Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
- Second Semester Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
Program Description
This 8-week internship program in Hong Kong offers successful applicants the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience in the industry sector of their choice in one of the world’s leading cities, all while making important global connections and boosting their resume and future career. The economic rise of China and Asia as a whole is well-documented. Those who experience it and understand it will be the leaders of tomorrow.
This is the city for a first-class international internship. Hong Kong offers applicants an amazing opportunity to gain vital work experience and industry exposure, and this program provides all of the stability and support necessary to ensure that your experience is fruitful and rewarding. Quality accommodation, your first month’s work commute in Hong Kong, internship mentoring, advanced professional training, cultural and social events, and 24/7 local support are all included in your program. You will form lifelong friendships with other program participants and networks which span the globe, forge long-lasting connections in Hong Kong, and become part of the Intern Group's powerful alumni network after the program.
This program in Hong Kong offers internship placements across all career fields with a range of leading companies and NGOs. Penn State students will intern full-time (35-40 hours per week), and will also be enrolled in an online professional development course both before arrival in Hong Kong and throughout the duration of the internship. Students do have the option of enrolling in Mandarin or Cantonese language courses, but this is separate from the program and fees for the courses will be billed directly to the student. You can read more about these optional language classes on the Intern Group's website. Students will not receive Penn State credit for the language courses, only for the internship (3 credits, see "Academics" section for more information).
Dates
Summer: early June - early August
Location
Hong Kong is a magical, modern city built from the ancient civilization of China 5000 years ago. Cradling a cocktail of cultures, Chinese heritage, and British colonial history, Hong Kong will take your breath away. The skyline of Hong Kong represents its opportunities. It exudes an aura of success that attracts and intimidates in equal measure. Lining both sides of the Victoria Harbor are some of the world’s most renowned financial institutions and investment banks. Nestling side-by-side are skyscrapers where the headquarters of many of the most profitable Chinese companies now sit. A city that never sleeps – Hong Kong is a shimmering playground for Wall Street power-players, commercial tycoons and fashion trendsetters.
Cosmopolitan is the synonym for Hong Kong. A stroll through the city can be likened to an express train journey through time. 500-year-old village walls are a reminder of the Hakka community heritage while Georgian and Edwardian architectures serve as a reminder of Hong Kong’s colonial past. You will never forget striking landmarks like Cheung Po Tsai Cave – the famous hiding place for a notorious 19th-century pirate – and The Peak, a place you will be rendered speechless by the magnificent views below.
The evening scent of incense sticks lit by the millions of households still practicing Buddhist traditions, laced with the aroma of delicious cuisine wafting from restaurants serving food from all around the world, will guarantee to leave a lasting imprint on all of your senses, reminding you forever of this enchanting city, the gleaming, bustling pearl of Asia.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
