- China
- Shanghai
About Program
Intern in the financial hub and largest city of China—Shanghai. This thoroughly modern city, nicknamed “the Paris of the East”, features a heavy influence from Western business, culture, and architecture. As an IES intern in Shanghai, you’ll be fully immersed in the multicultural life of this metropolis. Imagine heading to work by ferry, subway, bus, or foot. Then later enjoying lunch from any one of the 23 Chinese provinces or cuisine from more than 20 countries.
As the largest city in, not just China, but the world, Shanghai is home to several industrial ‘zones’ focused on technological development. It’s also a hub for transportation and technology, and home to many Chinese and multinational company headquarters.
An IES Internship in Shanghai develops your professional skills, your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.
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Diversity & Inclusion 💙
BIPOC Support
LGBTQIA+ Support
Studying abroad as part of the LGBTQIA+ community can present unique opportunities and challenges in exploring a new culture, so we have compiled resources to help prepare you and support you along the way.
Neurodivergent Support
We have not only compiled resources on mental health and self-care to help prepare you and support you along the way, but we also have a dedicated Student Affairs staff that are available for you to contact from the United States and once in your host country.
Accessibility Support
Impact 🌎
Sustainability
- Moving toward more sustainable Headquarters and Centers abroad
- Producing printed materials on 100% recycled paper with soy-based ink and in fewer quantities
- Hosting events and conferences in LEED-certified buildings
- Purchasing carbon offsets for staff air travel
- The formation of the IES Abroad Sustainability Team—a dedicated group of volunteers responsible for implementing sustainable practices across our organization. The team comprises of members across our Centers, departments, teams. It is truly a global effort, and we are better for it.
Program Highlights
- An internship at a local organization or business is guaranteed
- Receive personalized advising and professional support before and during your internship
- Before you go, we will work with you to develop your résumé, cover letter, and interview skills
- Gain practical international work experience
- Get to know Shanghai and nearby regions through program-designed field trips and events
Popular Programs
You’ll be guaranteed placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 32 hours a week. We will work with you to find the closest placement match between your professional and personal goals with what’s available in Shanghai. Upon arrival, you'll spend two weeks taking a Mandarin language crash course before going to your 6-week internship site. You also have the option to take a 3-credit Chinese language course at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.
This program is specifically designed for students who are majoring in Engineering or other STEM fields and are seeking technical internships overseas. For your summer internship in China, you’ll be matched with a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at up to 32 hours per week. You can also enroll in an optional Chinese language course if your internship schedule allows.
Questions & Answers
Location
Shanghai, fondly known as the Oriental Paris, is the largest commercial hub in mainland China. This country blends eastern and western cultures and will bring out different sides depending where you are from.
Great question! Internship responsibilities vary depending on the placement and field, however all students should be prepared to work at least 32 hours per week for six weeks. An IES Internships representative would be happy to discuss your specific goals in relation to this program. Feel free to contact us at internships@iesabroad.org. We look forward to hearing from you!