by Kim Steen
Bringing young talent to China
The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China (Benelux Chamber of Commerce) is actively committed to bringing young talent to China and giving them the opportunity to develop in the world’s second largest economy. An important part of this is our own program: Intern2China. Through this initiative, we guide students in their first steps to and in China: from finding an internship at local or international companies, to language classes, cultural introductions and community events that help them build a professional network in Shanghai and beyond.
Intern2China is more than an internship program; It is a total experience that helps young people to broaden their horizons and to develop skills that are indispensable in an international career. As Sjoerd and Christian’s stories show, an internship through our program goes much further than just work experience. It is a unique opportunity to experience a different culture up close, develop new perspectives and build skills in a metropolis like Shanghai, with the support of the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China.
At the Benelux Chamber, we believe that students who participate through Intern2China are not just temporary visitors. They become part of the economic and cultural reality here, and that is what makes their stay so valuable. Both for themselves and for the future of the economic relationship between the Benelux region and China.
Sjoerd Schoorl, Operations Management Intern at Winex Machinery
During his internship at Winex, Sjoerd was given a lot of freedom. He investigated problems with processing times and discovered that cultural differences and communication played a major role in this. “I was actually given quite a lot of freedom to do what I found interesting. After several months of thorough research at Winex, I was able to draw up an advice on how Winex could improve its internal communication, in order to improve the turnaround time”.
Working in an international environment confronted him with new insights: “In the Netherlands, people are so direct, but in China you notice that ‘face-saving’ is very important. A no can be a yes and vice versa.”
Despite the language barriers, Sjoerd managed to make friends, partly thanks to the Intern2China program: “It was actually easier than I thought to make friends, both with international students and with local people”.
Sjoerd’s first impression of Shanghai was overwhelming: “Much more modern than I had imagined, but also very clean and all well arranged. I especially loved the parks”. Life in the city turned out to be easier than expected, and the safety and hospitality quickly gave him a sense of home.
The experience changed him profoundly: “I have never lived abroad before, but this has changed my whole view of the world. Now I just want to keep exploring. I will definitely come back to Shanghai or China”.
For Sjoerd, the internship became more than work experience: it became a life lesson: “I dare say that this has been one of the best choices of my life. Doing an internship actually became living in China. And that changed my life”.
Christian Loos, Legal Intern at Shaohe Law Firm
Christian interned at Shaohe Law Firm, a Chinese law firm that supports European companies in China. He worked on cross-border M&A transactions (ed: mergers and acquisitions), drafted contracts and did legal research: “The work was challenging and I learned a lot. The days were long, but they flew by”.
Although the office was Chinese, the atmosphere felt familiar: “Almost all my colleagues had studied in Europe or America. It therefore felt a bit more European, but still with a typical Chinese touch, such as the afternoon nap after lunch and the fruit break at three o’clock”.
His first impression of Shanghai was unforgettable: “My first impression really exceeded every expectation. Hypermodern, immaculate, and Chinese people have a great sense of humor in my opinion. There is so much to do in Shanghai that I have not been bored for a day”.
Christian combined studying, traveling and working, giving him a complete picture of China: “I have visited more than twenty cities, from the foot of Mount Everest to a state-of-the-art car factory. No day was the same in China”.
The impact was huge, both professionally and personally: “During such an internship you just learn a lot. Working full-time in the daily work allows you to grow at lightning speed”.
His advice for other students is clear: “If you’re looking for an experience abroad, where you really step out of your comfort zone, China is perfect. Especially in Shanghai, ‘the sky is the limit’. There are so many opportunities, there is so much to do”.
Building bridges between the Benelux region and China
Sjoerd and Christian’s experiences show why the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China so strongly committed to programs such as Intern2China. It’s not just about internships, but about building sustainable, lasting bridges between young talent, companies and cultures. Students will have the opportunity to live, work and learn in a metropolis like Shanghai – experiences that will change their view of the world forever.
For companies, this means that they come into contact with motivated, internationally minded students who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives. The presence of young Benelux talent in China also strengthens the ties between the two regions and ensures that knowledge and experience will continue to be shared in the future.
With Intern2China, we create an ecosystem in which students grow, companies can enjoy new talent and the relationships between China and the Benelux region are further deepened.
Are you a student and do you want to broaden your horizons? Discover the possibilities via Intern2China.org and become part of this unique exchange!
Kim Steen is Marketing Manager at the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in East China, Shanghai
