Beijing Internship FAQs

Q1. Is this program open to applicants of all nationalities?

Our program is open to applicants of all nationalities although the Chinese government may require specific visa information for applicants outside of Europe and the US.

Q2. What is the application process?

1. Complete an online application form on our website.
2. Upload your CV.
3. If you are successful in the initial stage of the application process, we will conduct a telephone interview between yourself and a member of your closest CRCC Asia team.
4. If successful, you will be offered a place and will be required to pay a deposit of £250 (or $295) to secure your place on our internship program. The remainder of your balance will be due within one month of receipt of your deposit. For those candidates who need flexible payment terms we may be able to arrange this, but will need a larger deposit.
5. Once your deposit has been received, you will be sent a welcome pack by post or email detailing preparations to be completed.

Q3. When is the deadline for an application?

We require a minimum of one month prior to your program start date to organise your internship, but we recommend that you apply as early as possible in order to avoid disappointment and to allow us to find the most suitable company for you.

Q4. What qualifications do I need to apply?

All applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a university degree. We’re also looking for you to exhibit a strong academic record, evidence of some relevant work experience and an interest in foreign travel and culture. Fluent English is essential but Chinese language skills are not required as your supervisor will speak English.

Q5. How do CRCC Asia add value?

It would technically be possible to arrive in Beijing and search for your own internship, but it can be extremely difficult. By applying to CRCC Asia you’re ensuring that you find a high quality internship and that all the pre-departure preparations are taken care of by a team of experts. We organize the paperwork for your Business Visa, which needs to be obtained from Beijing with co-operation from the relevant authorities – this is something that other companies may bypass by providing a tourist visa, which is not legitimate for an internship in China. We also arrange your safe arrival into the city by meeting you at the airport, after which you’ll be allocated secure accommodation, given comprehensive training and receive all the details of your program. You’ll be living and socialising alongside your fellow interns, who will offer significant camaraderie and companionship throughout the program. You will take part in the weekly social and professional activities that CRCC Asia organizes on your behalf including karaoke, careers advice dinner and the CRCC Asia - Peking University networking event. In a nutshell, our expertise takes the hassle away and allows you to focus on your ambitions for the program.

Q6. Do I need to speak Chinese?

Chinese language skills are not required. Most of your Chinese colleagues will be able to speak some English. We also ensure that you have an English speaking supervisor who can act as your mentor for the duration of your internship and provide structure and support throughout your work experience.

Q7. How much does the program cost?

Q8. How much money will I need to cover living costs while I’m in Beijing?

The cost of living in Beijing varies depending on how you choose spend your money - Beijing’s residents earn very diverse levels of income and as a result the city offers a huge amount of choice in everything from restaurants to transport. It’s possible to live comfortably on a budget of as little as 30rmb per day by eating at snack stalls, taking the bus and limiting your time in bars, but if you eat at Western style restaurants, indulge in taxi rides and spend more time out and about, you could spend up to 300rmb per day. As a rule of thumb we recommend a budget of 50rmb per day during the week and 150rmb per day for weekends.

Q9. In addition to my living costs, what else is not included in the program fee?

Aside from your spending money in Beijing you’ll need to pay for your flights and travel insurance - please ask a member of our team if you’d like any assistance with booking your flights.

Q10. How do I obtain a visa for China?

If you live in the UK or the USA , CRCC Asia will arrange your visa for you. However, you may have to apply independently if you live in a country in which we don’t have an office. In this case, we will provide you with all the necessary paperwork and guide you through the process.

Q11. Do I need to get vaccinations before I go to China?

Certain vaccinations are advised for China including: Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis. We recommend that you consult your doctor prior to travelling.

Q12. What clothes and other things should I take to Beijing?

Please ensure you have business attire for work; suit, shirt, tie etc. You will also need to bring a laptop. Make sure you have some casual clothes, warm clothes for the winter and lighter clothes for the summer.

Q13. What happens when I land at the airport?

The CRCC Asia Beijing team will be waiting for you at the arrival gate.  If you cannot see them, turn on your USA or UK mobile, for which they will have the number.  Your pre-departure checklist will have the numbers of those staff members who are due to meet you.

