Low Mein & Low Cost: 8 Affordable Internships in China

Is ambiguity and adventure your cup of tea? If so, internships in China might just be calling your name. While teaching English is often more well known, you can also find affordable internships in China for American students and other internationals interested in a wide range of fields can also be found. 

Leave your financial worries behind and embrace the “zen” of the culture thanks to these low-cost internships in China.

No matter what China internship program you choose, be prepared for the excitement of getting lost for your first time, having no idea what your Chinese co-workers are saying, and even trying some unique food options (yes, we’re talking to you, chicken feet). Here’s everything you need to make interning in China a meaningful yet affordable experience!

Can I find a FREE internship in China?

There are often a variety of costs involved with internships, which is why going into an internship abroad with eyes wide open (and money for lunch) is key to a financially successful experience. Unfortunately, it won’t be easy to find a paid or even free internship in China. In fact, most internships abroad cost money. However, as a developing country, life in China is pretty affordable. But if money is still tight (we hear ya, college kids), then check out this list of scholarships for interning in China. 

It’s always recommended to first check with your college to see if any programs are available for interning in China. Colleges can often help with the cost of the program or provide a scholarship. Many colleges have study abroad offices, and the staff is happy to help with choosing a program that best fits with your academic and career goals (that’s what they are there for!). If they do have a China internship program, apply early and prepare, prepare, prepare! These applications can be competitive, and usually, there is only space for a few interns.   

Here’s to praying that you find your dream China internship program!

If your college does not offer internships in China, or if you are past your college years, it is time to look at external programs. Choosing an external program can take a lot of the stress away because they do a lot of the prep for you! The costs and fees of internship programs will vary, but will often include the internship placement, room and board, the flight, and potentially even excursions. You should expect to pay roughly ~$1000-$5000 for your China internship program fee, notwithstanding other costs like flights, visas, and a cute new outfit to wear on day one.

Our roundup of low-cost internships in China

1. Business Internships in Beijing with Go Abroad China

Go Abroad China offers a China internship program ranging from one month to over six months. This includes internship placement, accommodation, visa service, Chinese classes, airport pickup, and more. Homestays are a great way to immerse yourself even deeper into the daily life experiences of a Chinese family. If you are a competitive candidate, you may even be eligible for one of their exciting internships with a Fortune 500 company! 

• City: Beijing 
• More info: Read Go Abroad China reviews

2. International Internships in Hong Kong with The Intern Group

Looking to launch your career in one of the world's most vibrant financial hubs? The Intern Group offers comprehensive internship programs in Hong Kong across all career fields, from finance and business to creative arts and NGOs. You’ll spend your time gaining first-hand professional experience while enjoying a program that includes premium accommodation, professional development workshops, and a solid social community. It’s an ideal way to gain a competitive edge in a city where East truly meets West.

• City: Hong Kong
• More info: Read The Intern Group reviews

3. High-End Business Internships in Hong Kong with Absolute Internship

Want to intern with a top-tier company in the "Pearl of the Orient"? Absolute Internship connects ambitious students with elite placements in Hong Kong’s most competitive industries. You’ll spend your summer or semester engaging in high-level business tasks, attending exclusive networking events, and participating in career-readiness seminars. It is a comprehensive, award-winning program designed to turn students into global professionals.

• City: Hong Kong
• More info: Read Absolute Internship reviews

4. Finance and Accounting Internships with Go Abroad China

Don't worry, engineering students—there are plenty of high-tech opportunities for you! Go Abroad China offers specialized engineering internships in major hubs like Beijing and Shanghai. You’ll spend your time working with leading firms on projects ranging from civil and mechanical engineering to renewable energy. This program often includes Mandarin classes and housing, ensuring you grow both technically and culturally in the world's manufacturing powerhouse.

• City: Beijing
• More info: Read Go Abroad China reviews

5. Marketing and Social Media Internships with XMandarin

Want to master the art of digital marketing in a unique cultural context? XMandarin offers hands-on internships in Qingdao, where you’ll spend your time managing social media campaigns and developing marketing strategies for an international audience. This program is perfect for creative souls who want to combine their passion for communication with an immersive Mandarin language experience in a beautiful coastal setting.

