{"id":37740,"date":"2025-05-16T05:32:09","date_gmt":"2025-05-16T05:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37740"},"modified":"2025-07-29T09:25:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T09:25:17","slug":"what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/","title":{"rendered":"What It\u2019s Like to Intern in Shanghai: Work, Culture, Everyday Life"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#Why_intern_in_Shanghai\" >Why intern in Shanghai?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#The_work_culture_in_Shanghai\" >The work culture in Shanghai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#Whats_it_like_to_live_in_Shanghai\" >What\u2019s it like to live in Shanghai?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#How_to_get_around_in_Shanghai\" >How to get around in Shanghai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#Local_cuisine_in_Shanghai\" >Local cuisine in Shanghai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#Tips_for_international_students_in_Shanghai\" >Tips for international students in Shanghai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#Where_to_go_in_Shanghai\" >Where to go in Shanghai<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-its-like-to-intern-in-shanghai-work-culture-everyday-life\/#How_can_I_get_an_internship_in_Shanghai\" >How can I get an internship in Shanghai?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCan foreigners intern in Shanghai?\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is a question many students ask\u2014and the answer is yes. If you\u2019re considerin<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">g internship programs in Shan<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ghai, you\u2019re not alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s actually not surprising that so many students head to China\u2019s biggest city for real-world work experience. After all, Shanghai is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brookings.edu\/articles\/chinas-digital-payments-revolution\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">global leader in digital payments<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/english.shanghai.gov.cn\/en-ThisisShanghai\/20231207\/c2e35579c22641fb9d5a51ab9f0066ba.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a rising star in tech<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and a city with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/place\/Shanghai\/History\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">history dating back as far as the 5th century CE<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this article, we\u2019ll give you a clear idea of what it\u2019s like to live and work in Shanghai as an international intern to help you decide if it\u2019s the right city for you. (Spoiler alert: it probably is!)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_intern_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><b>Why intern in Shanghai?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/shanghai-achieves-new-milestone-in-economic-development-302352921.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stable economy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, iconic landmarks, incredible food, cutting-edge technology\u2014there is an endless list of reasons why this Chinese city makes for an amazing internship destination. But to start you off, here are two things that Shanghai is significantly famous for:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Being one of the world\u2019s most cashless cities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Shanghai, most payments are now done online. China has been <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnbc.com\/2024\/03\/08\/china-is-making-it-much-easier-for-foreigners-to-use-mobile-pay.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">actively improving<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> how foreign visitors, including international students, can make purchases and use local services\u2014and the effort is clearly paying off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can now link major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard to the country\u2019s major digital payment platforms WeChat Pay and Alipay. When shopping, commuting, or eating out\u2014even in humble street food stalls\u2014online payment is preferred!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>A fascinating mix of history and modernity<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know we say this for most of our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship destinations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but can you blame us? It\u2019s true! Shanghai\u2019s architecture alone can attest to this. Let\u2019s do a quick run through of its history so you can understand this better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the 19th century, the city was divided into French, British and American concessions, as well as a Chinese walled city. Even after the expatriates left, many of the structures in the foreign concessions remained standing\u2014and that ultimately led to the city\u2019s extraordinary skyline where temples and ultra-modern skyscrapers co-exist with one another. Fascinating, right?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. Let\u2019s dive into what it\u2019s really like to live, work, and explore Shanghai as an international intern.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_work_culture_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><b>The work culture in Shanghai<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The work culture in this world-class city is fast-paced and competitive, but incredibly rewarding. Shanghai excels in industries like <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">biomedicine<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/internships\/entrepreneurship-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">entrepreneurship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and AI\u2014with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shlab.org.cn\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a dedicated laboratory<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for AI research and development\u2014and its ambition to become a global leader in innovation means plenty of opportunities for you to grow as an intern.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>So what\u2019s it like in the workplace? Here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long hours are common, but more modern businesses are improving their work-life balance priorities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hierarchy is important. Especially in more traditional companies, interns may be expected to show respect by following the instructions of supervisors diligently.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Networking doesn\u2019t end at work. Building relationships matters a lot, so socializing after work is common and plays a big part in the business culture.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_it_like_to_live_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><b>What\u2019s it like to live in Shanghai?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being among the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/planet-earth\/in-pictures-the-largest-cities-in-the-world\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top three largest cities in the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, life in Shanghai is pretty fast-paced. This may overwhelm you at first, but if you keep an open mind and stay willing to learn, you may just be able to adapt to the lifestyle quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other than the pace of daily life, though, let\u2019s go through how you can get around the city, the local eats, and some more tips on how to make the most of your time. These will help you picture your experience better, not just during your internship, but also outside working hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_get_around_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><strong>How to get around in Shanghai<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Amazing news: Shanghai has one of the world\u2019s best public transport systems! Here they are, in bullets:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The metro is clean, cheap, and reliable\u2014and is currently the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.contexttravel.com\/stories\/articles\/practical-facts-using-shanghais-metro?display_currency=USD\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">longest in the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buses are inexpensive and can take you to specific places that the metro can\u2019t reach, but fair warning: the signs are mostly in Chinese.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.didiglobal.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DiDi<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the locals\u2019 choice of ridesharing app.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cycling is pretty popular. Most roads are paved, and there\u2019s a good amount of bike lanes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>As a bonus, Shanghai ranked 26th in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/laurabegleybloom\/2024\/06\/30\/ranked-the-30-most-walkable-cities-in-the-world-according-to-a-new-report\/\">30 most walkable cities<\/a> in the world!