Ultimate Guide to Remote Working Internship 2020-2021

Our internship experience with the ODM Group have been very unexpected. With plans made for what was supposed to be a 5 month overseas internship program, we arrived at Saigon, Vietnam on 9th of March. It was a 4 hour flight from Singapore, and there were 3 of us.

Once we settled with our temporary accommodations, we were soon ready to live the expat life. We even managed to secure an apartment which was directly above the office! With Covid 19 becoming more uncertain at that time, we definitely did not expect to end our journey so soon. 

On the 14th of March, Vietnam and many other countries were starting to close their borders. This made it harder for people like us to work abroad, therefore we only had a limited amount of time working in the HCMC office. 

So we had to cancel plans made for Vietnam and scheduled a flight back to Singapore. 

We were very sad to not be able to work in Vietnam, but we were definitely grateful to have spent some time there. 

Therefore, with additional training - we managed to arrange a remote working schedule for the 3 of us while we were working directly from home. Today, we will list down several tips and tricks you need for remote working. 

Tip #1 : Create a Daily - Hour Schedule 

A quote that is popularly attributed to Benjamin Franklin - he says ; failure to plan is planning to fail. 

With so many things to do for work, the smartest thing you should do is learn how to organize your time. When working remotely, having a schedule helps you keep track of your working progress and routine. The image above is how a typical work schedule should look like, highlighting the different tasks that make up your day. 

Tip #2 : Clocking in your hours

Additional to the working schedule, interns working remotely should also practice clocking in the hours for work. This helps distinguish the real time and hours spent on doing specific tasks in your schedule. 

Moreover, it also helps management monitor the hours spent on working with projects and helps them identify which projects should be given priority in the future. 

In ODM, we use a computer program called 'Clockify' which helps track your hours according to project category and project title. 

Tip #3 : Condusive working environment

Its so easy to get distracted when working from home! This should already be obvious to most people, but having a clean and tidy desk could significantly improve your productivity rate!

At home, I usually only have 1 laptop turned on for work. I also have a mini dashboard that stores my written notes whenever I need them to. I avoid using long cables and ty to keep my desk as minimal as possible.

Tip #4 : Establish personal boundaries with people at home

When working from home, it is inevitable to have some of your household members hovering around you to check on you, or even initiating conversations while you're busy doing your tasks. Our suggestion is to establish some ground rules with people at home. This will avoid any misunderstandings in the future and also minimize the amount of distractions at home. Let them know you have some priorities to attend to if the conversation is not so urgent. Don't worry! We're sure they'll understand.

Tip #5 : Exercise or stretch during your break

When you've been occupied at home and not giving your body enough attention, a short stretching/exercise session is much needed! We recommend reading : 21 Stretches for Beginners to learn more how you can help relax your body to save yourselves from aching. 

Tip #6 : Overcommunicate 

Working from home can be very lonely at times. Which is why it is important to overcommunicate with your colleagues, more than you would have when working in a physical office. This helps keep track with your progress and help you understand what everyone else is working on. 

In ODM, the interns schedule 2 meeting calls with the management team every day. The meeting call in the morning is very important, because that is when we discuss the items on our agenda list for the day. In the afternoon, we have another meeting call to discuss about our progress for the day.

These are all done via skype where it is easier to share our screen and speak live. 

Throughout the day, it is also normal to have impromptu calls and messages with the management in case we have any questions and doubts regarding our projects. 

In a nutshell ...

Working from home is becoming a norm for a lot of corporate companies, across all industries. We hope that these tips and tricks for remote working will assist you in your work, and hopefully make your work life much more balanced and productive. 

If you're looking to work with us, feel free to contact us here! Otherwise, you could also check out our marketing case studies on our online magazine to learn more. 

The Complete Guide to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam for Interns

Opening a bank account in a foreign country sounds scary, especially if you are in a non English-speaking country like Vietnam. However, having a local bank account is essential, especially if you plan on transferring money from overseas. It is also extremely convenient as you can use local apps such as GrabPay instead of having to carry large amounts of cash around. Fortunately for you, opening a bank account in Vietnam is actually an extremely simple process. No more awkwardly fumbling around in your wallet for cash!

