Help & Guidance
FAQ
1. What programs are available and when do they start?
- 2025 Summer: Classes 14 Jul – 8 Aug | Internship 11 Aug 2025 – 12 Jan 2026
- 2025 Fall: Classes 15 Sep – 17 Oct | Internship 20 Oct 2025 – 6 Mar 2026 (1-week National-Holiday break)
- 2026 Winter: Classes 12 Jan – 6 Feb | Internship 10 Feb – 10 Jun 2026
- 2026 Spring: Classes 9 Mar – 3 Apr | Internship 6 Apr – 31 Jul 2026
2. How long is the internship phase?
Choose 3, 4 or 5 months; the CRM form locks in your choice when you apply.
3. Who can apply?
- Current students or graduates of any nationality (Benelux passport not required).
- Young professionals seeking China market experience.
4. What industries can I intern in?
Key tracks include International Business, Banking & Finance, Industry & Technology, Agriculture, Market Insight & Strategy, Logistics & Supply Chain, Medical & Semicon, Food & Beverage, Legal & IP, Chemical & Pharma, Marketing and Sustainability & Design.
5. How much does the program cost?
Internship Support Fee (ISF): €499 (incl. VAT). This covers matching, pre-departure guidance, cultural orientation and continuous on-site support.
ECNU Classes : 1450€
6. Are scholarships or grants available?
Yes, DUO (NL), Erasmus+, and several Belgian/Luxembourg funds are common sources. Apply directly to your national agency; BenCham does not award grants.
7. What documents do I need for my application?
CV, Motivation Letter (3 answers), proof of student status, signed Internship Support Agreement, and proof of ISF payment.
8. What is the admission timeline?
The online portal accepts applications until ≈1 month before each cohort begins. Early submission is recommended because matching can take several weeks.
9. What happens in the intake call?
A BenCham advisor will discuss your background, industry preferences, required skills, ideal duration, and any logistical needs to create a tailored company shortlist.
10. Is the internship guaranteed?
Yes, Intern2China guarantees placement in a field aligned with your profile once you complete steps 1–3 of the admission process and pass at least one host interview.
Chinese drugs policy
In China, the rule is very simple: zero tolerance for any form of drug use. whether in China or in your home country. A medical test will be conducted upon your arrival.
All participants should refrain from taking drugs 1 month prior to arriving in China.
11. Do I need to speak Chinese?
No prior Mandarin is required. Everyone starts with 3–4 weeks of Chinese language & culture classes at East China Normal University (ECNU) before you join the company
12. Where will I live?
On-campus dorms during the chinese classes (ECNU):
Economy twin (shared bath): 80-110 RMB pp/day
Standard twin (private bath): 160-200 RMB pp/day
Apartments during your stay in Shanghai : The BenCham team can help you secure private housing before or after arrival; typical central-Shanghai studios range 3 000 – 5 000 RMB/month (utilities extra).
13. Will I share a dorm room?
Yes, dorms are double occupancy; roommates may be other Intern2China participants or international students enrolled at ECNU.
14. Can I arrange housing before coming to China?
Absolutely, many participants lock in dorm beds or sign apartment leases online with BenCham’s vetted brokers. A scouting tour after arrival is also possible.
15. What visa will I receive, and can I travel?
Participants enter on an X1 student visa with an official internship permit endorsed by the Shanghai Entry-Exit Bureau. Multiple-entry is typical, so weekend trips to Hong Kong or Japan are possible (check current re-entry rules).
16. Is the internship legal?
Yes, BenCham is currently the only foreign chamber with a formal agreement allowing legal internship permits for international students in Shanghai.
17. What support do I receive on the ground?
Airport pickup driver, SIM-card assistance, apartment search, police registration, 24 / 7 emergency phone, social events, and monthly one-on-one check-ins with BenCham staff.
18. Are cultural or networking activities included?
Yes, company visits, BenCham mixers, weekend excursions, Chinese cooking classes, and at least one industry roundtable per cohort.
20. How competitive is placement in top-tier companies?
Early applicants with strong motivation letters and clear industry goals have the best chance at high-profile partners (e.g., Euroports, KBC, ING, Philips, Winex Machinery…).
21. Is there a language-of-work guarantee?
Host companies commit to offering an English speaking environment or bilingual supervision. Basic Mandarin is a bonus but not mandatory.
22. May I extend my internship?
Extensions up to 6 months are possible if the host company approves and your visa is renewed before expiry.
23. What insurance do I need?
Comprehensive travel & health insurance covering China for the full stay is mandatory; proof is requested during onboarding.
24. How safe is Shanghai for interns?
Shanghai consistently ranks among world safest megacities.
25. How do I apply?
Click “Apply Now” on any website page or go directly to the CRM portal, create a ticket, and attach all required documents.
26. Are part-time internships possible?
Yes, its possible. However, companies prefer to have a full time intern for the few months in China.
27. What if I already found my own internship in China?
You can still benefit from the ECNU classes, legal permit, and BenCham support by enrolling under the “self-sourced placement” option on the application form.