Not satisfied with the internship in Shanghai with Go Abroad China

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!