Project Summary
Gain meaningful work experience in an area relevant to your studies or potential career choice by participating in an energy and environmental sustainability internship in China. Work alongside local staff at small to medium-sized organisation and have a tailored placement to suit your needs, as well as those of the organisation. As China gets to grip with its ever-increasing demand for energy and trying to balance the interests of businesses and the population with those of the environment, an internship is a great opportunity to gain an insight into approaches being taken. Internships in China will be a professional placement in your industry in either Beijing or Shanghai, depending on the availability of placements and interests. There is a growing awareness in China of the importance of the role of energy and environmental sustainability and it is a key focus area with China’s leaders who are seeing huge potential growth in this area. The pressure is on China to take a lead in clean energy and to ensure advancements are for the good of the environment.
Why choose this project?
- Add practical experience to your CV/Resume while doing so in China helping you stand out from the crowd and gaining experience that simply cannot be obtained at home.
- Work within a multicultural team and learn about the challenges facing a local organisation.
- Provide a different perspective, extra assistance with important work and the opportunity for staff to practice their English with a native speaker.
The Internship
Roles vary depending on your experience, the duration of the internship (there is more choice available for those on longer placements) and your Mandarin proficiency. The focus of the internship could include marketing, project work, lobbying and more, all linked to the underlying theme of energy or environmental sustainability. School leavers or undergraduates with minimal knowledge in their field can expect to be working on general day-to-day tasks. Interns will be heavily supervised and will learn new skills and learn about business etiquette, organisational dynamics and more. Interns with some expertise may be involved in projects where they can apply their own industry experience and knowledge. After the initial supervision period, experienced interns will be asked to work relatively unsupervised. Interns will receive host feedback during their placement and will be asked to provide self-evaluation. There will be a full appraisal near completion of the internship. Interns will be advised of the exact details of their placement approximately 4 weeks before their placement date.
Skills Required
Interns must have a good attitude, open mind and a willingness to learn. You must have a good level of spoken and written English and be presentable. Reasonable travel experience is valued, as you will be working and living in a completely different setting to your home. This is a serious opportunity for you to develop your CV/Resume and to launch a career in your field of interest. Prior completion of Introductory Mandarin is recommended and lessons will assist with improving levels which is necessary for this placement. Native speakers receive a discount as you will not need lessons. It is recommended to bring a laptop. You will be asked to attend a Skype interview, submit a full CV/ Resume plus cover letter. You will also be asked to complete a Physical Examination Record for Foreigners.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
The Location
About the Location
China holds the largest nationality on earth with a total population of 1.37 billion as of 2014 and it is the 4th largest country in the world! Due to its enormous size China experiences an extremely diverse climate. The country’s surface shape and features means the climate differs from one region to another. Nevertheless, its seasons are similar to those found in Europe and North America as it is located in the northern hemisphere.
Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Wuhan make up the seven major cities in China. Depending on the needs of the NGO and your CV, the internship you will be volunteering on will be based in Beijing or Shanghai.
Beijing
Beijing is a huge capital city home to a population the size of Australia. You will find traditional historical monuments, lively outdoor markets and be able to experience a real taste of Chinese culture and cuisine. Although you will see an incredible wealth in the city, there is a huge inequality between the rich and poor.
Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s largest city and is the mainland’s financial capital. Here there is a population of over 14 million and is known as the city that never sleeps. You are sure to see a perfect blend of east and west here, as well as famous high-end designer cars speeding their way around the city.
Accommodation
You will be staying in an apartment with your own private bedroom during your time on the internship and will be sharing a bathroom and living room with other interns or Chinese professionals. The apartment has easy access to local transport and is centrally located in a secure high rise complex. There will be easy access to supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and shops.
Your apartment will also have air conditioning, heating, a desk, bed linen and the kitchen will have standard cooking facilities such as a microwave, a fridge and utensils.
What to do in your spare time
Beijing
You will have the chance to explore the area surrounding your internship and accommodation during your free time. The Great Wall of China – one of the most famous and the longest man-made structure in the world, the 798 Art District , the Forbidden City, Yiananmen Square, the Olympic Park, and the National Museum of China are just some of the local must sees in the area!
Should you want to do a bit of shopping in your spare time then there are plenty of markets and outlets for you to visit. We recommend you visit Alien’s Street Market where you can find clothes, especially coats and belts, for fair prices and Maliando Tea Market where you can taste a huge range of teas. However, there are many more popular shopping destinations to discover!
Shanghai
You would have to stay for quite some time to see the 270+ sites in and around Shanghai! One place you must visit is The Bund – the most famous place in Shanghai! The Bund is a 1.5 kilometre long boulevard on the Western Bank of the Huangpu River and is also referred to as the “World Architectural Fair” thanks to the diverse eastern and western building styles. Other places to visit include Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Yuyuan Garden.
There are some popular shopping destinations in Shanghai. Pay a visit to Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road where you can find a range of international brand names. There are also numerous flea markets offering a range of alternative goods and plenty of shopping malls, department stores and boutiques for you to visit. You can find arts and crafts and traditional markets can be found on sale in the outdoor bazaar at Yuyaun Gardens on Fuzhou Road.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4 – 24 weeks
- Cost: £3153 / $5519 for 4 weeks (£900 $1575 deposit)
£3809 / $6665 for 6 weeks
£4422 / $7738 for 8 weeks
Prices vary depending on time commitment. - Requirements: age 18-35
- Location: Beijing or Shanghai, China
- Project activities: editing, project work depending on needs at the time of the placement
- Working hours: Monday-Friday, typically 30 – 40 hours per week
- Project Availability: Monthly throughout the year. Interns should apply at least 12 weeks in advance of start date. Businesses close for national holidays
- Arrival day: Thursday
What is included
- Accommodation: Own room in a shared apartment with cooking facilities or nearby eateries, utility bills are included.
- Airport pick up from Beijing, OR Shanghai International Airport
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, on-site orientation, city tour and welcome dinner provided
- Chinese phone, SIM card & local transportation card
- Mandarin Lesson; 3 per week
- Support: 24-hour support
- Assistance with trips and cultural activities
- End of placement certificate and reference letter
- Networking and alumni contacts
- Learning Reflection Document
- Supervision from qualified professional
- Fundraising guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Food
- Cleaning of the apartment
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check
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Easy 3-step application process
APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW Once we’ve received your application, we’ll be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
GET PREPARED When you’ve been accepted onto your project we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
HAVE A QUESTION?
We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.
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