Internships in Shanghai
- Gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in your field
- Experience Chinese culture first-hand by living and working in Shanghai for 8 weeks
- Internships are in English so no prior language experience is required, however, participants have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese language lessons for an additional fee
- Explore Shanghai and/or travel during weekends
- 3-day orientation includes: welcome dinner, walking tour, cultural excursions and important details on living in Shanghai
- A significant number of $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more!
Participation in an international internship allows students to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience. Only a small percentage of students study abroad – and even fewer intern abroad - so participation in an internship overseas can give you the professional advantage you need to succeed by giving you in demand global skills. The University of Kansas (KU) has partnered with CIEE, an internship and study abroad program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Shanghai, China. The internships, for which you earn academic credit from KU, are unpaid. They are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, healthcare, social policy, and hospitality. Other fields are available on a more limited basis so if your field is not listed, please inquire with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA).
CIEE strives to place students in internships that directly relate to their course of study, thus ensuring the quality and academic relevance. Placements are based on student skills, interests, and professional goals as well as the project needs and work cycles of internship sponsors. The companies and organizations selected as internship sites are carefully monitored by site visits and student assessment.
An internship in Shanghai will provide invaluable international career building experience, while also developing a better understanding of China, its culture and society: knowledge that will set you apart in your future job search. Students will intern full-time 5 days per week. Internships are conducted in English, so no previous knowledge of Chinese language is required.
Interns are required by Chinese law to chang his/her issued student visa to a "Residence Permit" once on site, in order to legally pursue an internship in China. The applicatoin process for a residence permit includes: approval from Chinese host institution, East China Normal University, a medical exam at a designated clinic in Shanghai, and a visa-change application to the Chinese authorities. Because of this requirement, this program consists of a 2-week orientation period followed by a 6-week internship.
Read about the CIEE placement process here.
Shanghai is a leading driver of China's trade and economic development, serving as a model city. Today, with a population f 23 million, Shanghai is home to the world's largest container port, some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth, and the world's first commercially operated magnetic levitation transport system - the high-speed Maglev train - along with one of the fastest-growing rapid transit systems in the world.
In addition to interning, students will take ISA’s Global Internship Course, which will allow students to gain knowledge and skills specific to their internship site, reflect upon the experience from both a cultural and personal experience, and articulate the diverse set of skills they have acquired from their international internship experience.
A total of 3 credits will post to each student’s KU transcript at the conclusion of the program through Carroll College, ISA’s school of record. It has been pre-approved to transfer to KU as any of the following:
- LA&S 490 – Internship Exploration (5 credits)
- BUS 300 – Topics in Business: Internship (3 credits)
- GIST 495 – Global Internship (3 credits)
- JOUR 507 – Practicum in Journalism (3 credits)
Note: Academic departments other than those listed above may offer departmental internship credit so students are encouraged to check with their department to determine if internship credit is available through them. Click here to view a list of internship course options students have previously received internship credit for through international internship programs.
Program housing is in student dormitory or apartment-style accommodations. It includes shared (double or triple) rooms, laundry facilities, internet access and convenient access to public transportation.
Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5. Rising Sophomore standing and above required at time of participation. *Additional visa restrictions may apply and CIEE will advise students as part of the early application process.
Application Procedures
Step 1: Complete KU application by February 15th. Below is a list of the required documents and questionnaires.
a. Statement of Purpose Essay
b. GPA Requirement Questionnaire
c. Un-official Transcript or Advising Report
d. One recommendation - academic and/or professional
e. Authorization to Release Student Information
f. CIEE Academic Plan & Approval Form
g. Student Conduct Verification
h. Financial Aid Questionnaire
i. Passport Information Required Reading
j. CIEE Application Instructions Required Reading
Step 2: Complete CIEE's Shanghai Summer Global Internship application by Feb. 15th. See the CIEE Application Instructions in the Required Readings section of your Jayhawks Abroad account for details.
