you with valuable preparation for a career in the health field. Local language proficiency may be required.
Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
International internships in hospitality, events, and tourism provide you with a truly unique understanding of the field and an opportunity to learn about the industry through real world experiences. The field varies across cultures, settings, and clientele, instilling a global perspective into your future career. Plan weddings, lead wine tastings, or assist in hotel management as an intern!
IT and Computer Science
An IT or computer science internship abroad complements your formal education with practical work experience in one of the most globalized fields worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to refine career goals, develop a professional network, and learn how other parts of the world use technology. Internships in this field usually require proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, Ruby, etc.
Legal Studies and Advocacy
Law and advocacy internships include a range of opportunities working at law firms and policy and advocacy centers. Internships in this field provide an inside view of the host country’s legal system and an understanding of how the community navigates within that system. Apply your knowledge to a real-world setting and learn how law and justice work in practice. A writing sample may be requested.
Performing and Visual Arts
With a focus on specific areas such as graphic design, photography, music, dance, or theater, internships in the performing and visual arts give you the opportunity to learn what type of creative projects you will likely work on in a professional setting. Gain valuable insight into the creative process and have a chance to apply your knowledge, channel your inner creativity, and network with industry professionals. A portfolio may be requested.
Political Science
Whether you are interested in American politics, international relations, or public policy and advocacy, an internship abroad allows you to gain valuable insight into how government policies, political parties, city councils, or governmental agencies work. Experience firsthand how these political bodies work with and against one another in the local and global arena.
Psychology and Social Work
A psychology or social work internship helps you understand the complicated social challenges facing global communities while learning how professionals respond. Placements are often research based or involve observing professionals and assisting with various tasks at non-profits. An internship abroad provides the opportunity to connect and integrate theory and practice into a real world setting. A background check may be requested.
Research
Participating in research expands academic experience and enhances understanding of an academic field. A research placement provides the opportunity to join an on-going research project for a short period, helping you clarify academic, career and personal interests. Step in at various stages of the research process and engage in a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach.
Science and Math
Participating in a science or math internship abroad is a great way to understand how research and problem-solving work in other locations, learn about different system models, and see how science and math work in a practical setting. Interning abroad is a great way to build soft skills, gain a better understanding of the larger field, and start considering interests for post-graduate study.
Sports and Exercise
A sport and exercise science internship gives you a comprehensive understanding of current systems and practices in the field as they vary across cultures. Often in this field, you will work as part of a larger team to build teamwork and cross-cultural communication skills. There is a wide range of placements available, from clinics and fitness centers, to sports teams, and research at universities. Complete a mandatory practicum abroad!
Shanghai Highlights and Activities
Orientation, Excursions, and Cultural Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation in Shanghai where you will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in your internship abroad. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the country (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Beijing and The Great Wall
Get ready for a weekend designed for you to experience the best of Beijing exploring China’s ancient and modern culture, eating plenty of delicious cuisine and even experiencing one of the world’s greatest wonders – the Great Wall of China. After a high speed train ride up to China’s capital city, visit the historic Forbidden City and stop at the iconic Tiananmen Square. Beijing’s meandering alleyways, known as hutongs, also offer a glimpse into the past while the city’s tasty treats, like authentic Peking duck, show the range of China’s mouthwatering meals. The highlight of the weekend is an overnight stay at the Great Wall of China complete with a sunrise hike along the wall away from other tourists.
Chengdu
While interning, take in a weekend getaway to the wonderful town of Chengdu. Filled with cultural history, archaic infrastructure, and adorable pandas, you won't want to miss this long weekend trip included in your ISA program fee. During the excursion, you will explore the region’s iconic “Wide and Narrow Alleys”, known as Kuai Shai Xiangzi, which are a tribute to the ancient architecture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, marvel at one of Taoism’s central birthplaces, Mount Qingcheng, and take in the scenery surrounding the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for being the oldest grand irrigation system in the world and home to a number of cultural relics. Of course, you couldn't leave Chengdu without visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding! You'll have plenty of time to explore on your own after enjoying a guided tour.
Cultural Activities in Shanghai
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Shanghai. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcase what makes Shanghai special. These activities vary each term. Previous offerings have included dumpling night, a calligraphy lesson, a Taichi class, a traditional tea ceremony, and temple visits.
Housing Details
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in China and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Apartments
Participants are placed in furnished, centrally located serviced apartments. Bedrooms are single to four-person occupancy. Apartments have lounge/living room, kitchen and bathroom(s). Each apartment is equipped with basic furnishings and supplies, including one single bed (per student), a closet/clothing storage space, basic cookware and kitchenware, laundry facility in complex, chairs and furnished sitting area. Bed linens are provided for you. All apartments are same-sex, non-smoking environments.
Why Intern in Shanghai?
Shanghai, China is one of the world's largest cities and one of its most important centers for business and trade. With a population close to 20 million people, Shanghai also presents unlimited multi-cultural experiences. People from all over the world call Shanghai home, which has given the city a unique culture. Due to its financial success, Shanghai has some of the best shopping in China, with a wide range of shopping options from small shops to giant stores. Anyone who enjoys shopping will love Shanghai! From walking the Bund, to seeing a stunning array of architectural styles and unique buildings, to visiting a tea house to see Chinese opera, there is constantly something to see or do while in Shangahi. Shanghai offers the opportunity to explore Chinese food, economy, and culture and learn how over one billion people on the globe live.
China is an excellent location for Business and Marketing, Hospitality and Tourism, Architecture and Urban Planning, Law, Health and Communication. Most placements in China are focused on the business side of their respective field. Prospective interns interested in applying to intern in Shanghai should have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and know why they want to intern in China. All internships in Shanghai will be conducted in English, so no previous knowledge of Chinese language is required.
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from China.
U.S. Citizens
Prior to departure, students are responsible for applying for their visa. Processing for U.S. citizens to obtain the visa usually takes 2-3 weeks. Applicants must be 18 or older.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specificentry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S.citizens may not be permitted to travel to China without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific Consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change withoutnotice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.
