Other
Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China
Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China
China may not be on your radar yet, but one day you could be working there. Why? China is going to be the world’s biggest economy, which means no matter where you are in the world, you will be somehow connected to China – if you’re not already. Of course before you think to move you need to find out China Work Visa as explained by NH Global Partners
Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China
As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the job opportunities in China are more plentiful than almost anywhere else. As a result, schools around the world are now offering Mandarin classes and China study abroad programs to prepare their students for the future. Internships have also been a useful way for expats to gain valuable professional experience in China and get on the fast track to success. Yet what was the motivating factor for these interns to look for work in China and what kind of companies there are looking for foreign interns? To answer these questions, we checked with interns from Gi2C Group, China’s leading career consultancy firm and leading internship program provider, which has placed over 3,000 professional interns in China since 2008. Gi2C Group offers international internship placements in both Beijing and Shanghai in addition to helping their interns find suitable housing and getting them plugged into their new community. Their interns come from all over the world to work in China.
Gi2C Group is also an official member of the following organizations:
Anna from Poland is 28 years old and wanted to work in Beijing. She told us, “I’m interning at a Chinese company which is building cryptocurrency platforms. (Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency.) My new company combines social media, marketing and finance all in one so it’s quite interesting. I chose Getin2China to find this placement because they have quite a wide and interesting range of internships. Moving to China was a big step for me. To prepare for the big move to China, I watched about one million YouTube videos, which focused on China and language learning. I also had a couple one-on-one Mandarin lessons. I chose China because it is a developing market while Europe is still in crisis. Because of that China can offer more opportunities than my home country.”
Everett, 25, came from the USA. He is interning at an international finance company located in Beijing. Everett said, “I’m working in sales, developing and communicating with people in the US. We also assist customers through phone, email or live chat in regards to international finance and trade. I chose China for my internship because I am ethnically Chinese, but I grew up in the USA. As a result, I wanted to experience some real Chinese culture in Asia. I also heard that China isn’t exactly the easiest place for foreigners so I wanted to go to a place where I needed to learn to adapt. I chose Gi2C Group, because I looked at some of the reviews of other interns, and the majority of interns had a very enjoyable time during their stay, which gave me comfort as this is my first time abroad.”
China has more cities with over 1 million people than anywhere in the world, but Beijing and Shanghai are the most international by far. Beijing is a rapidly growing city known as the economic and political center of China and is home to many well-known company headquarters and operations. A large number of state-run companies, organizations and agencies are already located there, but numerous SMEs and Fortune 500 companies enter the arena of China’s capital every day. Without a doubt, Beijing internships are quite a valuable experience. In addition to living right next to world famous sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, they have the opportunity to start their career in a historic city that is paving the future of China. The capital is home to the country’s best universities, attracting students from every corner of the Middle Kingdom. As many of these smart grads remain in Beijing, expat interns can work alongside of the smartest and best during their internship. On the weekends, there are lots of activities to do such as exploring the old hutongs or paddle boating in the middle of the gorgeous Summer Palace. Beijing holds a great deal of networking and job opportunities for expats, but so does Shanghai.
Qiuyi from Shenzhen, China is 23 years old. He said, “I chose Gi2C to help me find an internship in Shanghai as it is easier for me to find a short-term internship with their help and use the network they have already built up. China is changing rapidly so getting work experience here in all stages of its development is useful.” Shanghai is the financial capital of China, one of the top 5 financial centers of the world, and has rapidly developed into one of the most international and largest cities around the globe. It is recognized as the Paris of the East, the world’s busiest seaport and for producing over 30% of China’s GDP. It’s also easy to get around this busy city by taking the metro, the world’s longest. It has a good reputation for being a safe city to live in and is one of the top three best cities in China to find a job. Whether you’re interested in shipping and logistics, finance and consulting, banking, manufacturing, law, management, IT, fashion and media, architecture and design, food production, advertising, public relations, development, tourism, high-tech industry, environmental protection, or biotechnology, Shanghai has it. And the best way to get into any of these industries straight away is by doing an internship in Shanghai like Serge.
Serge is 42 from the Republic of the Congo. He was interning at an international trading company based in Shanghai. He told us, “I hope to get more familiar with trading operation procedures, including export document operations and also to learn about how Chinese manufacturers work. But my big hope is to get more job opportunities in marketing and sales, and then accomplish my dream of working in an international company in Asia or in Africa. I am sure that this internship will open more doors for me, so I am very optimistic and confident. I decided to do internship in China for many reasons. China is the world’s fastest growing economy and all eyes are on this emerging market and I could not find a better place other than China to do my internship. I chose Getin2China after I found their advertisement on a top jobs website. After speaking with their customer service reps, I finally decided that Gi2C was the best company to help me find an internship and when I reflect on that first conversation I had with him, I now know that I made the right choice.”
