Program Overview

Discover an exciting opportunity to travel abroad to China, immerse yourself in a vibrant culture, and hone your teaching skills without committing to a long-term contract. The US Chinese Culture Center offers paid summer internships that provide a unique, enriching experience with fewer qualifications required compared to year-long positions.

• Duration: 2-10 weeks (Late May to early August)
• Location: Various major cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and more)
• Organizers: US Chinese Culture Center in Columbia, SC, with partner schools in China
• Free TEFL certification training and digital culture preparation
• Program Fee: $1,650 (includes accommodation, meals, and support services)
• Note: Effective May 19, 2025, visa application fees and visa service fees are separate from our program fee. We continue to provide expert guidance through the visa application process.

Qualifications

• College students or college graduates
• Age: 18 – 65
• Standard English speaking and writing skills
• Leadership and public speaking skills

Benefits

• Monthly payment: ¥6,000-¥8,000 (Approximately $829-$1,105 USD)
• Furnished accommodation (double occupancy for teachers)
• Free meals at the camp
• Free sightseeing and tours during pre-camp training and weekends
• Free Chinese classes at your camp
• Free digital culture training (valued at $200 - includes 2 hours of specialized preparation for teaching in China)
• TEFL pathway access: 40-hour Bridge course + 80-hour USCCC TEFL internship; 120-hour co-branded certificate from Bridge (with USCCC logo) upon completion
• Professional support and liaison services

Differences from Summer Teachers Program

While our Summer Teachers Program is designed for professional educators with a bachelor's degree and teaching experience, the Summer Internship Program offers a more accessible opportunity for college students and recent graduates. Interns focus on leading English camps and activities, while Summer Teachers may teach professional courses to Chinese teachers.

TEFL Training and Certification

Enhance your teaching career with our TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) pathway for Summer Program Teachers and Interns:

• 40-hour online TEFL training delivered by Bridge
• 80-hour USCCC TEFL internship
• Earn a 120-hour co-branded TEFL certificate from Bridge (with USCCC logo) upon completing both components

For Long-Term Teachers: 120-Hour Bridge TEFL Training and Certificate

• Internationally recognized certification
• Improve your teaching methodologies and classroom management skills
• Increase your earning potential

Support Provided

• Pre-departure orientation and materials
• On-site orientation upon arrival in China
• Local coordinator support throughout the program
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Cultural adaptation support

Career Benefits

• Gain invaluable international work experience
• Develop cross-cultural communication skills
• Enhance your resume with teaching and leadership experience
• Build a global network of contacts
• Improve your Mandarin Chinese language skills

Earn College Credit

Participating in our Summer Internship Program can earn you college credit:

• 3 credit hours for the summer internship
• Applicable to various fields: international study, study abroad, politics, governments, Chinese language, education, teaching, social work, Asian studies, etc.
• Additional 3 credit hours available for completing TEFL Training and Chinese classes

Cultural Experiences and Travel Opportunities

Our Summer Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to explore Chinese culture from an insider's perspective. You'll have the chance to visit parts of China not typically included in regular tourist trips, participate in local customs and traditions, and gain a deep understanding of Chinese society.