British Council China internship programme

woman with arms up standing in front of Pudang skyline — Live in China while working on meaningful projects for the British Council. Photo ©
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Applications are currently closed

Please note: this opportunity is separate from our Generation UK internship programme.

The British Council China internship programme aims to create opportunities for people in the UK, as well as a mutually beneficial relationship between our interns and the British Council as an employer.

Interns enrolled in our programme gain hands-on experience and practical skills for the workplace, developing their employability and team working abilities, and working in a culturally diverse organisation.

What would I be doing?

As part of the full British Council China internship programme, you will join a specific department and work with a dedicated line manager. You may also be rotated between different departments to gain a well-rounded understanding of our operations.

Our work is divided into the following business units: English and Exams, Education and Society, Arts, and our business support teams. We encourage you to read up on these areas before completing your application form.

Am I eligible?

We are looking for a globally curious individual with an interest in the work we do, and excellent analytical and interpersonal skills. To apply, you must:

be over 18 years of age
have gained or be working towards a 2:1 degree
be a UK passport holder
be a student in at least your second year in any degree discipline, or a recent graduate (from 2018 onwards). This includes master’s degrees.

When and where are the internships?

The Education Mobility Officer internship is offered for six months and is based in Beijing.

What will I gain?

The British Council in China is committed to giving undergraduates and graduates the skills to stand out in a competitive job market.

As one of our interns, you will learn new skills while exercising your initiative and creativity. You will be completing meaningful projects that add value to our organisation. We can offer you a unique opportunity to gain insight into a global organisation. We have a range of projects that we need your input for and should help you see where your current talents lie, providing perspective for your future career decisions.

At the end of their internship period, interns will receive an experience letter on behalf of the British Council.

Please note that the internship will not automatically lead to a job with us.

How much will I be paid?

The successful applicants will receive a salary of RMB 7,304 per month.

Past intern stories

Lorna Berry

'I felt a great sense of achievement throughout my internship. I was well supported and able to take ownership on projects and develop internationalisation strategies to support UK education institutions.

'Supporting on the organisation of graduation ceremonies in China was particularly rewarding, while my role in consultancy was equally challenging and offered great insight into global markets. My colleagues were helpful and friendly and it has been an inspiring six months working alongside such passionate individuals.'

Nathan Hubbard-Miles

‘This internship was extremely valuable as it provided me with great experience of working on important cultural relations projects in an international organisation, an environment in which I could use and develop my Chinese language skills and an opportunity to meet a lot of friendly, likeminded people that both helped and inspired me in many different ways.’

Stephanie Jackson

‘The highlight of my experience so far has been the Global Alumni Awards in Shanghai, which were attended by Prince William...Overall it’s been an incredibly valuable experience, confirming for me that this is the career path I want to take and giving me useful skills to do so. The British Council really invests in their interns, providing as much support as you need and great opportunities for further development.’

Danielle Newey

‘This internship provided me with a fantastic base of knowledge and skills to pursue an international career. From marketing, event management and programme delivery to procurement, contracts and partnerships, I’ve been exposed to a wide range of new skills that I will undoubtedly take forward in my career.

'Supporting on the UK Prime Minister’s visit to China was an unexpected highlight of my role, as was the opportunity to lead on the organisation of a reception event to celebrate the British Council’s flagship outward mobility programme, Generation UK. Throughout this opportunity, I felt real ownership over many of my projects whilst being supported by a team that is committed to the development of its interns.’

Jodhi Taylor

'At such an early stage in my career, this internship has been extremely important for me to develop crucial skills.

'Throughout my internship, I had the freedom to steer my own development and focus on my areas of interest, and I felt comfortable taking on new tasks and responsibilities. At the same time, I was valued as a member of the team and was trusted to deliver on my workload.

'On a deeper level, this experience has also helped me to formulate my own professional values and to understand the value of pursuing a career within an organisation that exhibits and is committed to similar ideals.'

About the British Council in China

The first British Council office in China was opened in Chongqing in 1943 by biochemist, historian and sinologist Joseph Needham. We now work in four cities in mainland China, and also have a presence in Wuhan.

We operate under two legal entities in China. In Beijing, we operate as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Embassy. In Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan, we operate as the Cultural and Education Section of the British Consulates-General. Our exams work across China operates as a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise – BC Education Consulting (Beijing) Company Ltd.

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