UK and China – Work experience programme

Launched in 2006, supported by both the UK and Chinese governments and funded by the Department for Education and Skills, the work experience programme provides the opportunity for students from China to come to the UK and learn about international culture and business through internships and studying.

In addition to providing places for interns, HSBC has pledged almost US$49,000 per year up to December 2008.

A cultural introduction programme is run by Richmond, the American International University in London. This liberal arts and professional studies university gives overseas students an opportunity to study in an international environment. Richmond runs the UK contemporary culture seminar for all work experience interns which provides a three week intensive study course followed by three or four evening sessions per week throughout the students' stay in the UK. The seminar discusses elements of UK culture including monarchy, political culture, attitudes towards welfare and business etiquette.

Work experience interns are provided with accommodation and meals during their stay in the UK. After the three week intensive course at Richmond, they are placed with a business for a 16 week internship. The first set of students has completed their internships and 17 of the 51 participants were placed with HSBC or HSBC-affiliated non-governmental organisations. The second set of students arrived in the UK in March 2007 and commenced their internships in April.

To read about one student's experience on this programme, click here.