5 Benefits of Taking On a Hospitality Internship in China| 4 min read

Did you know that by 2025, 10.5% of all jobs worldwide will be in the hospitality and tourism industry?

With hospitality being one of the largest employment fields worldwide, the number of Chinese tourists have increased by 1380% in the past 17 years. In fact, by 2020, China is expected to become the world’s most visited country.

To be competitive in the graduate job market, hospitality majors will need real workplace exposure. Now, what better way to set yourself apart from others than to take on a hospitality internship in China, a country where tourism is booming?

Below are five benefits of pursuing a hospitality internship in China:

1. Expand and internationalise your CV

As you know, all hospitality management majors must obtain some form of industry experience prior to earning their degree. Employers thesedays place more emphasis on experience rather than education. 

An internship abroad in China will transform you into a ‘global citizen’. By setting yourself apart from the average Joe, this will allow you to leap ahead in the fierce job market.

All in all, this hospitality internship will not only expand that CV of yours, but it will also internationalise it.

2. Invest in your future

Think of this internship in China not just as work experience. Rather, it is a chance to become more independent, a journey to discover yourself, and more importantly, an investment in your future. 

During the summer or winter break, don’t choose the easy option of lazing around back at home. Choose to invest in your future and gain work experience in a new country. Some may find this scary but such an opportunity will force you to take on new responsibilities and be independent.

Choosing a hospitality internship in China will be a hands on learning curve where you can experience the country’s business environment.

3. Build not only professional experience, but professional connections as well

Did you know it is important to begin building your professional connections as soon as possible?

A network of professional connections in the hospitality industry can be a great platform once you are out on your own in the working world. What’s even better is if you have a network which extends across countries!

The professional experience and connections you gain during this hospitality internship in China can even help you make an informed decision on which areas of specializations you want to pursue in the future. 

Without a doubt, the networks you make during your hospitality internship will be lifelong and beneficial.

4. Immerse yourself in China’s exotic culture and cuisine

A hospitality internship in China will be more than just gaining work experience. It will give you ample time to immerse yourself in China’s culture and cuisine.

One example would be China’s food culture, a culture deep rooted in the country’s history. The country’s different cuisines originated from many regions across China.

One major component of Chinese food culture is street food and food markets, a must-try for all foodies.

Here’s a condensed list of a couple of snack markets in Beijing:

1. Jiumen Snacks

2. Wangfujing Snack Street

3. Guijie

4. Niujie Muslim Snack Street

5. Fucheng Street

6. Haoyun Street