Intern in China in the Summer

Globalize your résumé, learn a language, and give yourself an unforgettable Asia experience!

Join The Beijing Center's Intern in China Summer Program!

Take your work experience to the next level – join The Beijing Center’s Intern in China summer program! Over your 10-week stay in Beijing, a thriving and diverse city and China’s startup hub, you will navigate the complexities and cultural nuances of the Chinese workplace, challenging and broadening your perspectives in the process. No prior Chinese language necessary! 

In addition to summer terms, you can also choose to Intern Abroad in China in the Semester.

Please note: Due to new policies enacted by University of International Business and Economics administration, internship placement and availability is not guaranteed. Locations have been limited to a select few options. Please contact us before applying to discuss opportunities and your interests. 

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

TBC admits students on a rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply in advance in order to secure a place in the program and start the internship process early. Upon submission of your application, the placement process will take 2-3 weeks before the start of your internship.

Applying for an internship in China through TBC is quick and easy!

Application Deadlines:

• May 15 for Fall Internship semester program
• May 15 for Summer Internship program
• October 15 for Spring Internship semester program

 

   1. SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Complete your application online. It does not have to be completed all at once, but do be sure to submit it before the deadline. If you get stuck, we are happy to help.

You will need a digital copy of your resume/cv and transcript before your application can be reviewed.

The Application Fee is $95.

At the moment, internship placement and availability is not guaranteed in all sectors and fields. Internships are likely open at your home country’s embassy in Beijing, The Beijing Center, and a select few NGOs. To apply, you must first contact us at [email protected]

 

   2. APPLICATION REVIEW

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed and you will be contacted if there are any problems with your application.

 

   3. CONSULTATION SESSION

Meet with TBC’s Internship Coordinator. Following the application review, you will have an initial Consultation Session to discuss your career goals. Following the interview, your Internship Coordinator will inform you on internship matches based on your profile, and will advise you on how to move forward in directly applying and interviewing for the internship positions. Once accepted for an internship, you will receive an email with your ‘Intent to Enroll’ form. This is the form you will complete to commit to participating in the internship program, and at this point you will pay 50% of the program fee.

4. ACCEPT PLACEMENT OFFER 4. ACCEPT PLACEMENT OFFER

Congratulations! You’ve been offered a placement with one or more of the organizations you applied to. We are sure that you have questions- from getting your visa to answering picking out your housing, we have compiled the resources to ensure that you have the smoothest possible transition to your life in China.

Read about past participants

Rebecca Lewis
Rebecca Lewis

@JD.com (京东)

“After interning at JD and loving my experience so much, I no longer doubt that I am heading into the right career path. This experience made me more confident and ready for life after graduation.”

Name : Rebecca Lewis
Internship Location : JingDong Headquarters
Internship Title : Marketing Intern
TBC Semester : Summer 2017
Home University : Loyola University Chicago
Home University Major :

Public Relations

Internship Overview

JD.com (JingDong京东) is one of the two largest B2C online retailers in China by transaction volume and revenue, and member of the Fortune Global 500.

Job Description

I managed and planned the JD social media pages (Facebook, Instagram), collaborated with KOLs, did English to Chinese and Chinese to English translations.

Outcomes

Since I plan to go to graduate school and work in China after graduating from Loyola, I wanted to get an idea of what the work environment in China was like and improve my Chinese. This internship did just that. I also gained valuable skills for a future marketing job like familiarity with PS, data analytics, direct marketing, and positive mentoring and support from my boss. My internship made me think of all the things I learned in class as meaningful and interesting, rather than terms to memorize for a test.

Going Forward

I would like to go to graduate school in China and work for a big Chinese company (e.g. Baidu, JD, Ali) in the future. Before this experience, I had always had the idea that I wanted to do something related to Marketing/PR/Advertising in a large company. However, I’d never had the experience and was always worried I was going in the wrong direction and would find out later on in life that I hated my job. After interning at JD and loving my experience so much, I no longer doubt that I am heading into the right career path.