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Local_cuisine_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><strong>Local cuisine in Shanghai<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re one of the many people who consider Chinese cuisine their comfort food, you\u2019re in luck! If not, congratulations\u2014you\u2019re about to discover Chinese food heaven.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are five dishes you absolutely shouldn\u2019t miss while you\u2019re in Shanghai:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Pan-fried pork buns<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crispy on the bottom, fluffy on top, and bursting with tasty pork filling. These are usually sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions\u2014and we are drooling just thinking about them!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Xiao long bao (soup dumplings)<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probably Shanghai\u2019s most famous dish. These dumplings are filled with pork and broth, and you need to be careful when eating because they can be quite hot. Best enjoyed with a black vinegar dipping sauce!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Stir-fried rice cakes<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slices of glutinous rice cake stir-fried with pork or seafood and veggies. It\u2019s filling and it\u2019s comforting\u2014and you can thank us later.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls)<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For dessert, you must look for tangyuan! They are soft, chewy rice balls usually filled with sweet sesame or red bean paste, or crushed peanuts. They\u2019re served in a warm, slightly sweet broth which ties everything together perfectly!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Bubble tea<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even if bubble tea was invented in Taiwan, Shanghai\u2019s boba game is strong. You can find your classic milk tea, as well as refreshing fruit juices pretty much all over the city. Enjoy!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to splurge a bit? Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/guide.michelin.com\/en\/article\/news-and-views\/shanghai-2025-starred-restaurants\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MICHELIN Star-awarded restaurants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like Fu He Hui or Zhou She. You can also check out restaurants that were included in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/english.shanghai.gov.cn\/en-Restaurants\/20250331\/66a154db9a4540c69ee723a57e0c213e.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2025 list of Asia\u2019s best restaurants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_for_international_students_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><strong>Tips for international students in Shanghai<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you settle in better and make the most of your entire internship abroad experience in Shanghai, here are some tips.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While companies that welcome international interns will likely speak English, knowing some simple Mandarin can make everyday interactions a lot smoother\u2014like when ordering street food or asking for directions. Here are three to get you started:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xian sheng (\u5148\u751f) or Xiao jie (\u5c0f\u59d0): Mister or Miss, to address strangers (i.e. to ask for directions)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duo shao? (\u591a\u5c11?): How much?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Xie xie (\u8c22\u8c22): Thank you<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be prepared for smoggy days. Shanghai is a modern city, but air quality can fluctuate.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nIt\u2019s a good idea to keep a face mask with you and download an air quality app to check daily conditions.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t be shy about using a translation app. It\u2019s super handy for menus, signs, and conversations.<br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\nAlways carry your address written in Chinese. It might sound old-school, but this small piece of paper (or a screenshot on your phone) can be a lifesaver, especially in areas where English isn\u2019t widely spoken.<\/span><\/span>And now, you\u2019re pretty much ready for your Shanghai internship! One last thing, though. You need a list of spots to see outside internship hours.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_go_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><b>Where to go in Shanghai<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re not working, there\u2019s plenty to explore in Shanghai! Our favorite places include:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>The Bund<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Look up Shanghai and The Bund will probably be one of the first images you will see. This is because it\u2019s not just any skyline. The Bund has an East-meets-West <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classicist.org\/articles\/the-bund-the-perfect-setting-to-admire-classical-architecture-in-the-far-east\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">history<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that dates back to the 19th century, serving as the city\u2019s center back then.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Yu Garden and City God Temple<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Built in the 1550s, Yu Garden\u2014with its gorgeous pavilions and pathways\u2014is a 5-acre quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Next to it is the City God Temple, a grand temple with elaborate designs dating back to the 1400s. These two iconic spots that boast traditional Chinese culture and architecture must be on your list of places to see!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><em><strong>Shanghai Museum<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ancient city naturally comes with countless museums. The Shanghai Museum, in particular, contains over 100,000 historical and cultural items. Jades, paintings, furniture, weapons, sculptures\u2014the museum is considered to have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/Shanghai-Museum\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one of the best collections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the country. You just can\u2019t miss it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Shanghai Disneyland<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shanghai Disneyland holds the record for being the second biggest Disney theme park in the entire world, next to Walt Disney World in Florida. Touches of the local culture make it even more unique\u2014like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/disney.fandom.com\/wiki\/Garden_of_the_Twelve_Friends\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Garden of the Twelve Friends<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is inspired by the Chinese zodiac.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Tianzi Fang<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beneath Shanghai\u2019s skyscrapers lies Tianzi Fang, an artsy neighborhood in the French concession lined with design studios, coffee shops, and boutiques. It\u2019s frequented by the younger crowd who enjoy supporting local and independent businesses, finding unique gems, and just hanging out in Instagram-worthy caf\u00e9s and restaurants.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_get_an_internship_in_Shanghai\"><\/span><b>How can I get an internship in Shanghai?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/shanghai-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship in Shanghai<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is easier than you might think, especially when you have the right people to guide you. Our internship programs offer guaranteed placements, housing, visa support, and tons of local activities so you can experience both the professional and cultural sides of this amazing city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get started by submitting your application today!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cCan foreigners intern in Shanghai?\u201d This is a question many students ask\u2014and the answer is yes. If you\u2019re considering internship programs in Shanghai, you\u2019re not alone. It\u2019s actually not surprising&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[736],"tags":[165,1107,1108,87],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37740","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shanghai-internships","tag-financial-internship-in-shanghai","tag-internship-in-shanghai","tag-internship-in-shanghai-2025","tag-marketing-internship-in-shanghai"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37740","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37740"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37740\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37740"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}