• City: Qingdao
• More info: Read XMandarin reviews

Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare China Internships

6. Affordable Volunteering and Interning with IVHQ

For those who want to give back while gaining experience, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers some of the most affordable programs in China. You’ll spend your time supporting local initiatives in teaching, childcare, or special needs care. While it’s a "low-cost" route, the impact is high; you’ll live and work alongside local communities, gaining a truly authentic perspective on Chinese life that most tourists never see.

• City: Xi'an
• More info: Read International Volunteer HQ reviews

7. Global Internships in Shanghai with CIEE

Stay on track for graduation while living in the "Paris of the East" with CIEE. You’ll engage in a full-time professional internship while also taking a core academic course for credit. CIEE offers a deep dive into Chinese workplace culture through guided reflections and site visits. Whether you're working in a local startup or a multinational corporation, you’ll gain the intercultural skills necessary to thrive in today’s global economy.

• City: Shanghai
• More info: Read CIEE reviews

8. Cultural Exchange & Childcare with Wanderlust Au Pair China

If you want to fully immerse yourself in a Chinese household, look no further than Wanderlust Au Pair China. You’ll spend your days as a mentor and "big sibling" to children in a host family, engaging in language exchange and daily family life. In return, you receive free housing, meals, and a monthly stipend, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to live in China while building childcare and cross-cultural communication skills.

• City: Beijing
• More info: Read Wanderlust Au Pair China reviews

3 extra tips to keep your Chinese internship costs down

Great Wall… great food… great prices. We <3 China!

No matter what internship or program you choose, there will be costs involved to intern in China. However, competitive applicants can often make it work by getting an internship with a small stipend or getting a part-time job on the side. While the cost is an important consideration, the skills and life experiences you gain in China will certainly make it worth it. But just to be on the safe side, here are some more tips for keeping the costs down. 

• Get a part-time teaching or tutoring job. While you are interning in China, you will come to find that native English speakers are in HIGH demand. China has a large population of children and adults looking to improve their English skills. Therefore, finding a decent-paying teaching or tutoring job shouldn’t be too difficult, even on top of your China internship program! What’s more, you’ll get great practice, as many business internships also include an aspect of teaching English as part of the job.
• Eat local. It’s delicious AND crazy-cheap. While it will be tempting to eat at “western” restaurants (as they say in China), keep it to a minimum. While you can find popular chains such as KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s in China’s large, tourist areas, these meals are going to be pricier than your more common Chinese cuisine. So, fill up on baozi (steamed buns), rice congee, noodles, and hot pot. Don’t worry, these will soon become your favorite meals! 
• Find housing outside of the city center. Housing located in the heart of large cities in China is going to be more expensive, which is why you should focus your search on the “suburbs” of Chinese cities. Because China has such a large population, you will still get that large city feel in most places where you find an internship. Plus, living outside of the “tourist” part of China is a more authentic living experience. Making friends with the locals is one of the best ways to get to know China and its people. 

Get matched with more internship programs in China →

You’re ready to intern in China & not go broke while doing it!

Launch YOUR international career in some of the world’s greatest cities, like Shanghai.

China is full of internships that will test your beliefs, values, and sense of self. You will come away both challenged and inspired to take on all that life has to offer. China’s diversity of work culture (Guanxi) and people is something that needs to be experienced firsthand. So pack your bags and get ready for a LONG flight. You are about to begin an adventure of a lifetime as an intern in China.

Kaila Forster

GoAbroad Contributor

Kaila is a recent graduate from the College of Saint Benedict in Minnesota, where she earned her bachelor degree in international business and history. During college, she embarked on her first adventure abroad, studying in Chongqing, China. Upon graduation, Kaila returned to China as a marketing intern with a trading company outside of Shanghai. She is currently working as a Revenue Tax Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Kaila enjoys spending her free time cooking, incessantly bothering her cat, and volunteer teaching immigrants and refugees.

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