Unique to China moment

Standing in the middle of a subway so full of people I can’t move more than an inch in any direction on my way to work.

Rafael (Louie) Hinlo
Rafael (Louie) Hinlo

@Foreign Commercial Service

“I experienced first-hand how trade wars and tariffs affected both Chinese and American companies.”

Name : Rafael (Louie) Hinlo
Internship Location : U.S. Embassy in Beijing
Internship Title : Foreign Commercial Service Intern
TBC Semester : Spring 2018
Home University : St. Louis University
Home University Major :

International Business

Internship Overview

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. government. The main objectives are to promote U.S. exports, by encouraging foreign direct investment into the U.S. and protect U.S. interest abroad.

Job Description

My primary job at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing under the Foreign Commercial Service is to provide assistance to all commercial service officers so as to promote U.S. interests and increase exports to the Chinese market. My job included tasks of writing reports for the Ambassador or researching market intelligence to be used in various projects for U.S. sellers seeking entrance into the Chinese market.

Outcomes

More than anything I gained insight on international business and what a major exactly entails within a global environment. As for projects, worked on automotive research, SelectUSA Investment and E-commerce platforms in China. From these projects, I improved on my research consolidation skills and how to adapt to a constantly changing environment. From
meetings with experts and clients, I also gained insight on how to conduct business talks.

Going Forward

From this internship, I learned that I want to continue doing this line of work in the near future. It may not be exactly working at the Embassy, but I do want to do something within the International trade realm between China and the U.S. Gaining insight on international business from a government
perspective has definitely created a solid foundation on which I can build my career on.

Unique to China moment

Working at such an institution during impending trade wars was probably the most unique moment for me. The fact that my work and research directly related to events happening with my affiliated countries was super interesting to see. I experienced first-hand how trade wars and tariffs affected both Chinese and American companies.

Lindsey Hinczynski
Lindsey Hinczynski

@Edelman

“This experience has only supported my passion for languages and made me realize how hard I will have to work towards my goal…”

Name : Lindsey Hinczynski
Internship Location : Edelman Office
Internship Title : Native English Intern
TBC Semester : Fall 2018
Home University : Loyola University Maryland
Home University Major :

Spanish; Minors in Chinese and International Business

Internship Overview

Since 1952, Edelman has profoundly shaped the ways that companies and brands communicate. Today, with more than 65 offices and 6,000 employees partnering with 2,000 of the world’s leading clients, Edelman is redefining PR as communications marketing. Edelman partner with many of the world’s largest and emerging businesses and organizations, helping them evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations.

Job Description

My main responsibilities at Edelman were translating reports, biographies, and documents between Chinese and English; proofreading English translations and editing; and researching industry news and reporting it for client use. My biggest task was translating the Biweekly Analysis report for a main client, Vivo, from Chinese to English for our English partners and clients to understand.

Outcomes

The greatest outcome of my internship was the improvement in Chinese I obtained from translating all the pieces I was assigned. Through the Biweekly Analysis Reports, I was constantly reading and translating industry-specific professional terms, until the point that translating had become much faster and easier because I eventually learned the terms from repetition. This was personally very satisfying, as it was paired with making great networking relationships, improving my skills in being a self-directed intern, and cultivating wonderful relationships with my Chinese coworkers.

Going Forward

This experience has only supported my passion for languages and made me realize how hard I will have to work towards my goal, as it gave me a taste of real-world translating, and reminded me how much I have yet to learn. I learned more about being an ambitious employee and what types of qualities international firms look for in their employees, so when I apply for jobs soon, I can make sure to outline qualities that Edelman has taught me, such as being a self-directed intern, having good time management skills, and being organized with my tasks. Edelman has also given me an appreciation for public relations and taught me the importance of coworker relationships, as networking can always help you in the future.

