OCDF Academic Connections: FAQ

OCDF China Internship FAQ

Why intern in China?

Largest growing economy in the world.
Global corporations investing in technology and human resources at an amazing pace.
Competitive environment where students can observe, participate, and contribute in a company’s growth and development therefore gaining valuable experience seldom accessible in stable markets to entry-level professionals.
China is dynamic, China is change, China is youth!
Experience gained in China – multicultural, multinational, multilingual, mutlidimensional –adds value to the student a they prepare to enter their profession.
A unique competitive edge – a student who has discovered their strengths and weaknesses quickly and understands them will progress quickly.
Understanding the context of China – interns are plaed in an unusual context unavailable in their home-country. They will be out of their normal comfort zone where they must perform and perform well using a variety of skills they may not have tested previously.
Communication tools, modeling, strategy with a twist – a cultural twist that can only be “China”, compassion, application, and risk.

What are the goals of an internship in China?

Students gain work experience in a career-related professional setting.
Students work duties are planned and monitored.
Students are professionally supervised by site host and qualified educators.
Students perform duties related to their career/major/profession.
Internships can be academic semesters or summer programs.

What kind of internships are available in China?

State Owned Enterprises and Government Companies including Television, Radio, Museums, Government Companies, and Municipal Government.
Foreign Joint Ventures in most sectors from North America, Europe, Australia, Scandinavia, and Africa.
Representative Offices of companies or organizations - Examples – Los Angeles Tourism Bureau or the
National Basketball Association (NBA).
Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprises (WOFEs) include Fortune 500 Firms, Small businesses/start-ups, Consulting Firms, Training Firms.
Private Chinese Enterprises include Large and Small Biz.
Chinese and Foreign NGOs (non-profits) such as UNESCO/UNICEF, Chambers of Commerce, Charities, Foundations, and Projects.

What majors have internship options in China?

Business
International Business
Management
MBA
Communications
PR
Journalism & Media
Industrial Technology
Computer Technology/Science
Education
Training and HR
Special Education
Vocational Education
Medical and Health Professions
Social Work
Sociology
Parks and Recreation
Project Management
Psychology
Criminal Justice Sciences
Art, Design, Illustration
Law, Public Policy, Public Administration
Chinese & English Language
Hotel & Restaurant Management
Travel and Tourism
All Majors – students with flexibility and a willingness to adapt to corporate needs/assignments

What will my internship schedule be like?

Depending on your university/college, you will enroll in a certain number of credits. For each credit you are required to work on-site for a given number of hours. This varies by institution. Students are typically required to work 40 hours per week for a full-time internship.

What dates are the semesters for internships?

You can intern Spring, Summer or Fall Semesters.

Do I need to speak Mandarin Chinese?

Yes and No. Some placements are suitable for students who have been studying Chinese language prior to their internship. Other placement sites are in English-speaking environments where both Chinese and foreign staff speak English. Mandarin language skills, while useful, are not required to have a good internship experience in China. It is also easy to navigate Beijing even if you do not have Chinese language skills.

How far from campus will my internship site be located?

Interns living on-campus or in apartment housing in Beijing will have internships located within Beijing Municipality. Most internships will be accessible by public transportation from the UIBE campus. For students in special majors who may need to live nearby their placement site, this will be arranged based on your major and your personal request - see application for placement form.

What companies could I possibly intern with?

Examples include companies where we have specific contacts/relationships formed. There are many options and a range of possibilities for students. OCDF Academic Connections will work with the student to find a placement site that fits their major but we can not guarantee specific companies until we have the chance to contact them and provide them with your application form and resume. The company has the right to select their interns based on the company's needs/desires and your background.

When will I know about my internship placement?

This depends on YOU and your institution - when we receive your request for placement we will try to identify the best possible site for your internship. When you have registered for course credit through your university and your placement fee has been paid to OCDF, we will make the final placement for you.

What type of clothing should I bring for my internship?

Most companies will expect you to wear corporate attire or corporate casual attire. There are some exceptions but you will be expected to represent your institution and the internship program in a professional manner. In addition, you will need to respect the customs and culture in China with regards to workplace attire, hairstyles, make-up, etc. Clothing should be clean and neat and free of tears or stains. Clothes should be conservative versus flashy. No cut-offs, t-shirts, tummy shirts, or shirts with sayings on them will be allowed in the workplace. Body piercing and tatoos should not be evident, normal earings will be acceptable. Remember, you are interning in China and not the USA. The corporate workplace is not the place for your personal expression and "freedom" to wear what you wish. If you are interning in an industrial environment, you may be required to wear proper ear, eye, head or foot protection. If you have personal safety equipment it is wise to bring it with you.

Can I get paid for my internship?

Each school has their own regulations/requirements for internships in China. Most internships in China will not be paid internships. You will be responsible for your airfare to China, housing costs, meals and local transportation. These costs can be part of your on-campus financial aid package so the cost of going abroad for your internship can be part of your student loan program.

How will I earn credit and be evaluated?

Key Project Planning and Approval

A plan for key project should be developed by the student in conjunction with site host and submitted to field in Beijing during the first week of the internship assignment in China. This should include how the student will be integrated into daily work life, corporate culture, key expectations of the students and performance requirements for their project. Student’s project must add value to the company and as well as enrich the student.

In the last week of the student’s internship, he/she will present to host company the results of the project and receive feedback to be included in the overall evaluation/grading for credit.

Weekly Reports/Assessments

A written e-log/journal will be sent by email to the student’s field supervisor in Beijing each week. This will include progress on the key project, short-term and long-term assignments and significant learning experiences during the week.

Overall Evaluation/Grading

Participation/attendance in Orientation Program
Participation/attendance at internship placement site
Weekly e-log/journal
Key Project – evaluated by host, by student (self assessment), and by professional field supervisor (subsequently submitted to student’s home university department for review). Portfolio format would be expected of undergraduate and graduate students.
Option for students in semester-long internships is to have an end of semester/summer presentation of projects so that students can gain from the experiences of their peers.

Updated 12.28.2009