Entrance to Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
Why did you decide to apply for an international program?
I decided to apply for an international program to help grow my world view. Traveling out of America for the first time was amazing! It motivated me to travel most of Europe the following year.
Why did you choose The Intern Group?
I chose The Intern Group to both travel and gain viable work experience.
What was your favorite part about Hong Kong?
My favorite part about Hong Kong was how close everything is. Thirty minutes on the train could take you to an entirely new area!
The beach in Cheng Seng
What made your internship in Hong Kong unique?
The program I participated in was unique due to the experiences you are able to take part in with the program. I was able to travel to Macau, climb up to the peak, and even cliff dive in Sai Kung (that was an adventure independent of what's offered).
How supportive was the local staff during your internship?
The local staff were amazing! From helping me get back into my room to even helping me get to the airport with ease. They were ten times the standard.
What would you do differently if you could go back to the beginning of your internship?
I would not have done anything different. If given the chance to go back and start over again, I would have retraced every step.
What was a typical day like during your internship in Hong Kong?
I would get up around 9 a.m. and work until around 5 p.m. From there, it was finding something to do during the evening (most of the time I ended up dancing the night away in Lan Kwai Fong).
What did you like most about your internship outside of your placement?
My favorite activity outside of the program was getting a chance to learn about new cultures that other participants had to offer.
Shane with a few interns on the ferris wheel in Central
What is your most memorable moment from your time in China?
My most memorable moment from my time in China would be the walks everywhere. It was so peaceful. Being able to take one turn and end up in a park and escape the buzz of the city was amazing.
What was your accommodation like?
I had my own room in an area extremely close to where I worked. I loved the fact that I could walk to work each day.
What should every intern know about your program?
Interning with The Intern Group is an amazing tool to leverage in your pursuit of any career. They open new doors in the areas you're working in. The staff, above all, have your best interests in mind and are willing to do anything to make your experience better.
What is the biggest benefit of interning abroad in China?
The biggest benefit I got out of my time was breaking the ideas the media had. A few people thought that I would be working in an area that wasn't as civilized as a metropolis like Hong Kong. Hopefully my pictures prove them wrong!
How has interning abroad changed your life?
The program has inspired me to travel even more. At the time of this interview, I am finishing up my new program with The Intern Group in London.
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
How has interning abroad impacted your career goals?
Interning abroad has shown me that I need to open more doors for people coming from a similar background. Philadelphia youth have so many odds against them, it's my turn to level the playing field.
Now that you are almost done with your second internship abroad, what location is next you list?
Since I've interned in Hong Kong and London, I think South America would be the next best step!