Unique to China moment

A unique moment I had in my internship at China was attending a meeting with about thirteen people and an experienced presenter. The entire meeting was in Chinese, and I only was able to understand pieces of what he was saying, so while people took notes on their laptops, I looked up the words from the PowerPoint. The meeting was frustrating to sit in as I did not like feeling helpless and confused in the moment, but looking back I feel it was a moment of growth for me–it simply motivated me to work harder, it gave me a goal. I know that if one day I can sit in a meeting like that and understand everything the presenter says, I’ve done it. I’ve grown from point A, where I was confused at this previous meeting, to point B, where I have worked hard to get to a point of understanding, and then I can feel accomplished with my growth and diligent work.

John Schmidt
John Schmidt

@WHO | World Health Organization

“There is a good chance my work will be used in a brief to the Chinese government on where resources should be shifted in the future, and that alone makes the job worth it.”

Name : John Schmidt
Internship Location : World Health Organization Beijing Office
Internship Title : Economic Burden Research Intern
TBC Semester : Fall 2016
Home University : Loyola University Chicago
Home University Major :

Economics and International Studies, Minors: French, Spanish, and Asian Studies

Internship Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO)  is one of the oldest offices of the United Nations. Its mission is to promote health all over the world, both to governments and to citizens. Working at the WHO office in Beijing was a unique experience because it brought together so many people with diverse backgrounds from around the world, each with their own specialization. The workspace is set up in an “open office” layout and it was great for collaboration and feeling like everyone there was peers rather than co-workers. We were encouraged to reach out for help from our fellow team members, something everyone in the office, not just the interns, took advantage of.

Job Description

My primary job at the WHO was to support my supervisor in health financing research. Specifically, my assignment was to build a database of diseases in China and try to crunch the numbers in an Excel document to find the true cost of various diseases in China, and the burden they imposed on the people and the government.

Outcomes

More than anything I learned how to work in an international environment with people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. I feel stronger communicating in Chinese and French (the 2nd and 3rd languages of the office) and feeling comfortable asking coworkers for help even if it’s not in English. Above all though it was refreshing to feel like the work I was doing really had an impact. There is a good chance my work will be used in a brief to the Chinese government on where resources should be shifted in the future, and that alone makes the job worth it.

Going Forward

I have always had a commitment to public service so the World Health Organization seemed like the logical next step for me, an experience that confirmed what I already knew about my career goals. In February 2017 I will start work for the Peace Corps as a business advising extension agent in Senegal, and my time with the WHO no doubt prepared me for that job.

Unique to China moment

Our office was about 50% Chinese 50% foreign, so it maintained a Western feel while at the same time being decidedly Chinese. The biggest differences were the hours, most people came to work late and stayed late, and the 服务员, or in-office maids. Both of these differences created a much different feel from a normal “western” office environment, but it was a welcome change as it was easier for everyone to focus on work rather than getting in at 8am sharp or washing the pile of dishes in the kitchen.

Anna King
Anna King

@Atlas Education

“I learned more about working in a diverse office environment with coworkers from around the world.”

Name : Anna King
Internship Location : Atlas Education in Beijing
Internship Title : Learning Tree Intern
TBC Semester : Summer 2018
Home University : Fordham University
Home University Major :

Biology, Anthropology

Internship Overview

Atlas Education is an education organization with a number of exciting projects, which embody project-based learning and enterprise education. These projects include an innovative tutorial college, an enterprise education programme in twenty-one public schools, a bilingual literary journal for teenagers from all over China, an environmental science program and an annual enterprise and entrepreneurship summer course at Cambridge University.

Job Description

My primary job was helping to catalog and reorganize the library at Atlas. I also assisted in leading the summer session students in break time activities.

Outcomes

I learned more about working in a diverse office environment with coworkers from around the world. Additionally, I became more experienced in working with children and ESL students.

Going Forward

Going forward I will be applying to medical school, and hope to be able to work in an international environment as I did with this program.

Unique to China moment

I really enjoyed working with Chinese students. I have worked with children in America before, but never with a primarily ESL group. I loved how the outgoing kids were not afraid to tell me if they did not understand something in English, or to laugh with me about my bad Chinese accent.

