Project Summary
Gain meaningful work experience in a an area relevant to your studies or potential career choice and participate in a NGO and Community Service Internship in China through Kaya. With a tailored placement to suit your interests and the needs of the project, you will be based in a small to medium placement in Beijing, Changdu or Shanghai. It will be an amazing opportunity for you to gain an understanding of Chinese culture in and out of the work environment. With business networking events this is a fantastic placement for those looking to build contacts for their career.
There are thousands of opportunities in the NGO sector in China and they are very keen to have native English speakers on board. Although not supported financially NGOs are accepted by the Chinese government, including western NGOs, as long as they pay their rent and adhere to Chinese law and business rules. Positions can vary in their focus from marketing or fundraising to the day to day running of the organisation. Most will have several elements enabling interns to gain all round view of the workings of an NGO in China, perhaps a parody in itself.
Why choose this project?
Internships in China are a great way to add practical experience in a new field to your CV/Resume as you will certainly stand out from the crowd. Whether you are a student or are looking to change career direction, an international internship will give you experience that cannot be obtained at home. Working within a multi cultural team, experiencing the challenges facing a local organisation and learning about Chinese business, social and political norms you will grow as a professional. The project will benefit from the skills and ideas that you bring. Your fellow Chinese team members will benefit from being able to practice their English with a native speaker.
Role of the volunteer
As an NGO and Community Service intern in China you will have the privilege of gaining an insight into how non-profits work in this fascinating country. The specific roles do vary depending on your experience and the duration of your internship (there is more choice available for those on longer placements) and your Mandarin proficiency. Placements may change at the last minute. School leavers or undergraduates with minimal knowledge in their field can expect to be working on more general tasks. Interns with a higher level of expertise can expect to be involved in projects where they can apply their own industry experience and knowledge. Once the initial supervision period has been completed, experienced interns will be asked to work relatively unsupervised.
All interns will learn about business etiquette, organisational dynamics etc .and the internship will focus on marketing, fundraising, training and running activities. Interns will be assessed throughout their placement and will be expected to complete feedback on themselves and the placement, bring a laptop to document this. An appraisal will take place at the end of internship.
Skills Required
Interns with a marketing, training or community development background will be more attractive to NGOs. All applicants should have a good attitude, open mind and willingness to learn. Experience of international travel is preferred as you will be immersed in the working and social world of a different culture. All interns should speak and write a good level of English and an awareness of Mandarin is an advantage although lessons are included. Native Mandarin speakers are eligible for a discount. Appearance is important in the working environment in China. These placements are for those seeking to develop professionally rather just for general travel experience.
All applicants will be expected to complete and submit paperwork in line with a tight schedule and the application process includes a Skype interview as well as submission of a full CV/Resume plus any supporting documentation. Interns should be in good health and are required to complete a Physical Examination Record for Foreigners.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
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PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
The Location
About the Location
China is the 4th largest country in the world and holds the largest nationality on earth with a total population of 1.37 billion as of 2014!
China experiences an extremely diverse climate due to its enormous size. The climate differs from one region to another due to the country’s surface shapes and features. However, as it is located in the northern hemisphere it’s seasons are similar to those found in Europe and North America.
There are seven major cities in China known as Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, and Wuhan. The internship you will be volunteering on will be based in Beijing or Shanghai depending on the needs of the NGO and your CV.
Beijing
Beijing is a huge, densely populated city and is home to a population the size of Australia. You will find tourists, businessmen and ordinary Chinese people going about their daily lives. There is an incredible wealth in the city but also a huge disparity between rich and poor.
Shanghai
Experience China’s ‘city that never sleeps’ for yourself. Shanghai is an enormous port city home to a population of over 14 million. It is China’s financial hub and home to many of its billionaires. You are sure to see famous high-end designer cars speeding their way around the city.
Accommodation
During your time on the internship, you will have your own private bedroom in an apartment and will have to share a bathroom and living room with other interns or Chinese professionals. The apartment will be centrally located in a secure high rise complex with access to local transport. There will be easy access to shops, gyms, restaurants and supermarkets.
The apartment will also be equipped with heating, air conditioning, bed linen, a desk and the kitchen will have standard cooking facilities such as a fridge, microwave and utensils.
What to do in your spare time
Beijing
During your free time you will have the chance to explore the area surrounding your internship and accommodation. Some local must sees include the Great Wall of China – one of the most famous and the longest man-made structure in the world, Yiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the 798 Art District, the Olympic Park, and the National Museum of China.
There is also an abundance of markets and outlets for you to visit should you want to do a bit of shopping in your free time. Some popular shopping destinations in Beijing include: 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!
Shanghai
There are over 270 sites to see in and around Shanghai and you would have to stay for quite some time to see them all! A must see is The Bund which is the most famous place in Shanghai! It’s 1.5 kilometre long boulevard on the Western Bank of the Huangpu River. Also known as the “World Architectural Fair” thanks to the diverse building styles (eastern & western styles). Other places to visit include Yuyuan Garden, the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Jade Buddha Temple, and Shanghai World Financial Center.
Some popular shopping destinations in Shanghai include Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road which offer a range of international brand names. The numerous flea markets which offer a range of alternative goods. There are also plenty of shopping malls, department stores and boutiques. The outdoor bazaar at Yuyuan Garden sells arts and crafts and traditional markets can be found on Fuzhou Road.
Project Facts
- Duration: 8 – 24 weeks
- Cost: £2961 / $5182 for 4 weeks (£900 $1575 deposit)
£3597 / $6295 for 6 weeks
£4191 / $7335 for 8 weeks
(£1215 / $2126 deposit)
Prices and deposits vary depending on time commitment. Prices are valid for 2018 only. Speak to your placement advisor for prices with 2019 start dates. - Requirements: age 18-35
- Location: Beijing or Shanghai, China
- Project activities: report writing, editing, producing training materials, running training sessions
- 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, Chengdu 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
- Networking and alumni contacts
- Learning Reflection Document
- Certificate on completion of Internship and reference letter
- 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.