CRCC Global Reviews

My summer with CRCC in Shenzhen was not only extremely enjoyable but also transformative for me personally in my career path. I participated in the Language Study + Internship program for 2 months in Shenzhen during the summer of 2014. From my initial interview to my departure from Shenzhen at the end of the program, CRCC Asia and its staff were by my side every step of the way. I had previous experience studying abroad in China as well as studying Chinese as a second major, but I really had no idea how to convert that experience into meaningful work. CRCC really gave me guidance and an honest perspective on what opportunities there were in China for someone with my specific background and skills, and thus together, we came to the conclusion that the VC/PE space in Shenzhen would be best for me.

Fast forward to my internship and I can honestly say it was challenging but also really fun. I worked in a Chinese company so had a chance to really put my language and cultural skills to the test. My supervisor really took the time to invest his resources and network in me, and I left Shenzhen with a really strong network. Also, the programming CRCC provided, from the business seminars to networking opportunities, grew my understanding of business in China as well as my international network. Finally, the accommodations in Shenzhen were amazing and really allowed me to be comfortable, though I will say there is so much to do in Shenzhen that I was rarely home! The benefit of a program like CRCC is that you are able to be independent with the internship but it still operates almost like a study abroad program in that you have staff support and “intern-mates” that become lifelong friends.

I would highly recommend the program to any one who has interest in China. It is a really strong brand and network that will honestly propel a career path in Asia or internationally. I only have positive memories from my experience and am forever for grateful for the continued assistance CRCC provides to me even as an alumni!

Trip of a life time! Shenzhen is a bustling city full of the unexpected that eventually turns into familiar. Into a place you'll never want to leave. Awesome night clubs every night of the week, motorcycle taxi ride to work and the food! So cheap and delicious. I can't get back there quick enough, I'm so grateful for my time there and will remember it forever

During my 8 week internship that I completed with my host organization in Beijing-China, I unfortunately had the experience of having my passport lost/stolen while touring the city.

In my last two weeks of my job where I had my major project due, I had to negotiate and organize time with my employer to call and visit the local police station and public security bureau multiple times, obtain evidence and documentation of the incident, and go through the long and detailed process of applying for a new visa and passport within 2 weeks. It was quite an adventure!! An adventure that resulted in me picking up my visa the morning I was due to fly home. Thank god public transport to the airport is so amazing because I only just made my flight!
The Staff were very friendly and understanding given my situation and were extremely helpful in helping me obtain my documents I needed to be able to come home.

I greatly enjoyed my time in China and would definitely do it all again.

This program was amazing. Living in a completely new country with people of completely different way of life was an eye opener and a great experience. The other interns were great people and I made a few lifelong friends and memories.

The highlights were the trips to Yangshuo and Guilin and drinking Snake Jio with the locals!

I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to have some fun, meet some new people and have a life changing experience.

I spent in Shanghai two months and I met people from all over the world, especially from Australia. I had the chance to go around the city with an amazing group of people, and I had the opportunity to improve my English with them.

This internship program was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many different people from all parts of the world who I still keep in touch with. I was able to see so many different things an actually do a lot of activities that weren't even on my had to do list. So many opportunities presented themselves when I was there and I took advantage of every one. I was only there for 2 months and that was my only regret. I should have stayed longer. The program coordinators were always accessible every step of the way. Th culture is awesome. The hustle an bustle made my days go by fast. The food was great and I had no complaints. In Shanghai, English speakers weren't too hard to find an my basic Mandarin helped me more than I thought it would. I recommend CRCC fully!

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