As China continues to grow as a world power, there’s no better way to jumpstart your career than with an internship abroad in this enigmatic country. Shanghai, China’s largest city, serves as the country’s economic hub and a major global financial center making it a sought after destination for those interning in business and economics. While expanding your skills at work, you can also broaden your horizons living abroad in a shared apartment and experiencing all that the city has to offer – from creative art complexes and massive shopping centers to mouthwatering meals and a sizzling nighttime scene. TEAN’s Internship Team will get you set up with a full-time internship placement that fits your interests and career goals while also helping you get settled in your new host country and culture with included activities, excursions and more.

Overview

Gain real world work experience with a full-time internship (minimum 25 hours per week) in pre-established positions for 8 weeks

Further your professional development via interview preparation sessions and individualized feedback/coaching

Measure the skills you gain during your internship and compare yourself to entry-level job applicants with access to self-assessment tools and supervisor evaluations

Live in Shanghai, China’s largest city and leading business hub

Enjoy guaranteed pre-arranged housing in centrally located, fully-furnished studio apartments which include internet and utilities

Explore Shanghai during your comprehensive 2-day Orientation Program, filled with adventure as well as learning about local business etiquette and internship best practices

Participate in cultural events and excursions included throughout the duration of the internship, like learning how to make traditional Chinese dumplings or trying your hand at calligraphy

Benefit from TEAN’s ongoing support as well as local staff who can help you culturally, professionally and personally throughout your stay

Take advantage of TEAN’s re-entry advising to make the most of your work experience (i.e. adding your internship to your resume or leveraging your experience abroad to increase marketability at home)

Career Fields

Internship Career Fields

Gain real world work experience with a full-time internship (minimum 25 hours per week) in pre-established positions for 8 weeks.

Marketing and Advertising

Work for an agency or in-house at a large corporation learning the ins and outs of marketing and advertising. Roles can center around content writing, account management, graphic design, business development and more.

Business and Economics

Experience working in one of Shanghai’s leading corporations gaining experience in business development, sales, market research, evaluating risk and vetting new business opportunities.

Media and Public Relations

Gain valuable experience dealing with media and PR for a public relations agency or media outlet as a content writer, event planner or PR assistant. Placements in both local and international organizations are available.

Finance and Accounting

Assist with data analysis, investments or audits at a prestigious financial or accounting firm.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Experience working as a research analyst, market researcher, data analyst or marketing specialist.

Education

Work in the field of education as an assistant teacher at an international school, curriculum builder or content writer for educational materials.

Startups and Entrepreneurship

Dive into the Shanghai’s startup scene working for a unique startup company (including FinTech opportunities) or entrepreneur as an intern marketer, analyst, community manager, product developer, business development assistant or in sales.

International Development & Relations

Work with local development organizations and initiatives as a research analyst assistant, program consultant or market intern.

NGOs

Help support local NGOs as a community manager, activity planner, social media specialist or volunteer management intern.

Computer Science

Strengthen your computer science skills as an IT project management intern, security intern or program development assistant intern.

Academic Credit

Academic Credit through TEAN

TEAN has partnered with a US School of Record, the University of South Florida, to offer a US transcript for in-person and virtual internships. Students participating in a full-time 8-week or 12-week internship abroad will be able to choose from 2 course options; a 6-credit course for a minimum of 32 contact hours per week or a 4-credit course for a minimum of 25 contact hours per week. We also offer virtual internship options worth 4-6 upper-division credits, depending on the number of internship hours associated with the program. Credit awarded will be based on the successful completion of the online course which is managed by the WorldStrides Higher Ed Academic team in collaboration with the School of Record.

Upon completion of the program, students receive an official transcript from TEAN’s School of Record, the University of South Florida (USF). Located in Tampa, Florida, USF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctorate degrees. The USF transcript will reflect transfer credit for coursework completed during this program. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer.


Home University Credit

Participants may be able to arrange academic credit for the internship placement directly through their home university by speaking with their academic department and the study abroad office. At the time of application to the program, students choosing this option will need to provide TEAN with the details of the credit and any special requirements as it relates to the internship placement. Students are responsible for paying their home university for any tuition or fees associated with the credit.

TEAN encourages participants to discuss the academic credit options with their home university early in the application process. Academic credit for internships must be approved and arranged before the internship begins, as credit typically cannot be retroactively arranged.


ENJOY FLEXIBILITY WITH TEAN FLEX

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your TEAN program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, TEAN Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your TEAN Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

Housing

Housing in Internship Locations

TEAN interns are guaranteed housing in secure, fully-furnished shared apartments or studios in the host city. Accommodation is centrally located within walking distance of public transport.

Orientation & Events

Orientation

Your 2-day Shanghai Orientation is designed to set you up for a successful internship by introducing you to the local culture, including local business etiquette and internship best practices, while also offering plenty of time to get to know your soon-to-be TEAN friends and having a fun journey in the process. Start the adventure with a traditional Chinese meal and stroll around The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront district. The following day head out on a city tour complete with visits to People’s Square, the Oriental Pearl Tower and a local company.


