FAQ - Sponsored Internship and Study Abroad in China
Q: Will I have access to the Internet? Can I communicate with my family and friends via e-mail?
A: The hotel will help students access the Internet which will allow you to communicate with family and friends back home.
Q: How easy will it be to make phone calls to the U.S.? Will phone cards like AT&T work?
A: Two-way, prepaid phone cards like AT&T purchased in the U.S. will work in China, as will Skype. But shop around ahead of time since there are many long-distance phone companies that offer low rates.
Q: What should I do if I get sick during my internship?
A: This is an official Purdue program that includes international health insurance for full accident and hospitalization coverage through for the full duration of your stay in China. You will receive information prior to departure about using health insurance while you are abroad. If you need to see a doctor, first talk to your immediate supervisor about using healthcare facilities at the hotel, in town, or at the nearest hospital.
It is recommended that you take with you some commonly used medicine such as pain relievers, cold medicines, antidiarrheals and antibiotics.
Q: Will I have to open a new bank account in China? Will there be ATMs? How will the money exchange work?
A: Some students have bank accounts because that is how they are paid during their internship. For quick cash, you can certainly ask to exchange money at the hotel or use ATMs nearby.
Q: How much money should I take to be able to comfortably cover all of my other expenses like travel and purchases? How often will I get paid?
A: Your housing and meals are free. The hotel will pay you stipends once a month. The stipends will be enough for your daily expenses, such as toiletries, drinks, snacks, local travel, etc. Additional expenses will mainly depend on your personal long-distance travel plans and purchasing desires. It is very difficult to say how much money will cover all of your expenses in China, but $1,500 should be sufficient for six months.
Q: Will I have an immediate supervisor who I will individually report to, or will all interns report to the same supervisor? Will I just be shadowing someone or working on my own?
A: You will have an immediate supervisor who will be responsible for your training plan, orientation (Chinese, Chinese culture, laws, hotel history, China hotel industry), coordination with your rotated division, living, sightseeing fieldtrips, emergencies, etc.
You will also have different individual operation supervisors while you work in different positions. At the beginning, you should ‘shadow’ him or her. Working on your own or not will depend on your adaptability and evaluation by your supervisor.
Q: How many hours a week will I work and how many days will I have off each week?
A: You will work 40 hours a week and have 2 days off per week.
Q: Should I take all my favorite toiletries to China? Is it better to resupply with stuff bought in China or to have parents send care packages?
A: You can buy name brand toiletries in almost every store or supermarket in China.
Q: What should I wear to work? Will I be given a uniform?
A: The hotel will provide you with uniforms, according to your internship positions. They will contact you with specifics, such as the color of your nylons, shoes, etc.
Q: Will I be able to watch English TV programs in my room? How will my room be furnished?
A: You will have access to some English-language television channels. Some interns stay in 5-star hotel standard guest rooms that include international satellite TV, radio, IDD, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, bathroom, electronic key system, closet, dresser, desk, etc. Housekeeping will provide steam iron and ironing board as needed.
Q: Will I be able to do my laundry in the hotel? Will dry cleaning be accessible?
A: This varies amongst hotels, but you will be able to find out the details before departure.
Q: Can I have visitors? Can I hold a party in my room?
A: You can have visitors, but noisy partying in your hotel room (for interns who stay in hotels) is not allowed since there are other guests living on the same floor.
Q: How do I apply for a visa to China? How much does it cost?
A: Purdue University will assist you in applying for a visa. You will apply for an F visa (Business/official visit visa). The following documentation is required:
- passport of more than six months validity with a blank visa page
- one completed China visa application form attached one recent color passport-sized photographs (2 inches square)
Visa application fee is approximately $140. Cashier’s check or money order is okay. No personal checks will be accepted.