- All
- Accommodation
- Application Process
- Internship Program
- Living In Chengdu
- Payment
- Pre-Departure
- VISA
China is considered to be a very safe country, especially for foreigners. Violent crimes toward foreigners, such as assault or robbery, are extremely rare. Still it is always advisable to keep your wallet, phone, and money in an inside pocket as a safety precaution.
The electricity voltage in China is 220V and we use the standard 2 or 3 outlet plug that is common all across Asia. Although you can easily purchase adapters in China, we do recommend that you bring one or two with you so that you will not have to be concerned with your electronic devices directly upon arrival.
Yes, but it is important to check that your mobile is unlocked for use outside of your home country. You can verify this with your mobile service provider.
The cost of living in Chengdu can vary greatly depending on your expected life-style. Check out our living in Chengdu page for more information.
Yes, you can purchase a package that will include accommodation as well as internship placement. Check out our packages & price page for more information.
Depending on which program you choose, your accommodation options will vary. We strongly recommend that you choose your accommodation option and make a decision before your arrival. This preparation will save you time and effort in the first few days of your arrival. Check out our accommodation page for more information.
Opening a Chinese bank account is the best way to keep your money safe and be able to withdraw it whenever you like. You can also use an international credit card to withdraw money directly from your overseas bank account. Travelers’ checks can be cashed in Bank of China branches throughout the city, as you can also exchange other foreign currencies to RMB.
Yes, you can, and it’s a very easy process. An SII team member can assist you with this after your arrival in China.
In the unlikely case that SII is unable to place you in your desired position, all your application fees will be refunded.
Yes, your payment is a regular international transaction, and you can do it either by PayPal or bank transfer, both of which are 100% reliable.
Check out our price page to become familiar with our different program package prices.
It’s easy… after you book your flight, send us your flight number and arrival date & time. An SII representative will be waiting for you at the airport gate with your name sign to welcome you.
We recommend that you search for cheap flights online; it is not necessary to purchase a flight through an agency in your home country.
Visit our FLIGHTS PAGE for cheap flight options.
You may also want to look at flights to Chongqing. This is a major city neighboring Chengdu that sometimes has even cheaper flights available, from there you can take a fast 2 hours train to Chengdu.
Although there are no specific requirements for vaccinations to enter China, there are recommendations on this matter that you should consider and we advise you to consult your doctor before you depart. You can also get more information about on this issue.
(http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/travel/asia/china.shtml)
Medical insurance is required; please ensure that you purchase medical insurance for the duration of your stay in China.
Even though you can find practically everything in Chengdu, we recommend that you bring some basic everyday life products for the beginning of your stay in order to make your own life a bit easier. Toiletries and hygienic products that you are familiar with may be more expensive or difficult to locate in China. If you are taking prescribed medicine, you should bring enough to last you for the duration of your stay, as not all Western medicines are available in China.
Please read our pre-arrival page for more information about how to prepare for your arrival.
Yes, you can, but it is best to make such plans in advance so that you can ensure that your visa will be valid for enough time to allow travel. If you have any question regarding this matter, please consult us.
If you are coming for a long-term internship (3 months or more) a visa extension will be required. In this case you will have to apply for a visa extension or change the type of visa to a working visa after you arrive. There are visa agencies that can assist you with this and the cost is about 2000-3000 RMB.
Look on the website of the Chinese embassy nearest to you to learn about the requirements for a Chinese visa in your home country. SII will provide you with an invitation letter from your host company that may be required for the visa application process.
The Chinese authorities are very strict about visa issues, therefore, its important to follow the Chinese embassy visa requirements precisely. SII will walk through this process with you step by step.
Yes, you can. Some companies even prefer to have interns that have been in China for a while.
If you are living in China and would like to apply for our program please contact us.
Of course! We welcome you to apply for the internship or the academic courses!
We recommend that you apply at least 12 weeks in advance in order to allow us enough time to match you with the right host company, and also time to arrange your Chinese visa.
However, SII will not decline applicants who apply with less time before their arrival – we will make our best effort to find a solution for you.
English is the main language that you will use to communicate with your host company, so your level of English must be fluent.
*Some internship sectors may require more specific qualifications, such as a relevant university major.
Anytime! The program is open and receiving applications all year long.
Absolutely! And as someone who will be living in China even for a short period, we highly recommend that you make an effort to learn some Chinese. SII can arrange a course for you in its partner Chinese school.
Please contact us for more information.
Additionally, if you choose to take part in our Chinese Friend Program, Chinese classes are already included!
We are able to provide alternate options for applicants with special internship requests – if this is your case, please contact us directly.
Anytime! The program is open and receiving applications all year long. We do suggest that you apply 3 months in advance to the desired starting date.
Absolutely! And as someone who will be living in China even for a short period, we highly recommend that you make an effort to learn some Chinese. SII can arrange a course for you in its partner Chinese school.
Please contact us for more information.
Additionally, if you choose to take part in our Chinese Friend Program, Chinese classes are already included!
We are able to provide alternate options for applicants with special internship requests – if this is your case, please contact us directly.
As long as your English is proficient, you can apply for our internships!
Over 70% of our internship positions are paid. Generally, if you are coming for a long-term internship you can expect to receive more benefits from your host company. If you are coming for a short-term internship (3 months or less) some companies may choose not to provide compensation.
Yes! It’s all up to you. We will provide you with the host company’s information as part of the application process, and you will have an online interview with the management before you accept an offer.
No. Having some knowledge of Chinese can always help but it is certainly not a requirement. All of our host companies have English-speaking personnel. If you are placed in an international company, most of the people in the office will speak English
Sometimes this is the case. We have had a few instances in which the company found the intern very suitable and invited them to join the staff permanently. This all depends on your motivation and work ethic. If your host is very satisfied with your performance, it could open many doors for your future.
Of course, in your application form you should specify your desired internship sector. SII will place you in a position accordingly.