Tips for Choosing the Right Internship Program
What career development opportunities are included in their China internship program package? WIll you have access to career coaching and mentoring? Will you have a supervisor that speaks English? Will there be performance reviews?
Confirm whether the provider/agent is a legal entity in China and whether they have accreditation to be a service provider or agent. Verify how long they've been in business for, how long they've been providing your chosen program and how long they have been providing programs in the city you want. The longer they've been in business, the more likely they've been able to streamline processes and have the right experience to ensure you have a hassle-free and safe time abroad.
It is essential to understand their placement process. Is this transparent? Is it clear to you how they are going to learn about you so they can help place you? Will you have a dedicated program manager who will look after you throughout the program? Will you get a personal conversation with them to ensure you get along?
Making sure your placement and employment is above board and well-managed is another crucial factor to consider. Is the provider placing you themselves, or do they use a third party? Do they have a good relationship with the company you are being placed with? You want to make sure your deposit and your work placement is in good hands and that nothing is lost in translation.
Many agents in China promise 100% guaranteed placement. Verify this with them. How are they able to guarantee this and what happens if they cannot find a placement?
Getting a paid internship can go a long way to making your year abroad more affordable. Most programs don't include meals and general shopping expenses in their program fees. Confirm whether the agent offers paid internships and what their criteria for paid internships abroad Go Abroad China offers paid internships for students who book internships for longer than four weeks. Anything shorter will usually not attract a payment (or stipend, as we call it).
Remember to confirm with your agent/program provider about their process at the end of your internship. Is there an exit interview? Do you have an opportunity to provide feedback and let them know how you feel or if you have any suggestions for them? Are you able to receive final constructive feedback from your host company to help you continue your professional growth? Being able to reflect on the experience and what you've learned is imperative, without it you may miss out on understanding how you've benefitted from the experience.
What are their pre-departure processes? To make sure you get the right study or work placement, your program provider needs to get to know you - your goals, interests, experience, and skills - to deliver options and to help you prepare for your trip. Are they able to help you with your visa application, will they answer any questions you have along the way. How do they communicate with you? How are documents submitted?
Remember, an agent cannot guarantee your visa. They also need to be applying for the right visa for your program. Their job is to help with visa applications, so if you have any concerns or second thoughts, keep looking. A reputable agent will be honest about their application process.
Make sure you read and understand any documents you need to sign. You can ask a third party or a friend to help you before you sign anything.
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