| |
Services Offered in China
Sourcing of an Internship Site
You can choose to either apply for one of our Featured Positions or just apply and have us use our network of contacts to find something that matches what you are seeking – whether that be social work, banking, architecture, engineering, or any other field! Either way, we will work closely with you through each step of the process.
Accommodation
 You will be accommodated in an apartment in Beijing just a few subway stops from the CBD. Although the actual apartment used will vary from one person to the next, you can be sure that it will be in a reputable area that is popular for young professionals in Beijing.
You may have an apartment to yourself, or may be sharing with one or two others. You will definitely have your own room though, so you can be confident of having privacy. For the group programs, a selection of apartments in close proximity will be used.
As well as the accommodation itself, International Internships will provide basic living amenities, such as bedding and cookware and will pay the rates.
Airport Pickup and Drop-Off
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by a member of the In Country International Internships staff and you will be dropped off again when it is time to leave. So, yes, you will get a taste of what it is like to be one of those important people with your name on a sign!
Orientation Weekend And Welcome Pack
During your first weekend, you will undertake an orientation program. This will include the distribution of a welcome pack, consisting of some necessities for your time there, including: a local SIM card with some credit, a transport pass, a map and a booklet with lots of useful information. 
During the orientation weekend, the In Country Manager will also run through some important information about security, health, what to do in the event of an emergency, important phone numbers, cultural aspects, places to eat, extracurricular activities, transportation, expectations at your work site, social norms, work clothes, communicating with back home, etc.
During this weekend there will also be a welcome dinner, where you will have an opportunity to meet the International Internships team and any other people doing the internship in Beijing at the time.
Support Before You Go
The International Internships team will be in regular contact with you in the lead up to your trip. As well as actually working with you to secure the internship, this will include helping you to get your visa, providing advice on getting there and living there (including a booklet with lots of useful information) and answering any other questions you may have.
Support During the Program
The International Internships team will be contactable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the duration of your internship program. They will be available to help in an emergency or to just provide advice on simple matters.
The team will also be there to help you resolve any other issues that arise and to make sure that everything runs smoothly at your internship site. This is done in two ways:
Biweekly One on One Meeting with Program Manager
Although you are welcome to contact Program Manager at any time, once every two weeks, you will meet with them to discuss everything and raise any concerns that you may have. If you do have any problems, they will then work with you to find the best resolution. The Program Manager will have been involved in organising your worksite, so in the event that you have a problem there, they will help you to solve it.
Weekly Debriefing / Social Gathering (Group Programs Only)
Each Friday night you will have the option to attend a group gathering with everyone on the program and members of the International Internships team. This is usually at a café or bar and gives you an opportunity to discuss the week in an informal setting, so that you all have an opportunity to get things off your chest and to learn from each other’s experiences. At times, this will coincide with a networking event, as detailed below.
Networking Events
 Networking events generally involve a presentation from someone of note in your field and then an opportunity for everyone attending to mingle. They provide a great opportunity for you to gain a better understanding of how things really work in the country of your internship and can even lead to you securing your perfect job.
The International Internships team will try and provide as many opportunities for you to attend these events as possible and then introduce you to as many people of interest as we can. You will definitely get a chance to attend the friday night gathering of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, but the International Internships team will be looking out for other, less regular, opportunities as well.
Weekend Trips
On four weekends during your internship (two in a four week internship) you will have an opportunity to see some sights and soak up some of the culture of Beijing! We maintain some flexibility with regard to the timing and destination of the trips to accommodate your preferences and allow for the weather and other unpredictable elements. However, some typical destinations that you will likely visit include:
- Great Wall and the Ming Tombs
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
- Shopping Districts
- Olympic Stadiums
- Temple of Heaven
- Tienanmen Square and the People’s Building
Most of the expenses for these weekend activities are included in the fee. The timing and format of these differs slightly between group and individual programs:
Group Programs
There will be an activity held on four of the weekends during the eight-week group program. The International Internships team will be managing these and you will generally move about by bus or car. If you would prefer to stay at home or do something else on any of the weekends then this is not a problem! 
Individual Programs
The individual programs will also include four weekend activities, but rather than being managed by the International Internships team, you will do these with a partner organisation, which has been selected by International Internships due to providing activities of a high standard. You will have full flexibility with regard to when you do these, so you will likely be able to do the activities at the same time as another International Internships participant, but even if this doesn't work out, there will be others doing the activity with you. All the costs of these activities, including meals, are included in the program fee.
 Farewell Weekend
At the conclusion of the program there will be a dinner for all participants, the International Internships team and representatives of the host organizations.
Language Course (Not Included in Program Fee)
Given that you will be spending a significant amount of time in China, we strongly recommend that you undertake a language course, either prior to commencing your internship or during your internship. This will help you get the most out of your internship because you will be able to communicate with any staff that don't speak English (of which all organisations have some). On top of this, by learning some words early that you will be able to practise while at work, you will likely leave with enough language skills that it could be very valuable to you in the future!
For more information about the language course offered in China, click here.
|