Alejandro Casillo
Alejandro Casillo

@JingJobs

“The most permanent part of my internship with JingJobs came in the form of meeting new people and the networking skills I managed to refine.”

Name : Alejandro Casillo
Internship Location : JingJobs Office
Internship Title : Marketing Intern
TBC Semester : Summer 2018
Home University : Saint Louis University
Home University Major :

Computer Science

Internship Overview

JingJobs is a curated job listing platform and matching service for China-based internships and jobs. Ranging from startups, boutique firms and multinational corporations, JingJobs compiles the most suitable opportunities in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities across China for bilingual job seekers.

Job Description

Working at JingJobs, I was responsible for researching/posting jobs for young professionals with bilingual talent in China. On top of this, I was also given the privilege to attend several networking events and meet an enormous variety of fascinating people. During my time with them this summer I was also responsible to plan and organize an event of my own under a deadline.

Outcomes

The most permanent part of my internship with JingJobs came in the form of meeting new people and the networking skills I managed to refine. I also ended with a few skills in event planning that I would love to further elaborate on.

Going Forward

Feeling inspired and driven now, I would definitely love to implement these new networking skills in the U.S. From that I would love to try something innovative and make a sort of impression to experienced workers in the U.S.

Unique to China moment

In the case of experiencing China, I felt it was an amazing time and it definitely has left an impact on my life. When I originally planned to come to China, I was only planning to witness it, work here and go back. But realizing now that China finds itself almost in the center of attention when it comes to the workforce, I definitely plan to return.

Joshua Fowler
Joshua Fowler

@Foreign Commercial Service

“This internship was a mature and professional approach to career development. Going forward, my interests are solidified toward global economic and strategic research.”

Name : Joshua Fowler
Internship Location : U.S. Embassy in Beijing
Internship Title : Foreign Commercial Service Intern
TBC Semester : Spring 2018
Home University : Gonzaga University
Home University Major :

Finance, Economics

Internship Overview

U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. government. The main objectives are to promote U.S. exports, by encouraging direct investment into the U.S. and protecting U.S. business interest abroad.

Job Description

My primary function at the Foreign Commercial Service was the support my commanding FCS officers with their tasks and policy goals. I personally worked with AOWG American One Belt, One Road Working Group conducting BRI research in Mongolia and Indonesia. The group looked for opportunities in these particular markets.

Outcomes

The main project I worked on was the economic, geopolitical, and security implications of the Belt and Road Initiative. This helped to improve my research skills, writing skills, briefing skills, among others. I developed a keen interest in economic and strategic research in this internship.

Going Forward

This internship was a mature and professional approach to career development. Going forward, my interests are solidified toward global economic and strategic research.

Unique to China moment

China has been an excellent opportunity to learn about the Belt and Road Initiative. In honesty, I would not have unlocked the current interests that I hold without the influence of my internship experience.

Catalina Gonzalez
Catalina Gonzalez

@YouChange China Social Entrepreneur Foundation (友成企业家扶贫基金会)

“I feel this is a life project and picture myself in the future doing green business through Chinese technology between Colombia and China. “

Name : Catalina Gonzalez
Internship Location : YouChange Office
Internship Title : Research Intern
TBC Semester : Fall 2018
Home University : Universidad of de los Andes
Home University Major :

Environmental Engineering

Internship Overview

YouChange (友成基金会) is a collaborative platform for people interested in developing today tomorrow’s world. Our purpose is to share and to spread ideas, projects and solutions for sustainable development, gathering a community of eco-citizens, associations, NGOs and companies. Thus, every actor of sustainable development can interact with each other, share and spread their solutions.

Job Description

I conducted various research in the field of Ecological Civilization, then streamlined to Climate Change Initiative and Green Energy. I drafted a framework for China and Colombia co-initiative on Green Energy Collaboration and Implementation and produced a series of intensive benchmark analysis on two countries policies, green energy landscape and roadmap. I also explored research on the Belt and Road Initiative to gain more insights and widen horizon in the research and implementation of Ecological Civilization initiative, and conducted interviews with various organizations, connecting them to form new partnerships from an international level.

