Interns to learn from US govt
- Source: Global Times
- [09:18 March 10 2011]
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By Liu Dong
A couple of local high school students will embark on an internship of a lifetime this July, when the city starts an official exchange program with the US federal government.
The two-month internships will offer two Shanghai students a year the chance to hone their skills through the summer stints offered by 30 government departments in the US, and will even include the opportunity to learn under members of congress in Washington, according to Zhang Guofu, an officer in charge of the program, from the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, which is sharing funding for the exchange with the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association's Southern California Chapter.
The US-based association began organizing similar programs for Americans of Asian descent in 2008, but this year's exchange marks the first time for the non-profit organization to extend invitations to students from the Chinese mainland.
Zhang said Wednesday that the program aims to give local students the chance to participate in public affairs and nurture their talent in a global setting.
"The successful applicants will have a passion for social issues, excellent English skills and the ability to think independently," he told the Global Times Wednesday.
He said that while applicants are currently being selected from a pool of promising students across the city, the opportunity would soon be open to all local students.
In exchange for the American experience, Shanghai will host 30 American students selected by the US-based association next month.
Zhang said that the Americans will gain exposure to Chinese culture and society by visiting local schools, hospitals and grass-roots government departments, namely neighborhood committees.