16 May What It’s Like to Intern in Shanghai: Work, Culture, Everyday Life
“Can foreigners intern in Shanghai?” This is a question many students ask—and the answer is yes. If you’re considering internship programs in Shanghai, you’re not alone.
It’s actually not surprising that so many students head to China’s biggest city for real-world work experience. After all, Shanghai is a global leader in digital payments, a rising star in tech, and a city with a history dating back as far as the 5th century CE.
In this article, we’ll give you a clear idea of what it’s like to live and work in Shanghai as an international intern to help you decide if it’s the right city for you. (Spoiler alert: it probably is!)
Why intern in Shanghai?
A stable economy, iconic landmarks, incredible food, cutting-edge technology—there 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:
Being one of the world’s most cashless cities
In Shanghai, most payments are now done online. China has been actively improving how foreign visitors, including international students, can make purchases and use local services—and the effort is clearly paying off.
You can now link major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard to the country’s major digital payment platforms WeChat Pay and Alipay. When shopping, commuting, or eating out—even in humble street food stalls—online payment is preferred!
A fascinating mix of history and modernity
We know we say this for most of our internship destinations, but can you blame us? It’s true! Shanghai’s architecture alone can attest to this. Let’s do a quick run through of its history so you can understand this better.
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—and that ultimately led to the city’s extraordinary skyline where temples and ultra-modern skyscrapers co-exist with one another. Fascinating, right?
And that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s dive into what it’s really like to live, work, and explore Shanghai as an international intern.
The work culture in Shanghai
The work culture in this world-class city is fast-paced and competitive, but incredibly rewarding. Shanghai excels in industries like biomedicine, entrepreneurship, and AI—with a dedicated laboratory for AI research and development—and its ambition to become a global leader in innovation means plenty of opportunities for you to grow as an intern.
So what’s it like in the workplace? Here’s what you need to know:
Long hours are common, but more modern businesses are improving their work-life balance priorities.
Hierarchy is important. Especially in more traditional companies, interns may be expected to show respect by following the instructions of supervisors diligently.
Networking doesn’t end at work. Building relationships matters a lot, so socializing after work is common and plays a big part in the business culture.
What’s it like to live in Shanghai?
Being among the top three largest cities in the world, 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.
Other than the pace of daily life, though, let’s 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.
How to get around in Shanghai
Amazing news: Shanghai has one of the world’s best public transport systems! Here they are, in bullets:
The metro is clean, cheap, and reliable—and is currently the longest in the world!
Buses are inexpensive and can take you to specific places that the metro can’t reach, but fair warning: the signs are mostly in Chinese.
DiDi is the locals’ choice of ridesharing app.
Cycling is pretty popular. Most roads are paved, and there’s a good amount of bike lanes.
As a bonus, Shanghai ranked 26th in the 30 most walkable cities in the world!
Local cuisine in Shanghai
If you’re one of the many people who consider Chinese cuisine their comfort food, you’re in luck! If not, congratulations—you’re about to discover Chinese food heaven.
Here are five dishes you absolutely shouldn’t miss while you’re in Shanghai:
Pan-fried pork buns
Crispy on the bottom, fluffy on top, and bursting with tasty pork filling. These are usually sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions—and we are drooling just thinking about them!
Xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
Probably Shanghai’s 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!
Stir-fried rice cakes
Slices of glutinous rice cake stir-fried with pork or seafood and veggies. It’s filling and it’s comforting—and you can thank us later.
Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls)
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’re served in a warm, slightly sweet broth which ties everything together perfectly!
Bubble tea
Even if bubble tea was invented in Taiwan, Shanghai’s boba game is strong. You can find your classic milk tea, as well as refreshing fruit juices pretty much all over the city. Enjoy!
Want to splurge a bit? Try MICHELIN Star-awarded restaurants like Fu He Hui or Zhou She. You can also check out restaurants that were included in the 2025 list of Asia’s best restaurants!
Tips for international students in Shanghai
To help you settle in better and make the most of your entire internship abroad experience in Shanghai, here are some tips.
While companies that welcome international interns will likely speak English, knowing some simple Mandarin can make everyday interactions a lot smoother—like when ordering street food or asking for directions. Here are three to get you started:
- Xian sheng (先生) or Xiao jie (小姐): Mister or Miss, to address strangers (i.e. to ask for directions)
- Duo shao? (多少?): How much?
- Xie xie (谢谢): Thank youBe prepared for smoggy days. Shanghai is a modern city, but air quality can fluctuate.
It’s a good idea to keep a face mask with you and download an air quality app to check daily conditions.Don’t be shy about using a translation app. It’s super handy for menus, signs, and conversations.
Always 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’t widely spoken. And now, you’re pretty much ready for your Shanghai internship! One last thing, though. You need a list of spots to see outside internship hours.
Where to go in Shanghai
When you’re not working, there’s plenty to explore in Shanghai! Our favorite places include:
The Bund
Look up Shanghai and The Bund will probably be one of the first images you will see. This is because it’s not just any skyline. The Bund has an East-meets-West history that dates back to the 19th century, serving as the city’s center back then.
Yu Garden and City God Temple
Built in the 1550s, Yu Garden—with its gorgeous pavilions and pathways—is 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!
Shanghai Museum
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—the museum is considered to have one of the best collections in the country. You just can’t miss it.
Shanghai Disneyland
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—like the Garden of the Twelve Friends, which is inspired by the Chinese zodiac.
Tianzi Fang
Beneath Shanghai’s skyscrapers lies Tianzi Fang, an artsy neighborhood in the French concession lined with design studios, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s frequented by the younger crowd who enjoy supporting local and independent businesses, finding unique gems, and just hanging out in Instagram-worthy cafés and restaurants.
How can I get an internship in Shanghai?
Getting an internship in Shanghai 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.
Get started by submitting your application today!
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