In order to support Notre Dame students whose summer plans may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Beijing Global Gateway and Hong Kong Global Center collaborated with Notre Dame alumni clubs in China to create internship opportunities from alumni, as well as partners and friends of the University in the region.
More than twenty summer internships, both online and onsite, were identified within three weeks, covering a broad range of industries such as architecture, consulting, engineering, film, health, investment, nonprofit, research, and technology. Some of these internships were open to incoming freshmen and can be extended to the fall semester.
“The unprecedented global pandemic has greatly impacted the various pursuits of our students, especially those international students who are experiencing confusion and anxiety due to travel restrictions,” said Jingyu Wang, executive director of the Beijing Global Gateway.
“These internship opportunities could help students have a fruitful summer amid the present uncertainty.”
Yiyi Niu is a rising sophomore who is studying psychology and film, television, and theatre (FTT). She stayed in South Bend during the summer because of difficulties returning to China. After learning about the opportunities sent out by the Gateway, she applied for and was accepted into two internships: the Good Food Fund in China and Beijing Social Work Development Center for Facilitators. She helped the media division of the Good Food Fund, writing video scripts and WeChat articles.
“As an athlete myself, a proper diet plays an important role in my life,” Niu says. “The Good Food Fund advocates for a plant-based diet and working here has been a valuable experience for me."
During her time with the Beijing Facilitators, she taught migrant children to use drawing and music to channel and release their emotions caused by the pandemic.
"It has been fulfilling to walk into their lives and let them walk into mine,” she concludes.
Incoming freshman Mengyuan Li worked as an intern for CineCina, a New York-based organization that organizes the CineCina Film Festival, held online this year, to exhibit Chinese films.
“During my internship, I helped with updating social media accounts, providing ticket information, writing movie reviews, and interacting with the audience online,” Mengyuan says.. “I am really thankful for the Notre Dame family that provided me with this great internship opportunity even before my freshman year officially started.”
“Fr. Jenkins said that the ‘Notre Dame community is often at its best in times of adversity.’ The Global Gateways and Centers overseas as well as alumni and parents have also joined this fight, fighting for Notre Dame and her students,” Wang said.
Learn more about summer program opportunities in Beijing.
Originally published by at beijing.nd.edu on August 13, 2020.