Outcomes

Through my internship I learned how to be extremely proactive, because I didn’t had a list of tasks to complete at the end of the day, I had to design what I wanted the internship to be for me and how could I take advantage of this opportunity to make the most of it with my contacts in Colombia and expand the research not just to paper but also conduct networking to make projects real. I developed leadership skills in a team project and strengthened my ability to think critically with innovative approaches to tackle raising issues.

Going Forward

My next step is next semester continue with what I built this Fall, I am working in getting an internship at a Chinese company of clean energies, which I contacted while doing the research of networking in Beijing. I feel this is a life project and picture myself in the future doing green business through Chinese technology between Colombia and China. This has been an opportunity which opened my doors to the international collaboration to solve climate change issues.

Unique to China moment

I think that the Chinese working environment was really a new thing for me. We didn’t speak fluent Chinese so we had our meeting with a translator. Nonetheless, this never limited our interaction, like to be friendly and say hi to our colleagues in the office. I liked to try to make myself understood by others and it was a really nice experience to learn another culture.

Ally Scarpa
Ally Scarpa

@Marketing, Hua Express

“I learned to appreciate the difference in culture, and participate in it myself.”

Name : Ally Scarpa
Internship Location : @Hua Express
Internship Title : @Marketing Intern
TBC Semester : 2019 Summer
Home University : Loyola Marymount University
Home University Major :

Marketing and Chinese

Internship Overview

Job Description

My primary job at Hua Express was designing and creating sales materials for new products. This included not only photography, but English translation while writing product descriptions. I also assisted with creating internal and external company publicity materials, writing company memos and presentations, whichl introduced Hua Express to the public.

Outcomes

Up until this point, my studies in Mandarin have been primarily limited to a traditional classroom. By interning in China, I’ve not only had the experience on language immersion, but also cultural immersion as well. No book or lesson plan can capture the reality of living and working in China. Culture informs every aspect of how a society operates, from what flavors are popular in cuisine to workplace etiquette. The opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese culture was phenomenal.

Going Forward

This internship not only provided me with firsthand experience working in international environment, but it has informed my remaining undergraduate studies, which will have an increased focus on the shifting landscape of business in China.

Unique to China moment

My coworkers were incredibly friendly, and made an effort to make me feel welcome in the office. We grew very close and even began studying languages together. We were both studying each other’s native language, so we’d take turns discussing and comparing the differences between Chinese and English.

Dianna Smith
Dianna Smith

@Content Marketing, Kaiterra

“While everyone at your internship may speak English, showing that you made the effort to learn a little Chinese will go a long way in integrating yourself into the company.”

Name : Dianna Smith
Internship Location : @Kaiterra
Internship Title : @Content Marketing Intern
TBC Semester : 2019 Summer
Home University : Fordham University at Rose Hill
Home University Major :

Interdisciplinary Math and Economics

Internship Overview

Based in Beijing, Kaiterra is a healthcare firm that creates high accuracy air quality monitors for consumers, businesses, and industrial use. The company’s goal is to put an end to air pollution.

Job Description

As a content marketing intern, my role was to both plan and create content for the company blog. When I stepped in the door on my first day, I began creating a content plan for one of Kaiterra’s products. During the rest of my time here, worked to execute the plan and created over a dozen articles to be posted. I also assited with other tasks, such as drafting design briefs and case studies.

Outcomes

Mostly, I developed my communication skills while working at my internship. My supervisor found a language partner for me, so I was able to practice Chinese and she was able to practice English. It was great to have this available, as it also helped me make friends at my company. In addition to practicing my Chinese, I also participated in the Toastmasters program through my company. Each week we would work on our public speaking, which I thought was very beneficial.

