Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider a career placement in China?

Career placements are an opportunity to combine your professional and language skills in a "real-time" Chinese environment. These are not internships—they are self-directed, paid, entry-level positions in Chinese businesses and organizations. Such multi-faceted, entry-level work experience could be the competitive advantage that you will need for future employment. International work experience can also set you apart from other applicants to competitive graduate schools. It may even give you a foot in the door of a company in China that could open up long-term opportunities to work in China!

What types of placements are available?

At the Career Connections program, we assess your skills and interests and then work to find a suitable match in the professional world in China. A variety of professional opportunities are available through our strong pool of cooperating companies and organizations. You could develop marketing material for a U.S.-based multi-national or develop an English website for an up-and-coming Chinese company.

In addition to discipline-specific opportunities (i.e., business, technology, science) we also are able to market candidates in general work opportunities (customer service, international business communications, etc.) that do not necessarily require specific backgrounds. Career Connections aims to find placement opportunities with interested organizations or companies matching your skills and interests.

What kinds of companies are you affiliated with in China?

Cooperating companies are both U.S. multi-nationals and local Chinese firms from the following industries:

  • Manufacturing
  • Agricultural
  • Hospitality
  • Food Processing
  • Paper Products
  • Finance
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Construction
  • Petroleum Production and Distribution
  • Media

There are also a number of cooperating companies from the non-profit and education sector. In addition, Career Connections' extensive professional network in China allows us to find opportunities in additional industries as inquiries for these industries grow.

What should I do to prepare for this program?

The eligibility requirements will give you an idea of the type of skills we are looking for in qualified candidates. After reviewing this list, contact your academic adviser or China Center staff to find out how you can incorporate the missing components into your undergraduate experience. Keep in mind that ideal candidates have a strong balance of Mandarin language skills and professional skills and/or experience relevant to the field in which they desire to work.

How much will it cost to participate in Career Connections?

  • $100 application fee, to be paid upon application
  • $100 evaluation deposit, to be paid after receiving a job offer
  • Program fee: $1,500 for 6-month placement; $2,000 for placements over six months, to be paid after receiving a job offer*

*Note:

  1. Program fees include the cost of supplemental travel insurance
  2. Program fees for non-University of Minnesota applicants are $500 higher ($2,000 for six months, $2,500 for placements over six months).
  3. These fees cover a portion of the China Center's expenses for coordinating each career placement.

All fees are subject to change.

All placed professionals will be paid entry-level salaries based on their job responsibilities and the regional rate for entry-level salaries. Salaries will sufficiently cover your cost of living during the placement. Personal expenses outside of your cost of living will be your responsibility.

Will I have health insurance while in China?

Included in each program fee is the cost of supplemental travel insurance for the duration of your career placement. All policies are through International SOS. Details of the SOS policy can be found on their website under the tabs labeled "Our Services - Medical and health - For individuals." Any additional insurance that you may elect is your own responsibility.

Do I have to pay for housing while working in China?

All Career Connection cooperating companies agree to either provide housing for their placed professional or a stipend and assistance in finding housing. Either way you will not have to worry about finding or paying for housing on your own. It will either be provided for you or you will be given a stipend and assistance in locating housing.

What should I do about my student loans while I am in China?

Of course, the best option is to pay your loans back as soon as possible, but you may want to consider several options with your loans while you work in China. Two common options are to defer paying your loans or to extend the period of paying only interest on your loan. Specific examples are listed below based on the loans University of Minnesota students typically receive:

  • Deferment: Students receiving Direct Loans from the Department of Education can defer their loan for up to thirty-six months through the "Economic Hardship Deferment" option. Deferment means you will not be responsible for paying anything on the loan during the period of deferment, unless the loan is unsubsidized in which case you will be responsible for paying the interest on your loan. You should apply for this deferment approximately 45 days before your first payment is due (typically six months after you graduate). More information on the "Economic Hardship Deferment" for Direct Loans can be found on the Direct Loan Services Web Page. You can also call contact the Direct Loan Payment Center by phone at 1-800-848-0979.
  • Extend Interest-Only Payments: Minnesota residents receiving the SELF loan through the Minnesota Department of Education are automatically able to pay interest only on their loans for one year after graduation. They can then extended this interest option for two additional years by filling out an "Extended Interest Option Form." General information about SELF loans can be found on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website. For more information about the "Extended Interest Option Form," contact Firstmark Services online at www.firstmarkservices.com or by phone at 651-265-7666.

If you have loans others than those listed above, check with your lender directly to see what options are available to you.

I'm qualified, what should I do next?

Go to the Application Page where you will find application details and materials.