The internship experience in Shanghai mimics your typical startup venture. You must have the patience to endure all the details, cultural differences, the different means of communication (not just language), and lastly figure out what brought you to China in the first place. Just as most startups need local consultants to help lay the initial groundwork and help with any situations that may arise; you will need a personal consultant as well, Absolute Internship.
I am a stubborn person who hates to spend money; therefore I tried to
find internships on my own for several months. This showed my
ignorance, for this only lead to frustration, many false promises,
meeting many distant relatives who know somebody who has a friend in
China. Since I finally gave in to asking for Absolute’s help, the
process became less chaotic and more concrete on the details, jobs
offered, and the visa/living situation.
Once you arrive in Shanghai, the rest is up to you. I have had a great experience with my company. We do TV programming for a major broadcasting network, a radio program, and print media. The internship has been a learning experience for me as well as a learning experience for the company, since I am their first Western who does not speak Chinese.
My internship tests the cultural differences and different means of communication, for upon arriving they had little trust in my ability to work. This changes over time as you slowly build trust and build crucial relationships within the company. I have also learned the difference in the working culture. You cannot come with an unwillingness to change. If you do, then you will realize that maybe you should have stayed in the comfortable Western world.
I have studied in China with other Westerners, but until you work with, live with, and learn with another culture I do not feel you can say: “I have experienced China”. I hope you will make the first and largest step, deciding to take the chance to work in China. You will find it worth the time, a great learning experience, and a great resume boost, not saying you need that or anything.
-Andrew Tichenor, Loyola University Chicago
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