9 Low Cost 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 are 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 you 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. Marketing Internships in Shanghai with NSC

If you want to intern in China, check out Next Step Connection. This organization offers marketing internships as well as other business internships for around $2,000 (without housing). This cost includes placement, mentorship, interview preparation, and professional events. Options to include housing are also available. The program also allows for connections with other NSC interns. The lifelong connections made through an internship with NSC is unforgettable, and many past interns can’t wait to come back to China.

City: Shanghai
Rough program cost: ~$2,000 and up
More info on Next Step Connections

2. Business Internships in Beijing with Go Abroad China

Go Abroad China offers a China internship program ranging from one month to over six months, starting at $3,000. 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 PAID internships with a Fortune 500 company!

City: Beijing
Rough program cost: ~$3,000 and up
More info on Go Abroad China

3. Financial Analyst and Asset Management Internships in Guangzhou with CIP

China Internship placement offers Finance internships in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing. This is the ideal internship in China for those looking for a professional stepping stone. With internships starting at $2,500, CIP is a great place to find a professional internship (and potentially a paid one). CIP also places a focus on networking and career development by including seminars and networking events for interns in China.

City: Guangzhou
Rough program cost: ~$2,500 and up
More info on China Internship Placements (CIP)

4. Engineering Internships in Xi’an with Go Abroad China

Don’t worry, engineering students, there are plenty of opportunities in China for you too! Go Abroad China offers field experience in engineering firms in China, starting at $3,000. Choose from a variety of cities, not just Xi’an (although who wouldn’t want to work in the city of the Terracotta Warriors?) Many of these opportunities are with multinational firms across a wide range of engineering specialties. Because China is a leader in exporting and manufacturing, it would make sense that their engineering careers are continuing to grow. From mechanical, chemical, industrial, and more, engineering students will certainly be getting their foot in the door with this placement.

City: Xi’an
Rough program cost: ~$3,000 and up
More info on Go Abroad China

5. International Trading Internship in Shanghai with Connect 123

It would make sense that Shanghai makes the list again! I mean, this is Shanghai we are talking about! One of the most global cities in the world, Shanghai is quite literally “bustling” with activity and opportunities to intern in China—and Connect 123 provides a popular option for a fee of less than $2,500! Trading companies are a popular place to look into because they provide an unparalleled look into aspects of marketing, sales, trade, and supply chain all in one company. These companies often work alongside American and European companies and therefore are looking for native English speaking interns to provide language skills and a new perspective to their employees. While an intern at a trading company, you might sit in on a lunch with a CEO of an American company, present to buyers of companies, conduct market research, or design a sales product floor room!

City: Shanghai
Rough program cost: ~$2,500
More info on Connect 123

6. Non-Profit Internships in Hong Kong with Absolute Internship

There’s always something to do as an intern in China in Hong Kong, and while it may not be located be on mainland China, Hong Kong is just a quick flight away. While Absolute’s programs are a a slight jump in price (upwards of $4,000), they have excellent reviews and have even been cited in by the New York Times (yup, that’s when you know you’ve hit it big)—plus the bustling city of Hong Kong is just a tad more expensive than what you’d find on the mainland! Hong Kong provides a different cultural and work experience than China. Based on a long history of political separation from China, Hong Kong has just recently began to integrate with mainland China. Many interns attest to this with Hong Kong’s more western cultural feel.

City: Hong Kong
Rough program cost: ~$4,000 and up
More info on Absolute Internship

7. PAID TEFL Internships Along the Coast with Premier TEFL

Premier TEFL doesn’t just want you to not spend a fortune while interning in China—they want to help you build your fortune while interning in China! If you thought paid internships in China were too good to be true, Premer TEFL is here to show you otherwise. Spend 5+ months working at schools along the east coast and receiving a monthly stipend from the Chinese government. Did we mention accommodations and Mandarin lessons are also included?

City: Eastern China
Rough program cost: ~$1,000
More info on Premier TEFL

8. Hospitality and Tourism Internships in Beijing or Shanghai with CRCC Asia

Are you looking for a jump start into the hospitality and tourism industry? Perhaps the feels of a luxurious hotel chain or resort excites you. Beijing and Shenzhen are top tourist destinations, but if you are looking to work and live in a different city in China, opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry can be found. For $2,000 and up, experience the grandiose life of the rich and famous, or settle in a smaller Chinese city and be of assistance to tourists from around the world.

City: Beijing or Shenzhen
Rough program cost: ~$3,500 and up
More info on CRCC Asia

9. Fashion Design Internship in Shanghai or Beijing with World Internships

Last but not least on our list is internships in China for students with a passion for fashion. With Shanghai and Beijing quickly becoming China’s fashion capitals, it’s a great idea to get this global experience now. For a duration of 6-12 weeks and a cost of upwards of $2,000, interns will get the chance to assist designers, conduct research, assist with marketing strategies, and design clothes. Fashion internships in China also provide a deeper understanding and context of the cultural importance of fashion in China and its global influence. Intern in China, where fashion inspiration knows no end!

City: Beijing or Shanghai
Rough program cost: ~$2,000 and up
More info on World Internships

[Browse ALL Internship Programs in China for College Students]

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 full 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.

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 first hand. 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.