Shanghai Internship Program with CRCC Asia

That's Chinese for "I am from the United States." It's three months since I've returned home from what what was one of the best experiences of my life (no exaggeration). Let me give you a glimpse into the two months I spent in Shanghai. Imagine yourself riding in the passenger seat of taxi, in what should really be NASCAR considering how fast these people go...windows down, gold embellished temples just barely noticeable among the glass, steel, colorful skyscrapers that surround the city. You can actually smell/see the assortment of dumplings made by street vendors. My first impression...This is a Chinese New York, but bigger, much bigger. The nightlife is comparable to that of Miami; as a miami native that is a bold but true statement. Oh and the work you ask? Lucky for me I was placed in a Consulting Firm that challenged my thinking daily, with independent projects, group collaborations and close mentorship every day was an adventure (even getting there by Subway). The rumors are indeed true: there is no such thing as personal space. However, its a small price to pay seeing as you automatically become a local celebrity just for looking differently. If none of this tickle's your fancy, SOMETHING in Shanghai will. It's a city of bright lights, growing potential and exotic beauty. Give it a try, I'm so glad I did...

If it's your first time in China and you don't speak the language it can be very, very daunting. Staying in a hotel with a large group of other interns makes this much more manageable and fun.

The internship itself varies, though I think most people in my program would report having had a good experience. You probably won't be placed in a huge company but the experience in itself is what impresses your future employers.

The social aspects of the trip are definitely the highlight. I had the pleasure of meeting other likeminded interns from around the world and of course the nightlife in Shanghai is phenomenal.

While CRCC Asia is quite expensive, if it's your first time living in China it is definitely worth the extra money. The program staff were very helpful and the built-in social network is invaluable.

CRCC Asia is a great way to make your resume stand out. The program helped me get an awesome internship where I met a lot of great Chinese co-workers, developed my skills, and practiced my Chinese. CRCC Asia participants come from all over the world, which was also a plus for me. Depending on your internship, make sure it's right for you. Some of my friends didn't do much on the job, whereas I always had something to keep me occupied. The program was definitely worth the investment and I recommend it.

I am so grateful to CRCC Asia for providing me with an opportunity to not only live in China, but also work and enhance my professional development. The decision to work in Shanghai, China the summer of 2013 was one of the best decision's I made in my life. I was hesitant to take advantage of the opportunity at first because of fear that I could not finance it and living all away across the world from my parents and support system. However, I quickly realized what an awesome opportunity it would be and beneficial experience I would gain to enhance my life long-term. My parents and I were able to make this happen and I realized when you release fear and step out on faith, your life will be enriched in so many ways. I worked for a large law firm that challenged me intellectually, and culturally. I worked on so many valued added projects in the areas of law that I loved (contracts, mergers and acquisitions, and employment law). My boss was superior and helped me get exposed to as much as possible within those few months. My language skills improved tremendously because my firm spoke only Chinese. As a result, I have had numerous job offers and interviews because the employers in the United States are so impressed with my experience in China. I would recommend the experience of living and working overseas to anyone. Finally, it helps when the country you live in is so beautiful. I think I saw all of China while living there and did lots of shopping relatively inexpensively. I hope you will seize the opportunity like I did to live in China.

Best,
Thelma Brooks

The people at CRCC were great! From the first meeting in Australia, to getting of the plane and being greeted by water and cookies, everyone went the extra mile to make us feel supported. Besides organising accommodation and visas, it's being paired up with a business that is really priceless! Organised activities and plenty of opportunities to meet other interns and network. Can't recommend CRCC enough!

-loved being able to meet fellow international students but did that out of my own volition not due to program staff
-needed more networking advice for participation in international culture not just China
-more advice on getting acculturated to Shanghai
-Poor post-program support (they say they'll do resume reviews etc. but do not follow through)
-Poor post-program networking opportunities (LinkedIn group, Facebook group, etc.)

Working with the locals with a language barrier and adjusting to a different work ethics was the most challenging part of the whole trip. Highlights were def. the nightlife and meeting new people across the world. I wish I could say the highlight was my actual internship but I learn more interacting with the people who ended being my friends.

I have visited China before as a tourist, and going over as an intern is very different , about the only similarities is the ability to see the sights, and experience the foods they have to offer. From an intern perspective, living, commuting and working in a different culture is much different then going over as a tourist, and I felt it was an eye opening experience. China is a fast paced growing economy, everywhere you go you can see and experience the growth. One of the most interesting things I had experienced is commuting on the subway system, it is very easy to use, but also certain times of the day it can be very crowded and overwhelming, and keeping this in mind people do this everyday, and at least twice a day. With todays businesses expanding to the global economy doing an internship is well worth the time, effort and expense involved in it.