IES Global

What's Included

All IES Global programs provide a full package of support, activities and networks. Once you've joined our program, you will become part of the IES Global family until well after you've finished your program. 

This includes:

• Pre-Departure information pack. You will receive a full guide to living and working in China prior to starting the program so you can be better informed of Chinese culture, customs and what to expect
• Visa Assistance. We will provide you with all documentation needed to undertake an internship in China
• Arrival & Welcome Pack. We will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. You also receive a welcome pack containing a Mandarin phrasebook, emergency card, a local map and other useful information
• Orientation to China. We will give you a comprehensive orientation to China, that covers Chinese customs and culture, business etiquette and practical information. There will also be a welcome meal with fellow participants
• Mandarin classes. Choose from our online Mandarin course prior to arrival or undertake 4 weeks or more of Mandarin classes prior to your internship
• Accommodation assistance. We will help arrange your accommodation prior to your arrival or shortly after your arrival. We have options for all budgets and expectations
• Social & cultural activities. We arrange regular activities to socialize with other participants and experience Chinese culture
• Business & networking events. The networking scene in China is not only thriving but is an essential skill to do business in China. We will keep you informed of events that may be of interest to you
• Travel options. China has so much to offer outside of Beijing and Shanghai. We encourage you to do some travelling during your stay to experience this wonderful country
• Newsletter. We send a monthly newsletter to our participants to keep you informed about upcoming events and practical information
• Completion certificate & Reference Letter. Upon finishing  the program we will award you with a completion certificate and an employer reference
• Alumni network. Meet, connect and converse with past and present interns
• Stipend on work days. (Hospitality also includes meals and accommodation)
• 24/7 emergency contact and support. Our experienced international and local staff are dedicated to providing invaluable 24/7 onshore support throughout the duration of the program. All of our staff have participated in our programs themselves or are billingual

We will make sure your entire China experience is worthwhile and enjoyable, from your internship, immersion, social and cultural activities to your future.

Mandarin Course

Non Mandarin speakers are required to do a Mandarin course prior to their internship.

You can undertake a minimum of a one month Mandarin course in China. The course is designed for you to gain the basics of conversational Mandarin in a short period of time. You will be using your Mandarin in daily situations straight away!

Alternatively, you can begin your internship immediately if you complete our online Mandarin course prior to your arrival in China.

Why Learn Mandarin?

Mandarin is already the most spoken language in the world and is becoming more influential in the business world as China continues to rapidly grow.

With China’s rise as one of the biggest economies and influences, the ability to speak Mandarin will open doors both in a social and business context.

Our Schools

Our Mandarin classes are taught at two of the top Mandarin schools in China; Live the Language (Beijing) and iMandarin (Shanghai).

Live the Language is based in Beijing and uses low teacher to student ratios to ensure quality learning.

All of their teachers have the highest level of national certification & Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language. They are the choice of school for many Chambers of Commerce.

iMandarin is the most famous Mandarin school in Shanghai, with multiple campuses in Shanghai as well as Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Dalian.

In the past 6 years, more than 20,000 students from all over the world have studied with iMandarin. They were the only Mandarin school at the Shanghai Expo.

What are the Classes Like?

Mandarin is said to be a challenging language to learn but with a fun environment and great teachers you will find yourself picking it up in no time. 

The curriculum has been designed with a view to learning Mandarin in the most effective and enjoyable way. The teaching methodologies include plenty of visuals, audio, exercises and role-plays etc.

The classroom environment is pleasant and the teachers are highly experienced. Watch a sample lesson here to get a feel for the classes!

Timetable

Below is a sample timetable for your Mandarin course.

Mandarin Course for Beginner level (20 classes/week):

L- Listening and Speaking
P- Pronunciation
T- Talking

Culture & Travel

Whilst undertaking your internship program, you can experience Chinese culture and visit the many wonders of China.

From Chinese Cooking to tai chi, Great Wall hiking to a tour of Inner Mongolia, you can customize your program for an unforgettable experience!

