Taiwan students attracted to internships in Shanghai

The Chinese mainland, with its steady economic growth in recent years, is increasingly recognized as an important option for employment and entrepreneurship by young Taiwan students, and Shanghai is an especially popular destination, Xinhua reported.

Lin Jianjun, a 23-year-old woman from Taiwan, received an opportunity this summer vacation to come to Shanghai to intern for Zhejiang Xinzailing Technology Co., Ltd.

Lin previously majored in marketing management at Taiwan's Ming Chuan University and Leeds University in the UK.

"I am curious about and full of expectation with the mainland market with a population of nearly 1.4 billion people," she said. "Just the thought of how achievements will be recognized by many on this enormous stage would make me thrilled."

Lin said that she will take the month-long internship as a chance to get familiar with the work culture and charm of Shanghai.

Lin was among the first batch of participants in the 2019 Taiwan University Students Summer Internship Program themed Seeking Dream in Shanghai. The program, launched in Shanghai on Monday, attracted another 18 Taiwan students and one student from Hong Kong who studies at Taiwan University.

The program's sponsors, including the Hong Kong Greater China Association, Welkin and the Shanghai Cross-Straits Exchange Promotion Association, selected 20 college students who will complete internships in Tuhu, an e-commerce platform, and Zhejiang Xinzailing Technology, a company that provides intelligent elevator monitoring.

Hu Baolin, Hong Kong Greater China Association's chairwoman, said she hopes the students will cherish their opportunities and enjoy their time in Shanghai.

"More wonderful things and hidden chances will be waiting for you after you witness Shanghai's rapid economic take-off," Hu said.

The Taiwan Compatriots Investment Enterprise Association of Shanghai has for years run internship projects with universities in Taiwan.

A total of 104 students from six Taiwan universities were in February enrolled in half-year internships in major Taiwan companies in Shanghai.

Shanghai's Jingan District in the past four years has also welcomed 82 outstanding Taiwan students as interns for major law firms.

The internship program has the potential to change participants' life plans. They can choose to continue working in Shanghai, or to start a business, or to continue their studies in mainland universities.

"After the internship finishes, I will listen to my own inner voice and decide where to start my career," said Lin.

Many also take this program as a rare opportunity to explore working and personal life on the Chinese mainland.