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Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China

Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China

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China may not be on your radar yet, but one day you could be working there. Why? China is going to be the world’s biggest economy, which means no matter where you are in the world, you will be somehow connected to China – if you’re not already. Of course before you think to move you need to find out China Work Visa as explained by NH Global Partners

Gi2C Review: Life Improves for Expats in China

As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, the job opportunities in China are more plentiful than almost anywhere else. As a result, schools around the world are now offering Mandarin classes and China study abroad programs to prepare their students for the future. Internships have also been a useful way for expats to gain valuable professional experience in China and get on the fast track to success. Yet what was the motivating factor for these interns to look for work in China and what kind of companies there are looking for foreign interns? To answer these questions, we checked with interns from Gi2C Group, China’s leading career consultancy firm and leading internship program provider, which has placed over 3,000 professional interns in China since 2008. Gi2C Group offers international internship placements in both Beijing and Shanghai in addition to helping their interns find suitable housing and getting them plugged into their new community. Their interns come from all over the world to work in China.

Gi2C Group is also an official member of the following organizations:

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Anna from Poland is 28 years old and wanted to work in Beijing. She told us, “I’m interning at a Chinese company which is building cryptocurrency platforms. (Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency.) My new company combines social media, marketing and finance all in one so it’s quite interesting. I chose Getin2China to find this placement because they have quite a wide and interesting range of internships. Moving to China was a big step for me. To prepare for the big move to China, I watched about one million YouTube videos, which focused on China and language learning. I also had a couple one-on-one Mandarin lessons. I chose China because it is a developing market while Europe is still in crisis. Because of that China can offer more opportunities than my home country.”

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Everett, 25, came from the USA. He is interning at an international finance company located in Beijing. Everett said, “I’m working in sales, developing and communicating with people in the US. We also assist customers through phone, email or live chat in regards to international finance and trade. I chose China for my internship because I am ethnically Chinese, but I grew up in the USA. As a result, I wanted to experience some real Chinese culture in Asia. I also heard that China isn’t exactly the easiest place for foreigners so I wanted to go to a place where I needed to learn to adapt. I chose Gi2C Group, because I looked at some of the reviews of other interns, and the majority of interns had a very enjoyable time during their stay, which gave me comfort as this is my first time abroad.”

China has more cities with over 1 million people than anywhere in the world, but Beijing and Shanghai are the most international by far. Beijing is a rapidly growing city known as the economic and political center of China and is home to many well-known company headquarters and operations. A large number of state-run companies, organizations and agencies are already located there, but numerous SMEs and Fortune 500 companies enter the arena of China’s capital every day. Without a doubt, Beijing internships are quite a valuable experience. In addition to living right next to world famous sites such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, they have the opportunity to start their career in a historic city that is paving the future of China. The capital is home to the country’s best universities, attracting students from every corner of the Middle Kingdom. As many of these smart grads remain in Beijing, expat interns can work alongside of the smartest and best during their internship. On the weekends, there are lots of activities to do such as exploring the old hutongs or paddle boating in the middle of the gorgeous Summer Palace. Beijing holds a great deal of networking and job opportunities for expats, but so does Shanghai.

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Qiuyi from Shenzhen, China is 23 years old. He said, “I chose Gi2C to help me find an internship in Shanghai as it is easier for me to find a short-term internship with their help and use the network they have already built up. China is changing rapidly so getting work experience here in all stages of its development is useful.” Shanghai is the financial capital of China, one of the top 5 financial centers of the world, and has rapidly developed into one of the most international and largest cities around the globe. It is recognized as the Paris of the East, the world’s busiest seaport and for producing over 30% of China’s GDP. It’s also easy to get around this busy city by taking the metro, the world’s longest. It has a good reputation for being a safe city to live in and is one of the top three best cities in China to find a job. Whether you’re interested in shipping and logistics, finance and consulting, banking, manufacturing, law, management, IT, fashion and media, architecture and design, food production, advertising, public relations, development, tourism, high-tech industry, environmental protection, or biotechnology, Shanghai has it. And the best way to get into any of these industries straight away is by doing an internship in Shanghai like Serge.

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Serge is 42 from the Republic of the Congo. He was interning at an international trading company based in Shanghai. He told us, “I hope to get more familiar with trading operation procedures, including export document operations and also to learn about how Chinese manufacturers work. But my big hope is to get more job opportunities in marketing and sales, and then accomplish my dream of working in an international company in Asia or in Africa. I am sure that this internship will open more doors for me, so I am very optimistic and confident. I decided to do internship in China for many reasons. China is the world’s fastest growing economy and all eyes are on this emerging market and I could not find a better place other than China to do my internship. I chose Getin2China after I found their advertisement on a top jobs website. After speaking with their customer service reps, I finally decided that Gi2C was the best company to help me find an internship and when I reflect on that first conversation I had with him, I now know that I made the right choice.”

