Five and a half months ago, I made my way to the office for the first time – ridiculously early – and sat down at my desk in the IC Chengdu office. I was really quite nervous as this was the first time I have worked in an office environment, but my colleagues were all very friendly and helpful. I admit I felt quite overwhelmed in my first week, there were so many new faces, so many tasks and programmes to familiarise myself with. There was also my jetlag to deal with and the fact that I didn’t like spicy food (and almost everything in Chengdu is at least a little spicy).
Nevertheless, day after day, I grew more comfortable in my role and in what I had to do. I began exploring the city with the other interns as well and saw and experienced numerous interesting sites in and around Chengdu. The most memorable places were, of course, the Giant Panda Base and Emei Mountain (see my account on that here).
The food has also been quite a journey for me. As I said, I could not eat any spicy food when I first arrived. Now, five months later, I am enjoying my dishes drowned in red chilli sauce and sprinkled with Sichuan peppercorns. I never knew it was possible to train your taste-buds!
I have met amazing people during my short time here, have made friends for life and I admit, despite the fog, I’ve fallen in love with this ever-changing city. I will miss my colleagues, I will miss the food, I think I will even miss the smog!
But it doesn’t end here! Though my internship is over, my time with IC is not – I’m staying on board to take on the role as Qingdao branch office manager! I am extremely excited to have been given this opportunity and I can’t wait to start my new adventures in Qingdao starting from April.
It has been fun, challenging, and most of all rewarding to intern with IC and I look forward to coming back, meeting new people, visiting new places and trying new foods. It is an adventure I would recommend to anyone and I hope to be able to welcome many more students and graduates to China, and make sure they have an amazing time in this magical country!
Kick start your career with an internship in Qingdao, Zhuhai or Chengdu and join in the adventure! Apply Now!
