China : Work experience

Work placements and internships

Internships and summer placements are becoming more popular in China. Multinational organisations are increasingly advertising internships at their China offices and using them to identify potential graduate recruits. Positions are usually for Chinese nationals only, due to the need for employers to obtain working permits.

Exchange programmes

IAESTE China offers paid, course-related placements for students in science, engineering and technology. The placements usually last up to 12 weeks during the summer but longer-term placements at other times of the year are also available.

Teaching schemes

Teaching programmes, such as the British Council - China Teaching Programme , offer opportunities to live and work in China. Placements are in Chinese schools, colleges or universities and last from a few months to a year. IST Plus  organises a teaching programme in China as well. Training to teach English as a foreign language is available from i-to-i TEFL.

Voluntary work

Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)  operates in China. VSO volunteers work in education and in raising awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Short-term opportunities

The majority of short-term work and gap year opportunities usually involve teaching English.