Going Forward

At the moment, I am not sure what I would like to do after I graduate. However, I am currently working towards becoming a foreign service officer relating to economic development. My experience in Beijing has definitely reinforced this goal.

Unique to China moment

I went on my company’s ‘nianhui,’ or annual meeting. I was expecting a day full of table discussions and maybe a potluck, but I was surprised to find out that the meeting was a hiking trip into the mountains outside of Beijing. We explored Fangshan park, climbed through several caves, sang karaoke at the hotel, and played games. It was so much fun (more than I expected) and brought everyone together.

Theresa Colston
Theresa Colston

@Marketing and Communication, American Chamber of Commerce

“Do not be discouraged if people seem less friendly! It may take time, but people will definitely open up to you in the workplace.”

Name : Theresa Colston
Internship Location : @American Chamber of Commerce
Internship Title : Marketing and Communication
TBC Semester : 2019 Spring
Home University : Loyola University Chicago
Home University Major :

Political Science and International Studies

Internship Overview

The American Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization focused on improving the business environment in China, supporting the development of Chinese society, providing a focal point for the foreign business community, and furthering US-China relations.

Job Description

At AmCham, my primary responsibilities were generating and copy-editing website, newsletter, and magazine content including event write-ups and interviews, creating social media posts to increase visibility, encourage event attendance, and acquire new members, and helping create original pieces for the magazine and website.

Outcomes

The major skill I developed at AmCham was writing. I had to write quickly, concisely, and for a public audience on a number of topics, leaving me with a sizeable portfolio of published works. Additionally, I learned a great deal about basic marketing and communications principles which I can capitalize on for future job opportunities.

Going Forward

Moving forward, I hope to leverage my experience into marketing and communications positions in either international development or advocacy related fields. Additionally, I hope to return to China, possibly for a master’s degree, and employ my Chinese work experience as a professional in international business or foreign policy.

Unique to China moment

AmCham is very much an American-run company, with about a 50/50 split between Chinese and American employees. Mostly, I was surprised at how people worked much later into the night with a longer lunch period.

Why choose The Beijing Center?

  • 20 years in China
  • 10+ years placing interns in Beijing
  • Over 30+ internship partners
  • Guaranteed internship placement
  • CV/resume review
  • Personal Program Coordinator
  • Housing and visa support
  • Centrally located on the campus of UIBE
  • Add-on travel excursions around China
  • Weekend trips around Beijing
About TBC

Calendar

24
May
Arrival day to Beijing
Orientation
25-27
May
28
May
Internship begins for participants not taking excursion
Optional Trip to Shanghai/Hangzhou
28-31
May
1
Jun
Internship begins for all other participants
Last day of internship, Closing dinner
31
Jul
1
Aug
Check out day

Program Fees

Intern in China Summer Program fee: USD$6,950

Includes
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • TBC Program Fee - Intern in China for a Summer
  • Required international health insurance
  • Double occupancy housing
  • Weekend excursions around Beijing
  • Internship Credit (6 credit units)
  • Career development lectures (optional, not-for-credit)
  • Airport Pickup/Dropoff
  • Orientation in Beijing
  • Closing banquet
Does not include
  • Airfare ($900 - $1,300)
  • Chinese visa costs ($300 approx.)
  • Additional processing in China required: physical exam, resident permit, internship annotation fee, and processing fee. ($175 - 200)
  • Meals ($300 - $400)
  • Optional add-on: 3-day Shanghai/Hangzhou excursion ($1,000 - $1,500)
  • Optional add-on: Content Courses ($600 per credit unit, $1,800 per course)
  • Optional add-on: Survival Mandarin Language Classes
15 May Admission cutoff date

TBC also offers add-on summer excursion, weekend trips around Beijing, Career-development lectures and Mandarin language classes for those who’d like to supplement work experience with more China experience. 

 

Application deadline:

  • May 15 for Summer Internship program
  • May 15 for Fall Internship semester program
  • October 15 for Spring Internship program

Contact us at [email protected] to apply!