Chinese companies and Western industries have entered into a copacetic ad hoc relationship in recent years, according to internship provider ImmerQi.

Ben Lemmon, international sales and marketing manager for the Beijing-based company spoke to 4Hoteliers on the last day of the ITB Convention. He said that with China opening up on so many levels, this has led to companies within the countries being more open to taking foreign students.

He added, “The biggest influence on hospitality students is that Chinese tourists are increasingly travelling to Europe and Northern America. So hotels are trying to accommodate these tourists and, as a result, students are travelling to China to get that experience so they will be more employable. It is those students that can offer something to Chinese guests.”

ImmerQi offers two programs of 12 and 24 weeks, with optional lessons in Mandarin. Free for companies, the programs have costs of EUR 1,400 and EUR 1,590 with extra fees for language tuition.

Internships include accommodation, meals, a monthly allowance, visas, and other items. Locations are in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.