'We Did It Right on Time': International Students' Internship in China during COVID-19 Pandemic

Enormous distractions brought by deadly COVID-19 pandemic in higher education left no excuse for internship activities. Hence, tradition/offline internship has been postponed or rescinded and a massive online/virtual shift of internships has been observed in lieu. The present case study employed qualitative research approach to solicit information from two (n = 2) internship organizers for international students of a selected university in China. The university continued to implement offline internship as intended right on time in spite of strict curb measures to contain COVID-19. The study revealed; pre-internship briefing, effective communication with receiver institutions, as well as obedience to new normal pandemic prevention measures were the main reasons facilitated on time and offline internship. Simultaneously, difference in educational experiences, language barriers and some movement restrictions within the school were uncovered challenges for interns as international students. Provision of pre-internship briefing, psychological support and counsel, and follow up of rules and procedures were emphasized as recommendations for improving internship experience and in case of upcoming pandemic crises.