Alumni Interview with Lucy Billington

What inspired you to go abroad?

I was a first year Law student and I wanted an opportunity to gain an insight into a professional role early on in my professional development. I knew the more experience I gained over the course of my degree would help put me in good standing for when I came to apply for a job in my chosen field.

Interning is the best way to build confidence, develop skills and a network—and to be able to achieve all this while embracing a different culture is invaluable. Last year I was extremely fortunate to have been selected for the Shanghai internship.

The idea of working and traveling around Shanghai was initially quite daunting, my confidence and self-efficacy drastically developed while I was there and since returning. The ability to overcome language barriers and cultural differences is an important skill to possess as this reflects one’s capabilities to adapt in difficult situations.

Why did you choose CRCC Asia?

I applied for the internship and Mandarin program as I wanted to get a head start with relevant work experience early on in my degree and I knew CRCC Asia specialized in these type of programs. I went to a talk at university hosted by Jason from CRCC Asia and felt that they were committed to fostering a community of multicultural graduates rather than than simply offering work placements—I wasn't wrong!

What was your favorite part about China?

I honestly don't think I have a favorite part. Everything about China fascinated me—the language, the intricate Chinese symbols on street and road signs, the weird and wonderful foods, the people, the streets, the super efficient public transport—the list goes on.

What made your experience abroad unique?

Living and working in another country allowed me to experience new cultures and beliefs. Consequently, the greatest benefit of all was the brand-new sense of self I discovered over the two months. What made this experience even more unique was being able to develop this self-concept clarity with other like-minded young professionals.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Before I even got to Shanghai, the entire team were there to support me. Jason met me at London Heathrow to make sure I was okay and as soon as I landed in Shanghai, Cat was there to greet me with a friendly smile. Without Cat I don't know how I would have survived navigating myself around such a busy city. She was there to answer my questions or direct me when I got lost, and nothing was ever too much trouble.

The weekly Starbucks visits were really helpful and I knew I had someone to go and talk to if needed. I couldn't fault the team, they made the transition seamless and straightforward, while planning cultural activities to make sure we felt part of a team and we were all integrating smoothly into this sometimes difficult culture.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

If I could do it all over again I would definitely keep a diary. So much happens in two months and after a few weeks returning to normality in your home country it can be difficult to remember everything that happened. Good or bad, diary entries are a good way of reflecting on ways to improve for the future or recognizing any achievements you might have forgotten. Whether it be personally or professionally, they can be good fun to read back years later.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day usually started around 9:00 a.m. I would take the metro from Wuning Road to the office in the Changning District of Shanghai. This usually took around 30/40 mins. Here I spent an hour or so planning my lesson for the afternoon.

After Lunch I would travel to one of the four teaching destinations—usually community centers—and spend a couple of hours teaching with my co-teacher, Quinn. After that I would return home and my two flatmates and I would talk about how our days were, then we would either cook some food or go to a nearby restaurant..

Since there was a large group of us from university, we would usually visit each-others flats and either plan our next weekend adventure or take our weekly visit to Perry's bar, popular with us Brits

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

There was always something to do, whether it be embracing the Chinese culture down at the markets or making their famous dumplings, or doing some retail therapy in the exclusive shopping districts. My favorite weekend was visiting Beijing, what an unforgettable experience! We camped on the Great Wall, visited the Forbidden city and strolled around Summer Palace.

My ultimate highlight has to be KTV whilst we were camping on the Great Wall—I don't know many people who can say they sang their hearts out to Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire on the Great Wall! And, when I felt slightly home sick and wanted some home comforts I took a trip to the chic Kerry Center in the Jing'an District and enjoyed some retail therapy, albeit window shopping or indulged in a burrito bowl at Charlie's restaurant.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

My accommodation was fantastic! It was easy to commute around the city and to work given the metro stations were close by. Living in a typical modern Shanghai complex really gave an authentic community feel. I got to know my neighbors and there were many bars, restaurants, and malls within walking distance.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

For anyone thinking of working abroad for any given period, my advice is to fully embrace this incredible opportunity and realize how truly fortunate you are. If you want to grow—personally and professionally—while making global connections, then immersing yourself into a different culture, country, and working environment will definitely allow for this.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

Now that I am home, I am definitely more aware of social and political concepts like democracy, justice, equality, citizenship, and civil rights. I am more open minded and curious about new challenges—so much so that I have recently returned from another two month human rights internship in Malta. I am more able to adapt and act in new situations, and I have a drive to participate more actively in social and political life of my own community.

Would you recommend CRCC Asia to others? Why?

Absolutely! Without doubt having this internship experience makes my CV stand out. Whether it was exploring the many temples Shanghai had to offer or camping on the Great Wall in Beijing, my China experience was unforgettable, made even more unforgettable by CRCC Asia's commitment to helping me out there. I acquired so many important life skills while enhancing my CV—by far the most memorable two months of my life.