Dive into your chosen field with a summer internship that offers hands-on experience directly relevant to your career aspirations. This isn't just any internship; it's a journey of genuine learning and professional growth. Experience a transformative phase that cultivates independence, enhances communication skills, boosts self-confidence, and hones in-demand job skills. With Ivy Career, you're not just gaining professional experience—you're embarking on an unforgettable adventure.
Why Choose Ivy Career?
1. Unparalleled Opportunities and Cultural Immersion
In collaboration with the China Liberal Arts College Tour, China's premier educational exchange platform founded by liberal arts college alumni, Ivy Career is dedicated to providing American students with unmatched career opportunities and cultural immersion in Chinese society and economy. Leveraging extensive alumni networks from liberal arts colleges, our program is meticulously designed to ease LAC students into real-world society and career paths. From shadowing experiences to full-time internships, alongside cultural immersion through homestays and language learning in major Chinese cities, Ivy Career offers a spectrum of career exploration opportunities.
2. Comprehensive Support for a Seamless Experience
At Ivy Career, we prioritize your integration into the internship experience with a comprehensive support system. This includes short-term housing accommodations, in-depth onboarding training, and dedicated on-site support, ensuring a secure and enriching journey for all our summer interns.
3. Elevate Your Professional Profile with Ivy Career
● A Unique International Perspective
Partnering with Ivy Career elevates your internship experience, adding a distinctive international perspective to your professional profile. This is more than an internship; it's a transformative chapter in your career, making your time with Ivy Career a significant milestone on your professional journey.
● Securing Your Competitive Edge
Our program identifies unique internship opportunities within rapidly growing industries, matching them with student candidates based on their interests and skill sets. In today's competitive job market, such an experience distinguishes you, enhancing your appeal to prospective employers.
● Tailored Professional Enhancement
Throughout your program in China, our dedicated team will work closely with you to refine your professional persona. This encompasses résumé customization, cover letter perfection, and the sharpening of networking and interview skills. With comprehensive preparation for working in a new cultural environment, we ensure you're fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await. Engage in meaningful work with a local business or organization, committing at least 30 hours per week for up to 8 weeks, and seize the opportunity to amass extensive professional experience.
Let Ivy Career be your gateway to a world of professional discovery and personal growth.
Our internship program offers short-term housing accommodations, comprehensive onboarding training, and career workshops.
● Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older to participate.
● GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is essential for eligibility.
● Class Standing: Open to freshmen, second-year students, and those who have attained at least sophomore status by the application time. Gap year and study-abroad students in China are also welcome. The program aims to advance freshmen and sophomores to the next academic level upon completion.
● Enrollment Status: Candidates enrolled in full-time degree programs at U.S. liberal arts colleges are invited to apply. This includes gap year and study-abroad students in China, provided they possess a solid academic foundation relevant to the internship field.
● Non-U.S. Citizens: Applicants who are non-U.S. citizens should consult with their local consulate for visa requirements and confirm eligibility.
● Passport Requirements: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the program's conclusion.
● Visa Requirements: Applicants will need to apply for either an X (Student) or F (Visitor) visa, depending on the duration of their stay in China.
○ F-VISA (Visitor Visa): Valid for up to 6 months, this visa is suitable for foreigners engaging in non-commercial, non-labor activities such as cultural exchange, education, research, internships, and visiting friends or relatives.
○ X-VISA (Student): If planning to stay in China for more than 6 months, you need to apply for this visa. It is required for engagements like internships, studying, language school courses, and long-term programs. (X2 visa is valid for 3-6 months, up to 180 days; X1 visa is for stays longer than 180 days and can only be issued by universities in China. X1 can be renewed in China for longer stays.)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis post-deadline, subject to availability. The deadline for the 2024 Summer Internship Program is March 1, 2024 Contact us for post-deadline application inquiries.
Submission Requirements via Ivy Pair Account:
● Internship Intent Form: Outlines your internship objectives and preferred contact methods throughout the process, aiding in your matching with a suitable host employer.
● Transcripts: Include transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended since high school. Cumulative GPA will be used for application review.
● Résumé: Should highlight relevant work or volunteer experience. Consultation with your college career office is recommended for résumé perfection.
● Cover Letter (Optional): Tailored to the potential internship host, providing insights into your interests, skills, and experiences.
● Language Skills: Information on Mandarin proficiency or related coursework is required; some internships demand Mandarin skills.
● Professional Recommendation Letter (Optional): A letter from a past employer or supervisor is encouraged.
● Apartment Accommodation: Offers a private single room with amenities including internet access and a washing machine. Dining options typically involve economical restaurants or takeout.
● Homestay with Local Families: Experience living with local residents in a private room, with the option to join them for meals or opt for external dining solutions. High-speed internet is included.
● Other Fees:
○ Room and Board: Participants cover their own accommodation and dining costs. Homestay program participants may receive reduced rates from host families.
○ Health Insurance: Participants must ensure their insurance covers international studies or acquire a new plan with our assistance.
○ Visa Application Assistance: Available for a fee.
○ Transportation: Participants are responsible for international/domestic airfare. Complimentary airport pickup is provided.
○ Language and Cultural Immersion Programs: Assistance available for application with participants covering activity fees.
How does Ivy Career match me with an internship?
Ivy Career utilizes a personalized matching process that aligns your unique interests and skillsets with suitable internship opportunities across fast-growing industries. Our corporate partners will participate in the interview process to ensure a match at the workplace. Our dedicated team assesses your professional profile, including your résumé, cover letter, and overall qualifications, to secure an internship that not only complements your academic background but also your career aspirations.
Can I participate in the Ivy Career program if I'm not fluent in Mandarin?
Yes, language fluency is not a barrier to your participation in the Ivy Career program. While some internships in specific sectors require Mandarin language skills, many opportunities are available in English-speaking environments or places where language support is provided. Our team also offers language preparation resources to help you navigate your new cultural environment confidently. Visit our "Program Overview" page for more information.
Is the Ivy Career Internship non-paid?
Yes, due to the visa requirement in F and X visa, it is illegal to receive compensation in any form. The internship is an opportunity offered by liberal arts college alumni and friends to explore different career paths and Chinese business world.
How will the Ivy Career program benefit my career?
Participating in the Ivy Career program sets you apart in today's competitive job market by providing you with hands-on experience in your chosen field. The hosting companies are some of the most exciting startups or well-known big names in China. This experience is not only relevant to your future career goals but also enriches your professional profile with skills that are highly valued by employers, such as independence, enhanced communication abilities, self-confidence, and cultural adaptability.
What is the application process for the Ivy Career program?
The application process for the Ivy Career program involves several key steps, starting with submitting your documents through our website, followed by participating in our interview process. Once accepted, you'll undergo background checks, complete any necessary visa applications, and engage in a comprehensive orientation.
What are the costs of participating in the Ivy Career program?
The Ivy Career program costs include program fee (visa assistance, orientation, workshops, and local supports) and housing during the program. However, it does not include airfare to and from China, health insurance, food, cultural activities, and other out of pocket expenses in China. We can assist in finding the right health insurance plan and organize cultural activities for a fee. Ivy Career does not charge a placement fee for the internship.
What support can I expect during my internship in China?
From the moment you embark on your journey with Ivy Career, our team is dedicated to enhancing your professional experience in China. This includes comprehensive pre-departure support, personalized résumé and cover letter coaching, and skills development workshops focusing on networking and interviewing. Additionally, we provide on-the-ground support in China to help you adjust to the new cultural environment and maximize your internship experience.
