Internship Program FAQ

Next Step China understands that you may have questions about our internship programs in China, as well as the internship application process. Because of this, we have provided an Internship in China FAQ section. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Internship Application Process

  1. Is the internship program open to all nationalities?
  2. How do I apply to this program?
  3. When is the deadline for an application?
  4. What are the qualifications for an internship?
  5. Why couldn’t I just apply by myself like I would in my home country?
  6. Do I need to know how to speak Chinese?

About the Internship

  1. Which company will I work for?
  2. How long can I do an internship program?
  3. How come you don’t have internships for more than 6 months?
  4. When can I start?
  5. Are the internships paid?
  6. I am interested in an industry that’s not listed in your sector, is it possible for me?
  7. Can I extend my internship once I am in China?
  8. Will it be possible for my internship to lead to permanent employment in the same company?
  9. Is there an opportunity for learning Chinese while I’m in China?
  10. How is Next Step China’s internship program different from competitor programs?

Expenses

  1. How much does the program cost?
  2. How much money will I need for living costs while in Beijing?
  3. What other costs are not included in the program fee?
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Internship Application Process

1. Is the internship program open to all nationalities? Back to the Top
Our program is open to applicants of all nationalities although the Chinese government may require specific visa information for applicants outside of Europe and the US.

2. How do I apply to this program? Back to the Top
1. Complete an online application form on our website
2. Send us your CV at info@nextstepchina.org
3. A deposit of USD$200 (If you do not get an internship placement, this deposit will be refunded to you)
4. If a company shows interest, we will coordinate a phone interview between you and the company.
5. If the placement has been completed, you will be required to pay the remaining balance of your internship program to secure your place on our internship program. For those candidates who need flexible payment terms we may be able to arrange this, but there may be a larger deposit required.

3. When is the deadline for an application? Back to the Top

We recommend applicants to allow at least one and a half month’s lead time for us to find the most suitable companies and provide logistical assistance. It is recommended that you allow at least an additional two weeks when acquiring your visa.

4. What are the qualifications for an internship? Back to the Top
Applicants from the United States of America must have a GPA above 2.7, or its equivalent. Candidates from the United Kingdom must have or expect to achieve a 1st or 2.1 degree classification. Fluent English is essential. Chinese language skills are not required (but preferred) as your supervisor will speak fluent English. It will be to your advantage to study Chinese while you are doing your internship (visit our Intensive Tutoring Program to learn more about our optional tutoring). It is essential that the prospective candidate be both self-motivated and independent with an enthusiastic disposition. Additionally, it is important to have a keen interest in Chinese business culture.

5. Why couldn’t I just apply by myself like I would in my home country? Back to the Top

There are several advantages to our program compared to simply applying yourself:

  • We visit the Chinese companies beforehand and ensure that they are genuine companies with a suitable environment for a foreign intern.
  • We make sure that you will learn from your internship experience and not just be making coffee or photocopies.
  • We ensure that you will have an English speaking supervisor who is responsible for your work in the company.
  • We arrange an internship or business (f) visa, rather than you working on a tourist or student visa.
  • We arrange for your accommodations in China.
  • We provide an orientation of the neighborhood and the Chinese business environment which allows you to be culturally prepared  upon entering the workplace.
  • We arrange social activities among the participants of Next Step China that allows you to meet people from all over the world, make lifelong friends, and learn from others’ experiences.
  • 24/7 experienced international staff available to help you before you arrive and while you are in China.

6. Do I need to know how to speak Chinese? Back to the Top

Chinese language skills are not required. Most of your Chinese colleagues will be able to speak some English. We also ensure that you have an English speaking supervisor who can act as your mentor for the duration of your internship and provide structure and support throughout your work experience.

About the Internship

1. Which company will I work for? Back to the Top

Next Step China arranges internships for both multi-national firms and Chinese companies. We match you with a company relevant to your study or previous professional experience. We make sure that we discuss with all applicants their areas of interest or expertise, which will help with the matching process. We work with some of the leading multi-national and local firms in China.

2. How long can I do an internship program? Back to the Top

Internships start from 2 months in duration to as long as 6 months. Let’s face it, one month is barely enough for you to learn or have a significant internship experience in China or anywhere else around the world.

