Q&A
What is included in a Prospect China internship?
Internship placement
We match your academic and professional discipline with our network of host companies, taking your experience and interests into account. If no suitable placement is available within our host company network, we will seek a new host company on your behalf.
Internship support
Our internship support team liaise with your host company to ensure that all is going well, and provide you cultural and business advice throughout your internship period.
Internship monthly allowance
Most of our host companies are happy to give you a monthly allowance towards your local living costs. This will be confirmed when your placement is agreed.
Internship orientation and Chinese business cultural briefing
The briefing is on the first working day after your arrival. We go through your internship arrangement and discuss Chinese business culture and etiquette. A pre-credited SIM card and transport card will be ready for you at the end of the briefing. On the first day of your internship, one of our representatives will take you to your host company and arrange an orientation session with your supervisor.
Airport transfers, meet and greet
On the day of your arrival, you will be met by one of our representatives at the airport in Shanghai. We will arrange transport from the airport to take you to your accommodatoin, and we will help you to settle in.
Find accommodation service
We help you to book your accommodation near your internship before you arrive in Shanghai. We will provide you with a description and photos of the accommodation identified according to your requirements and budget. All rental costs are subject to your agreement with the landlord. We provide accommodation information to help you decide. We can also help you to negotiate with the landlord.
On-campus accommodation at Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Your accommodation during the study period will be on Xuhui campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and must be secured by 20th April 2012.
Please click here for more details on the accommodation. Note that utility costs are not included in your programme fee.
Visa
You will need an F visa for short-term study and internship in China. We supply an invitation letter for your visa application. If you require assistance in applying for a Chinese visa in the UK, we can refer you to our partner travel agent.
For help filling in the Chinese visa application form, see the Chinese visa form instruction here.
If you are already in China and need to extend your visa to be suitable for an internship, our Shanghai office can arrange an extension for a fee.
Business and social network support
We will contact you regularly with information on business network events and social arrangements.
Intern certificate
An internship certificate will be issued at the end of your internship programme. A detailed report can be supplied if required in advance.
Travel preparation
Do I need to get vaccinations before I go to China?
Please consult your doctor prior to travelling.
What clothes and other things should I take to China?
Ensure you have suitable business attire and lots of t-shirts if you arrive in the summer. Offices are usually air-conditioned. It is easy to buy fashionable and cheap clothes in China so don’t worry about packing the whole of your wardrobe. However, some items, like shoes, can be difficult to find in western sizes.
Internship and Mandarin study
Do I need to speak Chinese?
Chinese language skills are not required. Our intern host companies operate in a dual language environment and you will have an English-speaking supervisor during your internship.
What qualifications do I need to apply?
You need to be either a graduate or currently enrolled in a degree program. When you graduated does not matter.
Why would I need to learn Mandarin?
Mandarin is the world’s most widely spoken language. Speaking it will open doors for you to talk to millions of people around the world.
Speaking Mandarin, even just a little, will help you to understand the Chinese way of life, the country’s culture, and also China’s business philosophy.
Speaking Mandarin will improve your social life during an internship; you will make friends more easily both in and out of the workplace. Getting around will also be less problematic if you wish to travel through the country.
What should I expect from the four-week Mandarin class at Shanghai Jiao Tong University?
For the first four weeks, you will learn or improve your Mandarin at our partner university, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Click here to find out more about the course and timetable.
What happens if I have any problems during the internship programmes in China?
In the unlikely event that you encounter a problem during your study and internship programme, your first point of contact will be our Shanghai office. We will help you solve any issues that you might have.
How do I access my money in Shanghai?
You can withdraw cash from most ATMs in the city. Shopping malls accept Visa, MasterCard and other major credit cards.