For more information, please check our Culture and Travel options.

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation according to your budget and requirements.

If you wish to be placed in a single or shared apartment we may arrange temporary accommodation for your initial weeks in China. This ensures you can personally select accommodation you are happy with.

Chosen accommodation is conveniently located close to shops, restaurants and public transportation to get to your host company.

All types of accommodation will be equipped with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, internet access, TV, air conditioner and bathroom.

Accommodation Types

1. Single Room in Shared Apartment (subject to availability)

• Located in residential buildings, you will live with others in an international atmosphere. The apartments are simple but furnished and equipped
• You will have your own private bedroom but may share the bathroom with flatmates 
• Excludes meals. You can use the public kitchen in the apartment to cook meals yourself
• Kitchen comes equipped with fridge, microwave, stove, pans and cutlery

2. Single Apartment

• Live in your own private apartment. The apartments are simple but come furnished, are clean and private
• Excludes meals. You can use the kitchen in the apartment to cook meals yourself
• Kitchen comes equipped with fridge, microwave, stove, pans and cutlery

3. Single Room at Home Stay

• Host families are screened and selected by our professional agents
• Home stays are located closely to public transportation
• Most home stays are currently located in Beijing
• Home stay families will at minimum speak basic English. Our staff will assist with communication
• You will be required to teach 5 hours of conversational English per week with the home stay
   

What is a Home Stay?

Home stay is a popular form of cultural exchange where you stay with a local family to better learn the local lifestyle and improve your language ability. It also allows two cultures to learn from one another.

Staying with a host family will allow you to learn a new language and culture whilst introducing you to a new way of life.

How Much Does Accommodation Cost?

See our guide to accommodation to get an idea of prices and some practical tips.

Chinese Home Stay

Home stay is great way to get a truly authentic Chinese experience, whilst undoubtedly helping you learn Mandarin at an accelerated level.

A home stay enables you to share daily life with a host family, learn a new language and culture and at the same time gives you the oppurtunity to pass on your own language and customs to natives who are interested and willing to learn.

As a fully integrated member of the family, you will eat, shop, socialize and explore the community to get the full experience of how the Chinese locals live. You will be given the privacy of your own bedroom for the duration of your home stay and 2 meals per day are provided.

Our host families are all screened to ensure you are provided with the best possible experience. Though some families may have basic English compared to others, all are eager to welcome you with open arms and to offer you a truly unforgettable experience! 

Find more information go to the FAQ.

Benefits of a Home Stay

• Learn a new language and improve your speaking and communication skills with your host family
• Be immersed in Chinese culture and customs
• Interact daily with Chinese locals
• Teach your own culture and way of life to your host family
• An affordable and rewarding way of living for participants
• Offers the chance to build life long relationships with your host family
• Your host family will assist and help familiarise you with the local surroundings
• Have your own space but also the comfort of people around you
   

Home Stay Options

We have two home stay options:

Home Stay Ambassador:

As part of your home stay, you will teach 5 hours of conversational English to your home stay family each week. This option is cheaper and also facilitates greater cultural exchange between yourself and your host family.

Home Stay without Teaching:

If you don't wish to engage in conversational English with your home stay family this is possible but costs more as their is less cultural exchange for the host family.

The number of home stays willing to accommodate you will be limited. Non Mandarin speakers would find it difficult to not speak English with your host family regardless.

Locations

Currently the majority of our home stays are available in Beijing.

Rich in culture and heritage, Beijing provides the perfect environment to live in and learn first hand one of the most fascinating cultures in the world.

We also have a number of limited home stays available in Shanghai, China’s cosmopolitan and rapidly developing City. Here you will have the chance to engross yourself in the ever-growing economical, financial and fast paced lifestyle that Shanghai throws at you.

You will be provided with full information on your host family prior to them meeting.

Alongside your program, you can add several options to make it unique. From Chinese Cooking courses to Great Wall hiking, you can customize your program for an unforgettable experience!

For more information, please check our Travel options and Culture options.