National Holidays and Stuffed Cake by Intern in China Participant Abby Goldstein

6/8/20111:14:07 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Intern

Sorry its been so long, I have been very distracted as of late. My computer broke, I lost friends, I gained friends, I went swimming… I smell something burning. 
Moving on, last week was pretty much a blur, a lot of new work and training. I am now learning our Tibetan routes, as I started sales today (yay!). I have been offered a post grad job here for a few years. Definitely something to chew on. Speaking of chewing on, I had pizza this past week, it made me delirious. It was a Chinese national holiday similar to the American Labor Day. So we went to Richard’s country club for swimming, pingpong, and badminton. I also tried new foods this week… chicken blood, eel, sea creature of unidentified origin (Manny and I couldnt pinpoint what it was and have taken to calling it sea creature). We went to Hot Pot with a girl named Olivia who was in from Shanghai, she was a total sweetheart, and we walked all the way from dinner which was on the north west side of town, to the clubs on the south east side of town (it was a surprisingly refreshing walk). We stopped along the way to pick up a dress for 20 quai for me which looked fantastic with my sneakers, and a shirt for Manny to replace the oil splashed one he ruined at hot pot ( I suggested we just rub some mud and other weird stuff on it to make it look like part of the design). Either way, we had a blast (and a free bottle of champagne, oh how I love being foreign).

On Saturday Manny, Florence, and I did 6 hours of ktv…. straight through. It was awesome. We did everything from Elvis to Lady Gaga. This was all for only 15 RMB per person, non-alcholic drinks included! I was a little shy at first, but I was belting out by the end of the first hour, I was belting it out like I was possessed by Whitney Huston herself. My companions’ enthusiasm is contagious. I met a bunch of local girls, which was nice. Apparently, we hit it off enough that they were asking Manny for my number. Ah, if only I was that popular with the opposite sex. C’est la vie.

I met a ton of foreigners, many of whom I will be seeing at a concert tomorrow. I met a dance crew who was in Step Up 3 who were here from Holland for an international dance competition (apparently they liked me enough, I was sought after when they went into CC.) They are also the reigning champs in their competition, so mazel tov to them . I was given an oven too… a toaster oven, my boss is like you can cook cakes in this right, I shook my head and said I would try my best. I have mosquito bites up the wazoo, it totally blows, but I got them being outdoorsy so I am okay with it. I hit the mountains to the south of Chengdu this weekend with some friends, the views were breath taking, I need to start remembering my camera, its a really bad habit of mine to not have it. I will upload some new pics at some point, let me acquire more first.

I met my Chinese tutor, we have set up our first few meetings. My co-workers have gotten especially busy as it is peak season now, and don’t have time to teach me anymore. She seems very nice and has friends at Sichuan University. She works in a company that specializes in tutoring. Isabella referred me to her, she seems to be a very powerful woman, Isabella, that is.

I will keep you updated on other things as they happen, starting with a concert tomorrow. May is a month of new beginnings I have decided, and as such, there will be a lot of changes made. Social, academic, health-wise, and breaking bad habits. Sadly I am not much of one for making New Year’s resolutions and am beginning making some just a bit later in the year. With that strong note, I leave you for this evening.

A pleasure updating you all, as usual.  

April's A-Ha! Travel Moments by Intern in China Participant Abby Goldstein

6/8/20111:08:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

A-Ha, China, Featured Participants, Intern

My A-ha! moment was definitely in the middle of last semester. I was feeling homesick....for China? I then expressed my need to travel back here to my parents. I figured it would be a great internship opportunity, as well as a great way to learn Chinese. I also think its a good way to gradually enter into the "real world" and experience things on my own. What a great decision it was! I absolutely enjoy it here, I have made many new friends and acquaintances, which is always refreshing especially if it is something you accomplish entirely on your own. That aside, I landed in the perfect office. Soon I will begin training to learn how to do basic travel sales, and it sounds like I will soon be putting my advertising skills to good use. This is one a-ha moment I will never regret or forget! 

Eggs, Octopus, and Other Delicacies by Intern in China Participant Abby Goldstein

6/8/20111:04:54 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

China, Featured Participants, Intern

FAQ about Internships Abroad by CE Founder Emlyn Lee

6/8/20119:48:06 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

Emlyn's Expressions, Intern

Happy Fall! This is probably my favorite time of year... the cooler weather, the foliage changing, pumpkin patch picking, and football season. Heck, even for the non-football fans, like me, you can't beat running errands and not waiting in line during game weekends! But one of my most appreciative part of this season is that students are back at school, and I get to go back on the road, and meet, visit and speak at institutions about the benefits of going abroad. Although our programs are available for all types and ages of travelers, students and recent grads are a prime target market, as they have the time and invested interest to seek a global perspective that will enhance their academic, professional, and personal endeavors. 

During these campus visits, I have noticed a lot more interest with internships, and wanted to share some of my insights and answers to commonly asked questions: 

Q: What is the objective of an internship abroad, and how will it benefit me? 
A: No doubt, we are living in an inter-connected world, and our dependence on each other for financial, political, and social purpose is ever present. Having the experience to intern abroad provides you with first-hand experience that no textbook, newspaper, GRE/GMAT/LSAT test, or CNN may teach you. It will improve your cultural competency, and build a strong foundation of international contacts. Combine this with personal development and growth, and there really isn't any negative benefit from this experience. 
 