Events

Even though you are traveling abroad to work hard as an intern, it’s also important to take time to enjoy the local culture. The TEAN Internship Program includes a minimum of two unique and engaging cultural, experiential or professional activities, such as visits to local landmarks and language classes, during your time in Shanghai. Examples of past events include

  • Professional development excursions, such as networking events, company visits or career-building workshops led by local industry leaders and entrepreneurs
  • Field trips outside of Shanghai to Hangzhou or Suzhou
  • Cultural visits in Shanghai to appreciate historic colonial Buildings, coffee joints and eateries at Former French Concession, traditional Chinese architecture and more
  • A community outreach volunteering day
  • Introductory lessons on language, calligraphy or even how to make Chinese dumplings

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • All applicants are expected to have an appropriate academic background related to the internship placement duties.
  • The amount of required coursework will vary for each placement and your school.
  • Students who have completed at least one year of university work and have grade point averages above 2.5 will be eligible for most internships.
  • Other students are encouraged to apply as many other non-academic factors are taken into consideration.
  • Applicants must be eligible to apply for a visa that is processed through the U.S. China Chamber of Commerce. Contact us to check eligibility.

Program Dates

APPLICATION DEADLINES

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from January for Summer and Fall applications and from June for Spring applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Summer Deadline (May Start) Feb 1
Summer Deadline (June Start) Feb 15

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here

Summer Payment Deadline (May Start) March 1
Summer Payment Deadline (June Start) March 15

SUMMER 2025

May start
 Arrival Day May 28
 Program Ends July 26
June start
 Arrival Day June 11
 Program Ends Aug 9

Fees & Inclusions

Summer 2025

May Intake:
  • 8-week program fee and accommodation: $7,350
June Intake:
  • 8-week program fee and accommodation: $7,350

What’s Included

  • Internship Placement
  • Guaranteed, pre-arranged housing including internet and utilities
  • Orientation with some meals, excursions, accommodations and transportation
  • Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
  • Services of TEAN staff and local internship support staff
  • Cultural events throughout the program
  • Pre-departure preparation including flight booking, visa and insurance advising
  • Airport pickup and reception upon arrival
  • Professional development exercises both during the pre-departure period and upon re-entry, including reimbursement for registration to a returnee conference
  • Access to self-assessment tools and supervisor evaluations that provide a roadmap for your development

What’s Not Included

  • International airfare ($1,000-$1,500)
  • Domestic airfare in U.S. ($500)
  • Meals ($1,000)
  • Travel Insurance ($350)
  • Cost to commute to/from the internship site dependent on internship location. Check with your Internship Program Manager for more details. (up to $500)
  • Visa (up to $450 dependent on nationality)
  • Travel and personal expenses ($650+)
  • Optional Academic Credit through the University of South Florida ($375)
  • Background checks and relevant certifications to perform a role (First Aid, CPR, etc.): $25-$75

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experiences and budgets. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.

Scholarships

TEAN Scholarships

Apply for TEAN scholarships – starting at $1,000 – for the chance to receive money specifically for studying abroad. Each year we award thousands of dollars in need- and merit-based scholarships, diversity scholarships, a full ride scholarship and more. Visit our scholarships page for details!

How it Works

How it works

Take a look through the above information including career fields, program fees and dates.  If you have any questions contact us. The TEAN Internships Team will guide you through the entire process – from application to after you return home.

1. APPLY

Apply online when you are ready. Make sure to meet the application deadline. See Program dates above. Once you have applied please work your way through the TEAN application materials and submit all required materials by the application deadline.

2. ADVISING SESSION

Once TEAN receives your application materials we’ll be in contact to have an advising session with you. We’ll also provide some guidance on editing your resume and cover letter that will be used to introduce you to possible internship placements. Please be advised that you will be asked to make a deposit of $1000 before scheduling this session which will be deducted from your final payment balance.

3. START THE PLACEMENT SEARCH

Once your deposit is paid TEAN will begin the process of securing your internship placement. You may be called upon to interview at this time. This deposit is fully refundable if you are not placed in an internship. Read the full internship refund policy.

4. INTERNSHIP PLACEMENT

Our placement team will collaborate with you to ensure we secure a suitable role in your top three career field preferences. Upon securing a placement, you will be provided with an Internship Confirmation Letter that includes a list of duties and be asked to sign your offer letter within 5 days.

5. ACCEPTANCE

You will confirm your place by submitting your signed Internship Confirmation Letter by the given deadline. At this point, you will also be asked to make your final payment to secure your internship placement and so that TEAN can begin finalizing arrangements for you onsite.

*TEAN will work with you to provide pre-departure information including flight booking information, visa guidance and housing details. If you cannot make your final payment in full or are using financial aid a Placement Deposit of $1500 will be collected and we can arrange a payment plan for a fee of $25 for you.**

*Does not apply to students from direct bill universities.
​**Please note that the $25 fee only applies when using financial aid if you do not have your Verification of Award form submitted. If the form is submitted you will not be charged a fee for a payment plan when using financial aid.

Study and Intern

Study and Intern Combined Program

Students looking to study and intern at the same time in Shanghai can consider our Semester in Shanghai program in partnership with Fudan University. The special program allows students to enroll in courses while also pursuing a part-time internship 2-3 days a week during the semester. Learn more.

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