Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Ireland Sino Institute ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled in a secure, transparent, and lawful manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you interact with our website, apply for our internship programs, or communicate with us.

2. Information We Collect

In order to provide our services and facilitate our international internship programs, we collect various categories of personal data, including:

• Basic Contact Information: Names, email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses.
• Educational & Professional Details: CVs/resumes, university degrees (including apostilled versions), TEFL certificates, and job recommendation letters.
• Sensitive Visa & Travel Documents: Passport information pages, passport-sized photos, and criminal record checks.
• Financial Information: Bank account details (for processing stipends) and payment or billing information (for program fees).
• Health & Emergency Data: Emergency contact information and relevant medical details required for living abroad or visa processing.
• Website Technical Data: IP addresses, browser types, and cookies collected automatically during your visit to our website.
• Communications: Records of correspondence via email, WhatsApp, WeChat, or website contact forms.

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect your personal information through a variety of channels to ensure a smooth application and support process:

• Website Forms: Applications, contact forms, and newsletter sign-ups hosted on our website.
• Direct Email: Submission of application documents directly to our team via email.
• Messaging Apps: Interactions and document exchanges via platforms such as WhatsApp or WeChat.
• Automated Website Tracking: Data collected via cookies and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, MonsterInsights) when you browse our site.
• Third-Party Portals: Applications received through LinkedIn, university career portals, or external job boards.
• In-Person / Physical Mail: Documents collected at university fairs, events, or sent via postal mail.

4. Purpose of Data Collection

We process your personal data for the following legitimate purposes:

• Application Assessment: To review your qualifications, CV, and suitability for the internship or teaching placement.
• Visa Processing: To apply for the Z-notification letter and sponsor legal work/study visas on your behalf through the Chinese authorities.
• Program Logistics: To arrange free accommodation, organize cultural tours, and provide on-the-ground support in China.
• Financial Transactions: To pay the monthly 2,500 RMB stipend or process any applicable program fees.
• Emergency Support: To contact family members or provide medical assistance in the event of an emergency while you are in China.
• Marketing & Communications: To send newsletters, program updates, and promotional offers (you may opt out at any time).
• Website Optimization: To analyze website traffic, understand user behavior, and improve our online experience.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

To fulfill our contractual obligations and successfully place you in our programs, we share your data strictly with the following necessary third parties:

• Chinese Government & Immigration Authorities: To secure Z-Visas, legal work permits, and mandatory foreigner registration in China.
• Local Partner Organizations: Schools (for teaching placements) or partner companies (for internships) in Liaoning Province.
• Accommodation Providers: Landlords or housing agencies to arrange the provided free accommodation.
• Essential Software/Service Providers: Third-party platforms used to run our operations securely (e.g., cloud storage, email marketing tools, payment processors).
• Analytics Providers: Companies that process our website traffic data.

6. International Data Transfers

Because our operations are split between Ireland and China, the data you submit will be transferred to and processed in China. By applying for our program, you explicitly consent to this transfer so that we may secure your visa, housing, and job placement. We ensure all data is transferred securely and only shared with verified partners and authorities.

7. Data Security

We take the security of your personal data very seriously. We implement strict technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration. This includes using secure, encrypted servers for data storage and strictly limiting internal access so that only authorized personnel can view sensitive documents like passports and criminal background checks.

8. Data Retention

We strictly adhere to the principle of data minimization. Your personal data will be safely deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for the purposes outlined in this policy. Specifically:

• Unsuccessful Applications: Safely deleted as soon as possible, and no later than 6 months after the application process concludes.
• Successful Interns: Legal, visa, and financial records are retained only for the statutory period required by Chinese and Irish tax and immigration laws (typically 5 to 7 years), after which they are securely destroyed.
• Marketing & Communications Data: Kept only until you withdraw your consent or opt out of our communications.

9. Your GDPR Privacy Rights

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the right to:

• Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request the deletion of your personal data (the "right to be forgotten"), subject to our legal and contractual obligations.
• Withdraw your consent for marketing communications at any time.

10. Contact Us