China Internship Spotlight: Inside International Program Facilitation in Shanghai

Jiaqi Bai led a group of students for a cultural trip this past summer in China.

Jiaqi Bai is a second-year master’s student at the University of Michigan’s Rackham Graduate School, majoring in Higher Education. This past summer, with financial support from the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies, she interned at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. In this interview, she reflects on her experiences supporting exchange students, the challenges and rewards of international program facilitation, and the lessons she will carry forward into her future career.

Q: What motivated you to apply for the Shanghai Jiao Tong University internship?
As a master’s student in higher education, my career goal is to work in international higher education. When I saw this opportunity connected to international programs, I was eager to apply. I felt that working as part of the host university’s staff would give me firsthand experience supporting exchange students and making their study abroad experience more fulfilling, meaningful, and less daunting.

Q: What were your main responsibilities during the internship?
I served as an International Programs Facilitator for the 2025 summer exchange program at the Global College. My role was to support students both academically and culturally. I helped the International Program Office plan welcome events, organize cultural trips, and create engaging activities. I also supported students with health and safety concerns, directed them to resources when they encountered challenges, and encouraged them to reflect on their intercultural learning. On field trips, I made sure students were safe and well cared for.

Q: What was the most valuable thing you learned from this experience?
The most valuable lesson was the importance of communication and respect in higher education. Through active communication, we can better understand the challenges students face, the feedback they want to share, and the positive aspects of their experiences. This feedback not only improves programs but also helps us sustain what’s already working well. Respect is equally critical. When we value students’ voices, we empower them to feel engaged and supported, which enriches their overall educational journey.

Q: Can you share a moment that was especially meaningful during your work with students?
One of the most memorable moments was accompanying an exchange student to the hospital late at night after he was injured playing sports. Thanks to the efficiency of the Chinese medical system, he was able to get a CT scan and treatment from a doctor within a short time—even though it was nearly midnight. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t serious and only required rest.

For the student, navigating the hospital would have been confusing, especially without knowing the language or system. I was able to guide him through the process and reduce his anxiety. This experience reminded me how small acts of support can remove barriers in students’ study abroad journeys. It also gave the student an unexpected perspective on local culture, seeing how another country’s healthcare system works.

Q: What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was work–life balance. Supporting exchange students sometimes meant being on call outside regular hours. At times it was tiring, but the collaboration of my colleagues made the workload manageable. Their teamwork helped me feel more confident, and the gratitude I received from students renewed my motivation and made the long hours worthwhile.

Q: How did this internship shape your perspective on international higher education?
Before this internship, I thought professionals should anticipate challenges and try to solve them in advance. While that’s important, I realized that assumptions alone aren’t enough. Ongoing communication with students is essential. It gives us real-time insights into the challenges they actually face, allowing us to provide relevant and effective support. This shift in perspective has strengthened my understanding of what professional competence in international higher education requires.

Q: What unique perspectives did you gain by working at a host university compared to Michigan?
Working at Shanghai Jiao Tong University helped me focus more on the cultural aspects of study abroad, not just academics. At Michigan, I mainly saw how students engaged in the classroom. At the host university, I realized how much effort goes into helping students connect with the local culture—through events, trips, and meaningful interactions with local students. The goal is to integrate exchange students into campus life as full members, not just visitors. This approach makes their experience more immersive and helps them build lasting friendships and networks.

Q: What advice would you give to future students considering this internship?
Always show care for the students and stay attentive to their academic and cultural needs. For example, once the excitement of being abroad sets in, some students may shift focus from academics to traveling or socializing. By checking in, reminding them of resources, and encouraging them to seek support, you can help them balance both aspects of their experience.

And most importantly: don’t hesitate to apply! The staff at both the University of Michigan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are incredibly supportive and welcoming. With their guidance, you’ll gain a meaningful and memorable experience that will likely exceed your expectations.