Q14. Where will I live?

Your accommodation is included within the program fee. We place interns in modern, comfortable apartments in the centre of Beijing. We ensure that all the apartments are clean, pleasant spaces to live in with TV, internet, lounge, kitchen and air conditioning.

Q15. What happens if I have any problems once I’m in Beijing?

Most internships go smoothly and in general people do not experience any major problems. If you do have any problems then your first point of contact will be the CRCC Asia Beijing office. Our team is made up of bilingual professionals and it’s unlikely that you will face a problem they have not previously experienced and cannot help you with.

Q16. What are the other interns like? Will they be out there at the same time as me?

It is likely that you will share your accommodation with at least one other intern whilst staying in China and almost all will stay in the same apartment building. The majority of interns are ambitious, high-calibre students, graduates and professionals from Europe and the US who have come to China to learn more about the country, gain work experience and have fun. You will get to know them very well over the course of your internship through living together and various social events.

Q17. Is there an opportunity for learning Chinese whilst in China?

We organise an initial introductory course. Living and working in China will also ensure that you at least pick up a few simple sentences. If you are serious about learning Chinese then there are a number of good schools which offer classes and private tuition in the evenings and you can also arrange a language exchange with a local Chinese person. We can help you find a reputable school and make sure you pay a fair price for your tuition.

Q18. When do the placements usually start?

For program Start Dates please click here.

Q19. Which company will I work for?

CRCC Asia arranges internships for both multi-national firms and Chinese companies. We match you with a company relevant to your study or previous professional experience. All applicants should discuss their areas of interest or expertise with the CRCC Asia team, which will help with the matching process. We work with some of the leading firms in Beijing.

Q20. How long will my internship last?

Internships are either 1 month or 2 month in duration.

Q21. I am already living in Beijing and looking for an internship. Could you arrange this for me?

We are able to arrange internships for individuals who are already currently living in Beijing and who already have a business visa at a reduced cost. We do not otherwise tailor-make programs for individuals who do not need the full program.

Q22. I would like an internship in a sector which is not listed on your website, is this possible?

We are always developing relationships with new companies. Please let us know your preferred sector and we will endeavour to facilitate a placement in your area of interest.

Q23. Where can I find information on the other business services that CRCC Asia provides?

Information about our consultancy business can be found on our homepage. We will be happy to send some further literature on request.

Q24. Will it be possible for my internship to lead to permanent employment in the same company?

In the past, some interns have indeed gone on to secure permanent employment in the company that they interned at but of course this cannot be guaranteed.

Q25. How is CRCC Asia's program different from competitor programs?

Experience and Expertise: CRCC Asia has been organizing high quality Beijing internships since 2006, during which time we’ve developed market leading expertise and best practice. Through our consultancy work we have a obtained a thorough understanding of how best to do business in China, which means that throughout your internship we’ll be on hand to offer practical guidance and training. As well as securing a high quality intern placement we can help you to improve the way you communicate with your Chinese colleagues, develop your performance in a Chinese business environment and heighten your understanding of your host culture.

Support and Advice: We have a large, dedicated team of staff based in three international locations (we have offices in the USA, the UK and China). This ensures we offer the best possible in-country support, and we never outsource our programs to third party organizers; we manage your internship program directly from beginning to end. Our staff speak English and Chinese (and many other languages between them) and they have all spent time in China, so they’re ideally placed to help you adjust and enjoy Beijing.

Networking and Contacts: We operate a well established year-round program and we organize pre-departure and alumni events on a regular basis, which allow our participants to network before and after the program. In China, we run a monthly networking event with the prestigious Peking University to allow all CRCC Asia interns to meet and interact with high flying Chinese students who will be the leaders of the future. Our participants make lifelong international friendships and business contacts, which will be invaluable in your professional future.

The Best Preparation: Our comprehensive induction course, which includes business culture and language training, ensures that you’re well prepared for the possibility of culture shock, increases your ability to effectively communicate with your Chinese colleagues and flourish in a Chinese business environment. These aspects are crucial in order to ensure that you can get the most from your internship and it’s all part of the package with CRCC Asia.