Q: Who should intern abroad?
A: Interning abroad is ideal for students, recent grads, or professionals seeking firsthand experience and exposure of a particular field or industry. Once you send your application to our Austin office, our region-specific coordinator will have an in-depth phone interview with you, to learn more about your goals, interests, background, and such. Then, our Austin Coordinator will connect with our local Coordinators to organize the best mutually beneficial placement--matching the employer's availability and needs, with the skills, background, interests, and goals of the interns. 

Q: What type of positions will I be placed in?
A: Cultural Embrace pre-arranges and tailors internship placements in a wide variety of fields. Our Austin staff and in-country coordinators work closely together to fill the interests and goals of the intern with the needs and availabilities of international employers. Although it is ultimately the employers decision to select the candidates they want to receive, our connections and relationships with these companies prove to be positive and influential. Placements vary, however, popular requests are within the marketing, business, advertising, graphics, fashion, culinary, hospitality/tourism, sports management, education, social service, IT/computers, engineering, art, medical, and media fields. We have more success in making placements within small to medium sized companies, non profits, or NGOs, which allow our interns to be more involved within the workplace. 
 

Q: What are my duties, and how will I know I'm not just making copies?
A: Duties and responsibilities vary depending on each placement and employer. We hope, prepare and expect our interns and employers to maximize the interns' time abroad, so this is a mutually beneficial experience for all parties involved. You are a foreign guest that will be abroad for a limited time. Employers need to invest their time and energy to train and manage you. Take the initiative to learn, produce, and be of assistance, but be realistic of your expectations. You are there to be learning and helping the employer. The more you put in to something, the more you get out of it. You may not solve the economic recession, or discover a vaccination for cancer, or design the hottest trend for Dolce & Gabbana,..but an internship is a wonderful stepping stone for you to get experience and exposure in your specific field. 

Q: Is my internship paid?
A: Due to visa regulations, most international internships are unpaid, and will typically last 10-24 weeks. The reason for this is because the local government wants the professional and technical jobs to go to their local citizens and improve their economy and unemployment. Thus, most internships are short-term and unpaid. However, there are some employers that may offer a stipend or other compensation (ie: meals, transportation remuneration, excursions, etc) to their intern, but this is up to the discretion of the employers. I recommend you going in with the mindset that you are joining this program without any compensation, except the 'priceless' experience. 

Q: What type of visa do I have to get?
A: The duration of your placement and your nationality will determine what type of visa you need to obtain. For some countries, if your unpaid internship lasts for less than 90 days, a regular tourist visa may be fine. Some countries may require a student, cultural, or work visa. I recommend that you check with your local embassy or consulate's website to see what your specific nationalities' visa requirements are to intern abroad before applying. Cultural Embrace unfortunately does not have any control or say of visa regulations and immigration decisions of who gets approved of a visa or not. It is the responsibility of the intern to obtain the proper visa, however, our Austin and local coordinators are available to assist you with any questions, and will provide any necessary documents explaining that you will be abroad for an (unpaid) internship. 

Q: What are the advantages of getting an international internship versus one at home?
A: The global recession has impacted the job market. Quality paid jobs are hard to come by, and more young professionals are using internships to be a productive stepping stone to gain exposure and enhance their resumes/CVs. The obvious advantages of an international internship are to: exemplify your leadership, initiation, and adaptability of the international world. Develop firsthand experience in your particular field, gain a network of global contacts, improve foreign language skills (English in Australia, Ireland, and South Africa are foreign too), improve interpersonal and intercultural skills. 

Q: What are the requirements to get a successful internship?
A: Having some past work and/or course related experience is beneficial. Keep in mind that the employers want this to be advantageous to them as well. They are keen on having the most competent intern's fresh perspective and ideas, yet want their invested time and energy to be worthwhile. In regards to foreign language component, this depends with each country and employer, so it may be placement specific, but the general advice is the more the better. It is preferred and recommended to have high intermediate/advanced level for most employers. For example, most Western European countries (ie: France, Spain, Italy, and Germany) require high intermediate/advanced level of their native language. Most of our internships include a four-week intensive language course prior to the internship start date. This course will improve your overall language skills- oral, written, reading, comprehension; however, you should have an intermediate foundation before you travel abroad. The rule of thumb is: if you don't feel comfortable interacting on an every day conversation with the locals, a professional internship may not be the best program for you. Do not despair, we have other opportunities so you may volunteer, take cultural classes, or engage in a language exchange program. Or, if you want to add more language lessons prior to or during your internship placement, we are able to include that too.

Q: How will I be sure that this will be the best experience and program for me?
A: While CE strives for excellence in regards to safety, health, and customer service, the 'perfect' adventure has its joys and pains. The purpose of traveling abroad is to do, see, hear and taste things that are outside our comfort zone. Life is a constant roller coaster, and putting yourself in a foreign culture, will have its ups and downs...but isn't that the most exhilarating part of the ride? 

Hope this helps all of those who are curious!

Discover the Similarities... Share the Differences,
Emlyn
Founder of Cultural Embrace