With an iconic skyline, historical buildings and known as being a cultural centre of innovation, Shanghai is a financial and commercial hub booming in rich history blended with modern day development.

Westminster alumni and academics have teamed up with our network partners to offer students a unique opportunity to experience the professional environment, history and culture of Shanghai.

Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) is part of the Westminster Employability Award. As an optional activity, you can gain 20 points upon successful completion of participation in the WWC programme.

About the programme

Due to COVID-19, this destination is currently on hold. We look forward to running it again when it is safe to do so. Please check back for more information.

Funding

This trip has been generously funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust. This means most of your trip costs will be funded, including flights and accommodation.

Trip costs that are covered (and students will not have to pay for) include:

  • Flights
  • Accommodation
  • Internal transport
  • Meals that are part of the programme (ie most breakfasts and lunches)

Trip costs that are not covered (and students will have to pay for):

  • A £100 contribution towards the trip
  • A visa and associated costs* if you require one:
    • Chinese visa fee (varies based on nationality) 
    • Appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre (you must be available to go to the centre in person to obtain your visa)
  • Your own transport costs to and from London Heathrow airport
  • Costs associated with free time (ie food and entrance fees)

*Please contact [email protected] for specific cost information.

During the trip

The purpose of the trip is to enhance your employability and develop skills that will help you after graduation. You’ll visit several leading and diverse organisations in Shanghai and have a chance to reflect on your experience. A full itinerary and list of companies you’ll visit will be provided closer to the trip. Please be prepared to research the organisations so you can make the most of your time.

Please note: students will have to do a lot of walking and use public transportation around Shanghai. To ensure students make the most during their time in Shanghai, the itinerary will include multiple visits and talks a day and may be quite intense.

Sessions will have an employability focus and include:

  • Seminars and workshops
  • Workplace tours
  • Q&A sessions with UoW alumni

Your trip will also include activities to enhance your understanding and cultural knowledge of Shanghai. Visits may include:

  • Viewing the Bund
  • Visiting Yu Garden

Please note: this list may be subject to change.

Flights and accommodation

  • Group flights have been booked to and from Heathrow airport in London with Virgin Atlantic.
  • Accommodation has been booked in the Anting Villa Hotel.
  • Please note: you will be sharing a twin room with another student of the same sex.

In-country support

The visit will be led by members of the Alumni and Communications teams and will be subject to normal University risk assessments and regulations. You are required to attend the entire programme of activities as representatives of the University.

Student testimonials

"Being an employable graduate in the working world means being able to show you have passion, drive and confidence for the field that you are working in. This trip has inspired me to open up more to taking risks and making calculated decisions that I otherwise wouldn't have made in the first place. I am more likely to work abroad now that this trip has concluded and I will be more prepared for it in terms of adapting to new cultures, new environments and expectations and going out in the working world with a better attitude and a better vision for myself."

       Emily Lim, Biomedical Sciences (April 2019 Shanghai trip)

Eligibility

You must be enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate University of Westminster student at the time of this trip.

You must agree to the ‘Expectations of trip participants’:

  • Be on time and participate in all activities and meetings
  • Submit photos, videos or write a blog post about your experience
  • Reflect on your experience through the Westminster Working Cultures workbook
  • Be aware that things may change during your time abroad, have an open mind and be flexible!

Students are required to maintain the highest standards of behaviour while abroad on a University of Westminster programme. Students overseas remain bound by the University of Westminster’s 'Student Code of Conduct'.

How to join the programme

To be selected you will need to:

  • Complete an online application form
  • Agree to the participant expectations

Applicants will be notified either way of the outcome as soon as possible after the application period closes. 

A selection panel will shortlist the participants against criteria which includes:

  • Academic achievement
  • Quality of your motivations for taking part in the programme
  • Previous Outward Mobility experience with the University

Please note: priority may be given to final year students who have not previously travelled abroad as part of their course or with the University. However, we strongly encourage applications from students on all courses and years within the undergraduate programme.

Tips for writing a good application

Stand out from the crowd!

  • Prepare your answers in advance of making the application, ask someone to proof read for grammar and spelling
  • Use the word limit for each question to fully explain and showcase your interest in the opportunity
  • Clearly demonstrate your motivations with reference to academic, professional or personal development

Further details

The University of Westminster takes the safety of our students very seriously. This employability programme will be supported in-country by a minimum of two Westminster staff members and all students will be covered by University of Westminster travel insurance (free of charge to students).

All students selected to participate in the programme will be required to attend a pre-departure briefing session before the trip.

For further advice on security and visiting China, please see the Foreign Travel Advice for China on the government’s website.

You can email [email protected] with any queries.

Photos and video from previous trips to Shanghai