3. How come you don’t have internships for more than 6 months? Back to the Top

Internships are either unpaid or provide a minimal stipend of 50RMB (US$7) a day, which depends on the company. We help students gain work experience but this doesn’t mean we consent to having them provide free labor. If a company is interested in your skills and what you have to offer, they should be able to hire you after six months of internship.

4. When can I start? Back to the Top

You choose when your internship starts and finishes. We generally need at least 6 weeks to process your application, and we encourage you to apply as soon as you have decided to go. If you decide at the last minute, you can still contact us, and we will try our best to arrange an internship for you.

5. Back to the Top

No, all of our internships are unpaid. It is illegal to be paid for an internship in China. Chinese laws are strict: If you are to receive any salary from a company in China, you are liable to pay taxes, and thus required to carry a valid work and residence permit. Some companies provide a stipend, but this will depend on the company you will be working for.

6. I am interested in an industry that’s not listed in your sector, is it possible for me? Back to the Top
We are always developing relationships with new companies. Please let us know your preferred sector, and we will endeavor to facilitate a placement in your area of interest.

7. Can I extend my internship once I am in China? Back to the Top
Of course, this is possible.

8. Will it be possible for my internship to lead to permanent employment in the same company? Back to the Top
In the past, some interns have indeed gone on to secure permanent employment in the company that they interned, but of course, this cannot be guaranteed.

9. Is there an opportunity for learning Chinese while I’m in China? Back to the Top

If you are serious about learning Chinese, Next Step China offers an Intensive Tutoring Program that will provide you with one of the best personalized curriculums. Our tutors have an extensive background in teaching Chinese as a foreign language, which makes our Intensive Tutoring Program very effective.

10. How is Next Step China’s Internship Program different from competitor programs? Back to the Top

  • Next Step China has a personalized approach to all our programs, including our internship programs which allow you to make the most of your stay in China and flexible enough to meet with your specific requirements.
  • Next Step China’s staff is available 24 hours a day and is fluent in English and Mandarin. Some of our international staff is fluent in other languages such as Spanish.
  • Our links to top companies and top universities add value to our networking and social events.
  • Some of our competitors do not include accommodations, travel, medical insurance, or even visa assistance. While these programs may be cheaper, you will be increasing your chances of potential problems which can seriously affect your internship experience.
  • Business culture and language training ensures that you culture shock will be minimized, and you will make the cultural adjustment faster.

Expenses

1. How much does the program cost? Back to the Top

2-Month Program             3-Month Program
Internship Program                       USD$2,750                        USD$3,250
Chinese Language Option            USD$900                            USD$1,350

Our internship programs are fee-based, which already includes airport transfers, accommodations (inclusive of utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and purified water), travel and medical insurance, welcome kit, mobile phone, etc. For more information on this and other additions, please visit our website, http://www.nextstepchina.org/standard-features/ for detailed descriptions of Next Step China’s standard features.

For internships that are longer than 3 months, kindly contact a Next Step China representative at internships@nextstepchina.org

2. How much money will I need for living expenses while in Beijing? Back to the Top

This will vary for each individual. Some interns will take taxis everywhere, while others will use the subway or public buses. Similarly, there are widely differing levels of restaurants that caters to any budget.

Below, is a rough estimated monthly expense summary (USD$900 if you buy a lot of imported items, order out all the time, and go out clubbing and drinking with friends at high end places) as follows:

  • Food – 2800RMB
  • Groceries (including toiletries, food, etc) – 500RMB
  • Entertainment – 3200RMB

If you already bring a number of your imported items, buy local food, and occasionally cook your own food, go to cheaper establishments, and go out twice a week and go to nice places only once in a while. Your estimated monthly expense will be USD$437. The details are as follows:

  • Food – 250RMB
  • Groceries (only food and other basic items that don’t require you to buy imported brands) – 1120RMB
  • Entertainment – 1600RMB

3. What other costs are not included in the program fee? Back to the Top

In addition to your living costs, you will also need to pay for your flights and visa application fee. Please ask one of our team members if you would like assistance in booking your flights or require more information about visa processing and requirements.