I initially thought that interning in Shanghai through Go Abroad China was a good decision, provided their numerous positive reviews. However, after arriving in China, this was not the case for me.
There were many issues upon my arrival in Shanghai. Given the fee I paid for the program, the accommodation was not up to the standard. The shared-apartment was quite old, with no TV or good heating system, just a heater to keep my room warm. My Chinese textbook came almost one month late, and I didn’t receive proper orientation around my neighbourhood, felt lost and unfamiliar in the area. Also there was no proper free social/cultural activities with other interns, as promised on the website, but I guess the reason is because I am the only intern in Shanghai through this agency! But nonetheless, I paid for this program so they should at least inform me or do something about it.
And it seems like Beijing is a more popular place…. So if you want a more individualized internship I recommend Shanghai, but if you want to meet other interns and do social/cultural activities together, go Beijing.
Anyways, what really ticks me off (annoys me) is their poor communication and disorganize & unprofessional way of business; I mean while applying for the program they told me the electricity/gas/water bills are included in the program fee; but then when I arrive in China, they told me they will only pay 200RMB/month and I am responsible to pay the remainder. I was shock because I did not bring extra money or expect to pay for house bills! They did not mention anything about it while I was still applying for the program, even when I asked them about the bills. I mean what kind of agency does this?! Revealing “hidden costs” after they receive your payment and once you have arrived in China…Seems like I was scammed by the agency! So my advice is be careful in which agency you choose, do plenty of research, and get feedback from “real” people you know who have done the internship, it is much better/reliable. And ask A LOT of questions to the agency so you know what to expect upon arrival in the foreign country.
Aside from the company I am interning at the moment (which is a pretty good company), I am very disappointed and unsatisfied with this program. The agency is very disorganized and unprofessional; and has created so much hassle/stress for me. If you want to intern or study in China, I suggest you find a different agency; ones that are worth your money and you can trust!
Response from Go Abroad China
Dear Julia,
As part of Go Abroad China placement department team, It is our company obligation to share the other part of the facts and making sure that the whole picture is revealed in the right way. We will also try to explain the few conflict points: Accommodation, company placement, visa extension and activities.
The apartment is in the down town central part of Shanghai, walking distance to subway station and Nanjing Road. In shanghai there is no public heating system, all shanghai people use the heater. Additional info has been given on the website, as this is standard regulation for all company policies. On our website we declare our self very clearly: Please note that the expenses for gas, water and electricity fees (roughly RMB 200 per month) are not included in the program fee and will be the responsibility of the program participant, but Go Abroad China still paid for you though, and for the cleaning fee and your water fee, of course you need to pay yourself. Hidden costs are never existed if checking our website statement clearly.
Regarding to the activities, our program assistant in shanghai took you take part in several social networking events where you meet lots of foreigners in shanghai, and we cant guarantee you to make new friends everywhere in your internship city and even took you to meet your personal friends.
We have did respected your desire to find you a permanent job after the internship has finished; this company do not provide this opportunity. Also the permanent job never has been under discussion or part of the Go Abroad China responsibilities. Finally, because Go Abroad China’s good job from placement department, your internship company agreed to offer a full time permanent job Visa length and extension which were connected only with your internship duration.
We do hope that, we will have understanding on those issues, as sometimes the culture and communication differences bring misunderstanding in either side.
Regards
GAC Team