With the lack of available jobs in the majority of developed and developing countries, many people are choosing to work or intern abroad to get their foot in the door of a new locale and find new opportunities. Life gets better with the more experience you have and the more people you meet. For interns in China doing just that – life is good indeed.

“For these countries, you must have at least a Bachelor’s degree, a TESOL/TEFL certificate and a passport from a native English speaking country. Some even require you to be a certified teacher in your home country. If you decide to live and work in China is advisable to find out what are the requirements to meet for foreigners. NH Global Partners can help you in this apparently daunting task.”

Tags: gi2c, gi2c review, interns in China, expats in China, life abroad

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Top 5 Historical Landmarks of Portugal

Top 5 Historical Landmarks of Portugal

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Portugal is a hive of culture, history, and architecture and is home to fifteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you plan a holiday to Portugal to discover some of its glorious histories, look through our top five Portuguese historical landmarks.

Alcobaça Monastery

This beautiful monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça is a prime example of early Gothic architecture. The sanctuary is home to the ornate tombs of Ines de Castro and King Pedro I. There is a tragic love story associated with the burials. Ines de Castro was assassinated in 1355, and the king ordered his tomb to be placed next to hers so that he could face the woman he loved on the day of resurrection. They are considered to be the most beautiful medieval tombs in Portugal. There are also living quarters, including a refectory, dormitory, kitchen, and cloisters that have been inhabited by monks for 800 years.

Convent of Christ

The Convent of Christ is a beautiful roman catholic building located in Tomar. It was initially a stronghold for the Order of the Knights Templar. The building houses impressive art and examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architecture. The walls inside are exquisitely decorated with paintings, carved stone sculptures, and a window depicting symbols and motifs. This site has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983.

Évora

Évora is a Portuguese city home to several historical sights, some over two thousand years old. The Cathedral of Évora is considered one of Portugal’s most important gothic monuments. Moorish palaces and courtyards, a renaissance fountain built-in 1559, and a one-of-a-kind Roman temple have become the city’s most famous landmarks. It is not surprising that Évorahas is classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower was built to be a fortress in 1515 to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. The tower is constructed from lioz limestone that is local to Lisbon. It is considered one of the prominent examples of the late gothic Manueline style. There is a drawbridge, spaces for cannons, turrets, and arches that have been decorated with images of animals, plants, and royal coats of arms. Inside there are statues, pillars, and gargoyle facets. UNESCO has listed the tower as a World Heritage monument. 



Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is considered one of the most beautiful monasteries in Portugal and Europe. Located in Lisbon, the monastery has various entrances that have been decorated with carved figures, gables, and pinnacles. There is a 16th Century Portuguese sculpture of Our Lady of Belém in the central doorway, a figure of Prince Henry the Navigator in the center of the monastery, and a statue of King Manuel I. The monastery has been classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

We hope this has inspired you to start planning your trip to Portugal today.

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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Find out why Sand boarding, Diving and Safaris through the desert are included in the Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar.

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Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Qatar is a country of reinvention. Shimmering towerblocks rise against a desert horizon, and maze-like souks thrive next to 21st-century shopping palaces. It’s also one of the more accessible countries of the Arab Gulf, with a welcoming reputation towards visitors and plenty of attractions to keep them coming. Some of the best holiday activities you’ll find in Qatar are the adventurous kind. And these are the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Sunset in Qatar – Photo by wj2012

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Diving expeditions

The Gulf Sea is famed for its crystal waters and the exuberant marine life which lurks just beneath the surface. Messaid is a good jumping-off point where you’ll find angelfish and barracuda, while those intrigued by underwater wrecks will love the Hall Island dive site at Al-Sharqi, where bright clownfish circle the abandoned boat.

Sand Adventures

Many of the sports here have been adapted from colder climates, so instead of skiing down a mountain piste, try Khor Al Adaid beach to glide down the impressive dunes on a sand-board. Alternatively, race your blo-kart along the sands of Al Wakrah, south of capital Doha, to experience the thrill of wind-sailing on dry land.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Sand Boarding – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by ground zero

Al Jassasiya

The ancient carvings of Al Jassasiya lie to the north near Al Shamal, amid a truly remote landscape of village ruins and limestone. Hire a 4×4 of your own and make the journey to see the 900 petroglyphs which riddle the rocks here. The carvings denote flowers, animals, fleets of shows, or traditional Arab boats, and to this day, their origins remain a mystery.

