[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Firstly, I would like thank InternChina for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dream of visiting China. This was something I never thought I’d be able to afford due to the financial barriers. With the funding from the British Council it helped make my dreams a reality.

I decided to apply for the programme for many reasons. I wanted to visit China, I was keen to broaden my cultural intelligence, I wanted to meet people from all over the world and I was keen to work in an environment different to what I was used to in the UK. The Generation UK programme offered all of this in one experience. Initially I thought applying for the programme would be like a holiday. I also thought it would look good on my CV. But after reading reviews and information on the programme I knew I would gain so much more than that.

I have always been independent. I moved out at 18 and had two jobs from as far back as I can remember. With this it is has been difficult to commit to extracurricular activities that help me towards my career goals. I always went were the money was to live a comfortable life. Applying for this programme allowed me to put my busy life on hold for a few months and focus on me.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”61132″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border_circle_2″ onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Arrival in China and the Internship Experience

When I arrived in China I was extremely nervous. I was instantly put at ease by the staff at my programme who ensured all my worries and queries were dealt with. There was definitely an equal balance of work and leisure which made going to work more enjoyable.

My internship was in a tourist complex which was in the process of opening a new model train museum.  I was responsible for the marketing. This allowed me to use my core skills learned from my university degree in a practical setting. It also allowed me to see what it is like to work in a Chinese company and how that differs to the UK. The majority of staff in my workplace could not speak English which made work challenging on occasions. But I made some lifelong friends.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”61144″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border_circle_2″ onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Challenges in China

There were some minor challenges I found when living and working in China. Missing my family was definitely one. And being in a country where you cannot speak the language can be lonely. However, having the other interns around me who were going through the same thing helped. Communicating with the locals was sometimes a little difficult. But I was able to use a translation application and learnt some basic Chinese from my colleagues in work.

I was surprised at how “ahead” the Chinese are. The technology blew my mind and made me excited for what the future holds for the rest of the world. I was also pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the Chinese were to westerners. They were keen to learn from me. I was also super keen to learn from them, in terms of their working practices and from their culture.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Reflections on My Time in China

Since returning home from China, it is safe to say I have the China blues. I reflect on the experience daily and since returning to university I feel more mature and in control of my studies and my future.

I’ve learned a lot from my time in China and I am eager to return to explore more of the country. I now know that I am keen to move out of the UK when I graduate, spending my summer in China made me realise I can do that. Again, I cannot thank InternChina and the Generation UK programme enough for helping me follow one of my dreams and meet some fantastic people.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”61141″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border_circle_2″ onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row]