MIT China Program - Internship Description

Program Description

The following are guidelines for host institutions which have proven successful for other MIT international programs. We trust that these guidelines will ensure a mutually productive and beneficial internship for the MIT student as well as the host institution.

I. Program Requirements for Students

The success of the internship experience in China depends on the care given to preparation. We require all students to study the Chinese language and successfully complete courses on contemporary China. We also require that they participate in spring semester training sessions, a weekend orientation retreat, and attend on-campus China forums.

II. Responsibilities of the Host Institution

For successful and mutually-beneficial exchanges, orientation to living and working in China should continue after interns arrive in China. We hope that host institutions will provide interns with an on-going introduction to life in China. We have found it helpful for host institutions to assign a particular individual as a "cultural mentor" to help supervise the intern's stay in China. Preferably, this individual would not be a co-worker in the same department as the student, but someone with whom the student can enjoy activities unrelated to work.

III. Work/Research Environment

Our students go to China with the expectation that they will do "real" science, engineering, and management-related work. They must not be considered potential English teachers or editors. As interns, they expect to become as fully integrated into the management team or research group as possible. On the other hand, we help interns to understand what can be accomplished during a limited stay in China. Host institutions and our interns therefore need to establish clear and realistic goals prior to the start of the internships.

IV. Housing

We would be most grateful if host institutions would assist in the location of suitable living arrangements for the interns.

V. Salary and Compensation

We ask for companies to pay a monthly stipend to the student and provide a round-trip air ticket, health insurance, and local commuting costs (if necessary). Stipend amounts vary according to the highest degree held by the student, their work experience, and the local cost of living. If the intern goes to a university laboratory or public institution, the MIT China Program can assume some of these expenses.