The Generation UK internship programme offers two month internships for UK students to gain work experience in mainland China.
What’s on offer?
Internships are available in a wide range of industries across six cities and are arranged by two British Council appointed suppliers: CRCC Asia and InternChina.
Generation UK funding covers accommodation and comprehensive travel insurance, as well as an airport pickup service and dedicated support throughout the placement.
Applicants are not required to cover any placement fees but will need to cover the costs of their own return flights, visa and any other expenses related to travel.
Where can I go?
Beijing
Beijing is the bustling capital of the country and one of the most populous cities in the world. The city offers a wealth of historical sites, offering an eclectic blend of old and new. Following the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the city has undergone a rapid transformation and now boasts an impressive array of dazzling modern structures. As the capital, Beijing is home to many political, educational and cultural organisations, but is also host to a range of media and law-related businesses.
Chengdu
A modern and energetic city that stands at the gateway to South West China, Chengdu has embraced the 21st century at full pace, transforming its historical centre into a metropolis filled with high-rises and shopping centres. Located in one of the fastest developing regions of China, Chengdu is home to almost 15 million people as well as home to the national symbol of China, the Giant Panda.
Qingdao
Regarded by some as one of China’s most beautiful and clean cities, Qingdao sits on the Shandong coast overlooking the Yellow Sea. Once a German concession, Qingdao retains pockets of European architecture and is proud of its local beer, Tsingtao, which is now an international brand. Due to its location, Qingdao is an important seaport and naval base and has received large amount of South Korean and Japanese investment.
Shanghai
China’s capital of commerce and finance, Shanghai has experienced tremendous change since the country’s reform and opening. No-where is this change more evident than in Shanghai’s Pudong district where gleaming skyscrapers stand in what was little more than paddy fields just a few decades ago. The city is a world-class financial centre and home to a large proportion of the multinational corporations operating in China.
Shenzhen
The first and most successful ‘Special Economic Zone’ in China, Shenzhen has benefitted from its strategic location on the border with Hong Kong and boasts a vibrant city powered by vast amounts of foreign investment. It is Southern China’s major financial hub with booming high-tech, engineering and pharmaceutical industries.
Zhuhai
Zhuhai, once a small fishing village, has undergone rapid economic development since it was granted Special Economic Zone status and incorporated as a city in the 1970s. Despite rapid development, the city has still managed to retain its idyllic scenery and beautiful coastlines. Zhuhai also features an extraordinary location for travel and shares a border with Macau.
Eligibility & criteria
Applicants must be:
- Aged 18 years and above;
- Currently enrolled at a UK institution;
- A UK citizen (must hold a British passport, or Irish passport for Northern Irish domiciled only).
The following criteria will be taken into account during the application process and interview:
- Academic achievement ;
- Financial need;
- Interest in chosen industry;
- Motivations for gaining work experience in China.
Please note: knowledge of Mandarin is not a pre-requisite for Generation UK internships, although language skills may be beneficial for a certain number of placements.
How do I apply?
Placements are available every month and you are advised to apply at least two months before your desired arrival date.
To apply, please visit the relevant application portal according to the city that you wish to apply for:
Click here for internships in Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen.
Click here for internships in Chengdu, Qingdao or Zhuhai.
The following documents are required to support your application:
- Your curriculum vitae (CV);
- Two academic references;
- Your most recent grade transcript;
- Proof of Student Finance receipt;
- Scanned copy of passport or birth certificate.
For enquiries, please contact gen.uk@britishcouncil.org.cn. Unsuccessful applicants will be informed within three weeks of application submission.
The Chinese Ministry of Education approached the British Council China and BIS to collaborate in establishing an internship pilot scheme in Suzhou. The China SIP internship pilot is being run by the British Council, in partnership with the China Scholarship Council, Suzhou Industrial Park and Soochow University and funded by the BIS and the DELNI.
China SIP internships offer a unique opportunity to do an internship in China lasting from 6 to 12 months. In the past, there have been a range of available positions such as: teaching English at international primary schools and kindergartens, Marketing Coordinator, Management Trainee and hotel service.
Visit China SIP Internships for more information on eligibility and how to apply.
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