Slated to become the next global financial hub, Shanghai is the ideal city for finance interns to gain vital professional experience. China’s most populous city, Shanghai, is a growing global metropolis that offers interns the chance to gain real-world experience alongside established professionals. Shanghai’s flashy skyscrapers and modern marvels set the perfect backdrop for interns looking to get unique international experience under their belt, work in highly competitive roles and learn about a new culture and an increasingly important region of the world.
Over 14 million people reside in Shanghai. It is the world’s most densely populated city. Its size and financial significance in both China and the world make it an ideal city for interns looking to gain invaluable finance experience. Besides gaining experience at top-notch firms, interns will also be able to learn about Chinese culture, customs and traditions and also meet fellow interns from all over the world. At an exciting internship role in Shanghai, a finance intern can network with international professionals and explore a fascinating part of the world.
Finance interns abroad in Shanghai will enjoy living in the accommodation set up through The Intern Group, located in safe, local neighborhoods. Interns live in private bedrooms in shared apartments with other students, young professionals and interns. Getting around in Shanghai is a breeze thanks to the city’s comprehensive and affordable public transportation system – the most extensive in the world! The metro, along with international areas, has signs translated into English throughout, making it easier for interns to get around.
A finance internship in Shanghai really does offer a unique opportunity to a culturally curious young person. China is a vast country, with centuries of fascinating history and rich cultural traditions. For interns looking to advance their foreign language skills, there are many opportunities to learn Mandarin. The majority of Shanghai locals speak Mandarin, especially finance professionals. Especially curious interns may even learn a little Shanghainese, the regional language which is generally used in informal settings.
In Shanghai, interns can get a sense of Chinese past and future. Sightseers enjoy both the dazzling spectacle and modernity of the Lujiazui skyline, while the old-world sensibilities of the Qibao Old Town will transport you to another century. As they discover the city, finance interns in Shanghai will realize just how diverse and vibrant the city is.
Shanghai is a great city for good eats – especially on the cheap. Finance interns will be able to try many different tasty and inexpensive Chinese and regional dishes. A decent dish at a local, authentic joint can cost as little as US$2. Splurging on a fancy feat will still only cost US$10 or so, which can help keep living expenses low while doing an internship abroad. Two must-try dishes for finance interns in Shanghai include the delicious dumpling soup called xiao long bao and yangchun, which are noodles.
Coming from all over the world, finance interns will not feel alone in the multicultural city of Shanghai. The city has an emerging international community, which makes it perfect for networking and making new friends from around the world. Expats often come from countries like Korea, France and the United States. These expat populations bring their own culture to the city, which is why you can see hamburger joints and pubs popping up in the international parts of the city. As Shanghai becomes increasingly international, you also see a rise in English-speakers. Many young Shanghai professionals speak English, which can make things easier for an intern abroad.
Sources: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/shanghai/introduction, http://www.timeoutshanghai.com/feature/28589/Shanghais-best-markets.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanghainese, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Shanghai, http://travel.cnn.com/shanghai/play/worlds-greatest-city-50-reasons-why-shanghai-no-1-590704/, http://goingawesomeplaces.com/top-10-things-to-do-in-shanghai/, http://www.phyllisonthemap.com/10-reasons-shanghai-best-place-live-china/
Photos
1. based on Shanghai, by Valentin Stanciu, CC-by-ND 2.0
2. based on Flowers at the Yu Yuan Garden, by Carsten Ullrich, CC-by-SA 2.0
3. based on K11 Shanghai, by Liwen X, CC-by-SA 2.0