With the lack of available jobs in the majority of developed and developing countries, many people are choosing to work or intern abroad to get their foot in the door of a new locale and find new opportunities. Life gets better with the more experience you have and the more people you meet. For interns in China doing just that – life is good indeed.
“For these countries, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree, a TESOL/TEFL certificate and a passport from a native English speaking country. Some even require you to be a certified teacher in your home country. If you decide to live and work in China is advisable to find out what are the requirements to meet for foreigners. NH Global Partners can help you in this apparently daunting task.”
Tags: gi2c, gi2c review, interns in China, expats in China, life abroad
Other
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.
Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.
Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012
Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar
Diving expeditions
The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.
Sand Adventures
Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.
Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero
Al Jassasiya
The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.
Sunset Cruise
When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.
Desert Safaris
Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.
Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung
Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.
There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.
This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.
This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.
Bondi is well known for sun, surf, and fun, but what can you do if you find yourself there in the colder months from June to August? Here are a few suggestions for things to do in Sydney’s most popular suburb when the temperature drops.
8 Things to do in Bondi in Winter
1. Go on an art tour
If the weather doesn’t allow for the typical outdoorsy activities Bondi is known for, a tour of some of its first-rate art galleries can be a great way to spend an afternoon. Don’t miss the Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, dedicated to promoting Indigenous art, and the Bondi Art Lounge, where you can view works from local artists or even take a beginner class and create a masterpiece of your own.
2. Take a hike
In crisp cool temperatures, a hike along the coastal cliffs with a view of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean below can’t be beaten. One of the most popular hikes is the Bondi to Coogee Walk, which is 6 km and takes you through Sydney’s eastern suburbs and past plenty of cafes, restaurants, and kiosks where you can stop to rest and take in the sights.
3. Head to Bondi Icebergs for some winter swimming
Even during winter, swimming is not entirely out of the question in Bondi. The Oceanside pool at Bondi Icebergs Club is open year-round, and the winter swims every Sunday from May to September have become a time-honored tradition. Although club members must complete at least three winter swims a year to retain their lofty membership title, non-members who are up for the challenge can pay a one-time fee to use the pool and sauna.
4. Strap on your skates and visit the only beachside skating rink in Australia
If winter swimming is a step too far for you, why not skate instead? Bondi has Australia’s only beachside ice rink, and the ocean view in the background makes for a striking contrast. The ice rink is open from June 27 to July 13, and aside from hosting skating sessions that are open to the public, it also features spectacular ice shows from Stars On Ice.
5. Settle in for brunch at one of Bondi’s decadent cafes
Winter wouldn’t be the same without a few indulgences, and after all your skating and hiking, you’ve probably earned a hearty brunch anyway. Fortunately, Bondi is full of great brunch options, from Trio Café with delicacies like poached eggs with truffle oil and char-grilled halloumi; to the rustic Brown Sugar, where you can indulge in classic comfort food like buttermilk pancakes and English muffins with bacon.
6. Join a cooking class, dodge ball game, or salsa lesson
During the winter, it may seem like most people have gone off to hibernate, but if you know where to look, you can still find plenty of social things to do. Start by checking out the Bondi community page on Gumtree. You can find like-minded individuals to explore the area with or even join a group for fun activities like hiking, biking, or cooking.
7. Score some vintage fashion at Bondi Markets
The Bondi Markets, held every Sunday on Bondi Beach, are known in Sydney for being the best place to shop for vintage clothing and accessories and hip new fashions from emerging designers. Aside from style, you can also shop for art, furniture, flowers, books, local produce, and delicious street eats. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a great place to do some people-watching and see the Bondi locals in their element.
8. Stop by the Bondi Pavilion
The Bondi Pavilion is one of the suburb’s oldest landmarks dating back to 1928 when it first opened, featuring grand dining rooms, a lounge, a ballroom, and the Turkish and Hot Sea Water Baths. Today, it’s used as an art and cultural center and is home to a theatre group, recording studio, and art gallery. There’s always something going on here, from pottery classes to festivals to open-air cinemas, so check it out if you have a chance.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
-
Travel Tips3 months agoHow Gaming Inspires Real-World Adventure
-
City Guides2 months agoThe Ultimate Staycation – Exploring The 8 Best Accommodations in Jindabyne
-
Travel Tips2 months agoExploring Equatorial Guinea: A Journey through the Heart of Africa
-
Travel Tips2 months agoVisiting the UK for the First Time? 10 Things to Consider Doing (2024)