Do you wish to make a positive impact, while also expanding your portfolio, broadening your horizons, and enriching your repertoire of experiences? If so, this internship is tailor-made for you.
Explorer Package – 3 Months
The Explorer Package is perfect for interns who want to begin their journey into the Chinese language and culture in an immersive yet structured way.
You’ll learn Mandarin through a dynamic blend of professional lessons with a qualified and experienced language instructor, combined with real-life language practice in authentic settings.
✅ 15 hours of Chinese lessons per week with expert teachers
✅ 5 hours of language practice with locals through cultural activities such as dining with Chinese families, language exchanges, and guided social experiences
This package also includes:
Free accommodation with Wi-Fi
Monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB
Z visa sponsorship (legal work & study visa)
Internship at the Ireland Sino Institute headquarters in Liaoning Province
Affordable cost of living for an enjoyable stay
The Explorer Package is your gateway to learning Mandarin, experiencing daily life in China, and building lasting cultural connections—all in just 3 months.
Voyager Package – 6 Months
The Voyager Package is designed for interns who want a deeper cultural immersion and a more comprehensive Mandarin learning experience while exploring the beauty of China beyond the classroom.
You’ll benefit from a balanced mix of professional lessons with highly qualified Chinese language instructors and real-world language immersion with locals in authentic settings.
✅ 15 hours of expert-led Chinese lessons per week
✅ 5 hours of cultural and language practice with locals through activities like family-style dining, cultural exchanges, and community events
✅ Exclusive guided tour of China’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems—a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience
This package also includes:
Free accommodation with Wi-Fi
Monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB
Z visa sponsorship (legal work & study visa)
Internship at the Ireland Sino Institute headquarters in Liaoning Province
Affordable cost of living for a longer, richer stay
The Voyager Package is perfect for those ready to immerse themselves more deeply, combining language mastery, cultural understanding, and the thrill of exploring China’s wonders over six unforgettable months
Ambassador Package – 12 Months
The Ambassador Package is the ultimate China internship experience, offering a full year of cultural immersion, language mastery, and meaningful teaching experience while making a lasting impact in local communities.
School dropout rates in rural China remain high, and as an Ambassador for Rural Development, your teaching contributions can be truly life-changing for the children in these communities. For many, learning English is a vital pathway out of poverty and a gateway to greater opportunities
Throughout the year, you will:
✅ Learn Mandarin intensively with 15 hours of expert-led lessons per week
✅ Practice your language skills with 5 hours of real-life cultural immersion each week—through family meals, language exchanges, and community activities
✅ Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of China, exploring both world-famous landmarks and authentic hidden gems
✅ Gain professional teaching experience, contributing to rural education and cultural exchange initiatives
✅ Earn the prestigious title of Ambassador for Rural Development upon successful completion
This package also includes:
Free accommodation with Wi-Fi
Monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB
Z visa sponsorship (legal work, study, and teaching visa)
Internship and teaching placement through the Ireland Sino Institute in Liaoning Province
Affordable cost of living for a rewarding and sustainable year in China
The Ambassador Package is more than an internship—it’s a transformative year of personal growth, professional development, and cultural impact, preparing you to become a true global leader.
To apply for the internship, please follow these steps:
1. Document Submission:
Submit your Curriculum Vitae (CV), an apostilled degree and criminal record check, no more than 6 months old, TEFL certification, a job recommendation letter, a copy of your passport’s information page, and two passport-sized photos to team@irelandchinainstitute.eu
2. Documentation Review and Interview:
Our team will carefully review your submitted documents. If your application meets our criteria, we will invite you for an interview to further assess your suitability for the program.
3. Z Notification Letter Application:
Upon a successful interview, we will proceed to apply for the Z notification letter on your behalf, which is a crucial step in the visa application process.
4. Receipt of Z Letter:
Once issued, the Z notification letter will be emailed to you. This letter is essential for the next step in acquiring your visa.
5. Visa Application:
With the Z letter, you can now apply for a Z visa at your nearest Chinese embassy. The Z visa is the official work visa for foreign employees in China.
6. Flight Booking:
After your visa has been issued, you can then proceed to book your flight to China.
Each step in this process is designed to ensure a smooth transition to your new role in China. Our team will be with you every step of the way to provide guidance and assistance.
1.
Will I, as an intern, be legally allowed to come to China to participate in this internship?
Yes. The Ireland Sino Institute is officially registered with the Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. These authorities permit us to recruit interns who meet the required criteria.
2.
How will a China Internship benefit me?
✅ Learn Mandarin & Live the Culture
Gain real language skills with 15 hours of expert-led lessons each week, plus 5 hours of real-life practice through family meals, cultural exchanges, and authentic community activities.
✅ Exclusive China Tour (Voyager & Ambassador Packages)
Go beyond ordinary travel with a guided tour of China’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, offering cultural insights you can’t get as a typical tourist.
✅ Experience the Future, Today
China is one of the most advanced and rapidly developing countries. Living there gives you a front-row seat to the future of technology, culture, and economy.
✅ Stand Out in Your Career
International experience, Mandarin skills, and cross-cultural communication will make your CV stand out in any industry.
✅ For Those Interested in Teaching (Ambassador Package)
Gain hands-on teaching experience in rural communities, making a real difference for rural children while building valuable classroom, leadership, and communication skills. You’ll also earn the honorary title of Ambassador for Rural Development, recognizing your contribution and impact.
✅ Affordable & Fully Supported
Enjoy free accommodation with Wi-Fi, a monthly stipend, visa sponsorship, and a low cost of living, so you can focus on growth and exploration.
✅ Global Networking & Lifelong Friendships
Meet fellow interns, educators, community leaders, and local professionals, building a valuable international network.
✅ Personal Growth & Adventure
Living abroad builds independence, adaptability, and confidence—while giving you the adventure of a lifetime.
3.
Where will the China Internship take place?
The internship will be hosted at the Ireland Sino Institute’s Asia Headquarters in Tieling City, Liaoning Province. Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Shenyang, the provincial capital, it offers an authentic yet accessible environment for cultural immersion, language learning, and meaningful community engagement.
4.
What is the cost of living like in Tieling?
Tieling offers a very affordable cost of living, far lower than major cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Everyday expenses are budget-friendly, making it easy to live comfortably during your internship.
Local meals cost as little as 15–25 RMB (€2–3)
A typical taxi ride within the city costs just 5 RMB (€0.60)
Public transport is cheap and well-connected
Entertainment and shopping are reasonably priced compared to big cities
With free accommodation and Wi-Fi provided by the program and a monthly stipend of 2,500 RMB, you’ll have plenty to cover personal expenses and enjoy your stay.
To put it in perspective, the average local salary in Tieling is between 2,000–3,000 RMB per month, so your stipend matches the local income level, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.
Plus, Tieling is just 30 minutes from Shenyang, a major city with more amenities, cultural sites, and travel connections—giving you the perfect balance between affordable living and easy access to urban life.
The China office of the Ireland Sino Institute is a non-profit and development-focused organization. It is based in rural China and has helped provide a quality education to over 20,000 Rural Chinese disadvantaged children since 2012.
The specific position being offered is conveniently situated just 30 minutes from Shenyang via high-speed train. Our mission is to strengthen ties between Ireland, Europe, and China through initiatives in education, philanthropy, culture, tourism and business.
We are registered with the China Ministry for Education and Civil Affairs and are duly affiliated with the EU Chamber, Irish Chamber, and EU SME Center. Pat McCarthy is the Chair of the Ireland Sino Institute.
