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 ISA, 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).
ISA 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 4-5 days per week for 32-40 hours. All internships are conducted in English, so no previous knowledge of Chinese language is required, however, optional weekly Mandarin language lessons are available for an additional fee.
For more information about the types of internships available in Shanghai, click here and select "China" from the list of location options.
Shanghai is a commercial giant, a financial and cultural hub, and home to the largest container port on Earth. Translation: there’s no better place to gain business knowledge from a global perspective. Learn about business ethics, corporate structure, fiscal policies, and the importance of skills like integrity and collaboration — while developing contacts that can help with future career opportunities.
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.
Students are housed in serviced apartments with single bedrooms and shared kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. The apartments have laundry facilities, cable TV, and internet. Towels and linens are provide and there is a twice-weekly basic cleaning service.
Applicants must have completed their freshmen year prior to the start of the program and be in good academic standing. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required (exceptions considered with the submission of a GPA petition).
Application Procedures
Step 1: Complete KU application by January 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. Two Recommendations - academic and/or professional
e. Authorization to Release Student Information
f. Shanghai Academic Plan & Approval Form
g. Student Conduct Verification
h. Financial Aid Questionnaire
i. Passport Information Required Reading
j. ISA Application Instructions Required Reading
Step 2: Complete ISA’s KU Shanghai Internship application by January 15th. See the ISA Application Instructions in the Required Readings section of your Jayhawks Abroad account for details.