Sunset Cruise

When the time comes for a more relaxed excursion, you can do no better than a sunset cruise onboard a wooden dhow as you drift past the super-modern Doha seafront of Al-Corniche and the old harbor at Al Khor. If you’re still hankering after some adventure, rent a smaller vessel and go for a fishing trip the following day.

Desert Safaris

Much of the inland desert in Qatar remains inaccessible on foot, but fortunately, that’s where a 4×4 comes in very handy for a safari trip you won’t easily forget. There are numerous options available from Doha, including day-long excursions, bumping, and rolling to the inland sea at Khor Al Adaid. Or make the trip at dusk for a spot of star-gazing before you settle in Bedouin-style tents for the night.

Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar

Desert Safari – Top 5 Outdoor Adventure Activities in Qatar – Photo by robertpaulyoung

Most activities can be arranged via a tour company. Although cash has been the predominant payment method in Qatar, this is beginning to change, which is good news for tourists since  HSBC offers protection against loss or theft. If you’re planning on taking part in several activities, it can be handy to have some plastic on you to avoid expensive traveler’s cheques, plus credit cards from HSBC and other familiar providers also enable easy access to money at the ATMs. However, it’s wise to exercise caution, using only official bank machines here and sticking with local currency at the market and in smaller shops.

There’s no doubt that Qatar offers some world-class cultural attractions beyond the more energetic highlights, and while you’re in the country, set aside some time for the historic Al Zubarah fort or browse the recreated 19th-century Souk-Waqif, in Doha.

This country has been undervalued in the past but is now coming to the world’s attention. With its desert adventures, ancient sites, and thriving culture, this attention is thoroughly deserved.

This is a travel feature by world traveler, Jose Capelo. He loves exploring the top 5 outdoor adventure activities in Qatar and has spent many trips exploring the wild deserts of Qatar.

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Boys will be Boys – Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

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Splurging on chocolate in Quebec City

Barcelona has a lot to offer to the quintessential all-boys travel group for a stag weekend in Barcelona. This sunny Spanish city is known for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches complemented by turquoise waters. In addition to this, this city offers the ideal environment for an all-male party hotspot, considering its vibrant nightlife, football culture, flamenco dance clubs, tattoo parlors, and its delicious sangrias and tapas.

Paella cooking class Barcelona

Barcelona is a widespread consideration for a quick all-boys getaway during the summer. With a variety of heart-thumping activities that can make your trip a memorable one, make sure you take out time to pursue the following –

  • LTW Tattoo:

    If you are looking for a real adventure that will stick with you all your life, there is no better way to commemorate this epic trip than heading to Barcelona’s best tattoo parlor.

  • Barna Paintball:

    Take on your best buddies in a battle of agility by visiting the Barna Paintball. With four thematic areas to choose from, your experience here can be genuinely adventurous.

  • Bar Crawl Barcelona:

    Considered one of the most famous pub crawls globally and the biggest in Europe, the original Bar Crawl Barcelona is a great way to explore the city in its nocturnal state. You and your buddies can visit four bars and then finish at one of the best clubs in Barcelona. Complete with some of the craziest drinking games, this memorable experience costs all but 15 Euros.

  • FC’s Camp Nou:

    If you are a group of football fans visiting the city, you cannot leave without making a trip to Camp Nou, the city’s football ground. With a ticket for the stadium tour, you will have access to the changing rooms, benches, press rooms, and stands. If you are fortunate enough to have a match coinciding with your travel dates, make sure you book your tickets for the game well in advance.

  • Circuit de Catalunya Racing Track:
    If you and your crew are into racing, consider heading to the Circuit de Catalunya, host to various Formula 1 and Moto GP races. Here, you can get a detailed tour of the briefing room, pits, and podium.
  • Comedy Nights:

    Comedy nights are often an option that everybody loves. Especially as a group of single boys, you may love to attend an event organized by the Giggling Guiri program that consists of English-speaking shows.

  • Al Fresco Drinking on Las Ramblas:

    The heart of tourist activity in Barcelona, Las Ramblas, offers unique casual outdoor ambiances for groups of boys to spend hours finishing pitchers of sangria or chugging down buckets of beer bottles. Vibrant as ever, this street located off the Gothic Quarters is a great place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Essential Stag Guide to Barcelona

As a group of boys, you can also research options for day trips to beaches outside of Barcelona that offers relaxing and laid-back environments for your holiday. Many options are available in Barcelona for hiring a car to explore this scenic and exciting city with your friends, such as Thrifty Car Rentals. So when you are in Barcelona with your amigos, nothing stops you from having a great time!

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Meet Cole and Adela

Cole and AdelaWe have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...

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