Which Bank Should I Go With?

When it comes to the choice of banks, you are definitely spoiled for choice! You can opt for international banks such as HSBC, ANZ, UOB, Citibank, or Maybank, just to name a few. Alternatively, you can also opt for local banks such as VietcomBank, ACB, Sacombank, Techcombank, and many others. On a related note, check out this blog post by ODM on interesting promotions that banks have offered customers. 

International Banks

International banks are generally safer to go with, especially if you intend to transfer money from overseas accounts. However, international banks have relatively strict requirements and a higher minimum deposit amount for foreigners. According to the staff at the HSBC branch we visited, most international banks in Vietnam only allow foreigners to open an account if they are staying in Vietnam for more than 1 year.. Make sure to take note of this, as this information is not stated online. Read through the minimum requirements online before you actually visit the branch.

Local Banks

The staff at the HSBC branch we visited encouraged us to open a bank account with a local bank instead, as we were only staying in Vietnam for 5 months. The most highly recommended bank was VietcomBank, which has the most extensive network of ATMs and branches. VietcomBank is a state-owned bank and rated as the strongest bank in Vietnam, so it is a safe option to go with. Local banks have much more lenient requirements for foreigners, including a lower minimum deposit and duration of stay in Vietnam. Interestingly, the marketing for local banks can be improved greatly to attract more customers, especially since there are so many banks to choose from. Many banks give away promotional products, such as these promotional headphones given away by Citibank HK. This is a great way to attract more customers.

What Do I Need to Open a Bank Account?

Regardless of whether you choose to go with an international or local bank, the criteria and documents required are similar:

• Minimum Age: 18 and above

• Account application form: This can be found on the bank's website. You can print and fill it out before going to the bank to save a significant amount of time. Alternatively, you can choose to fill this out at the bank itself. If this is your first time opening a bank account overseas, it is recommended that you fill out the application form at the bank itself. The bank staff would guide you through the details and simplify the entire process.

• Original Passport: Most banks will require you to bring your original passport to open an account, as this is the most common form of identification for foreigners.

• Copy of Passport: You most likely wouldn't need this, but it is generally safer to bring along.

• Copy of valid visa entry: Bring a copy of both your visa stamp on your passport, as well as a copy of your visa acceptance letter.

• Copy of labor contract: You are required to provide proof of employment for the duration that you are staying in Vietnam. This is most commonly your employment contract. If you are an intern, you can use your internship acceptance letter.

• Proof of local address: This is the address that you are staying in Vietnam. If you have already secured a deposit at a house or apartment, you can bring along the receipt or contract. Alternatively, most banks will allow you to use the address of your Airbnb or hotel if you are staying mid-to-long term. Some banks, such as VietcomBank, allow you to use the address of your company.

• Minimum Deposit Amount: Varies widely. Check the bank's website to find out. HSBC's minimum deposit is 3,000,000 VND. VietcomBank has a much lower minimum deposit amount of 50,000 VND.

What is the Process of Opening a Bank Account?

You will be glad to know that the process of opening a bank account in Vietnam is extremely simple, and takes less than an hour!

1) Prepare documents: Print out all the documents before you arrive in Vietnam to save time and hassle. If you are already in Vietnam, don't worry! You can print out and photocopy the documents any of the countless print shops around (Use Google Maps).

2) Go to a branch: With all of your documents and passport with you, head over to a branch. An appointment is not necessary. If you decide to go with Vietcombank, head to the central branch at Vietcombank Tower. This is the biggest branch in Ho Chi Minh, and most of the staff speak English fluently. It is recommended that you visit the branch in the morning, as it is much less crowded.

3) Set up your Account: Tell the front desk staff that you wish to open a bank account. Depending on the crowd, you might immediately be able to proceed to a counter. This is where you would submit your documents and sign forms. The staff will explain the fees, requirements, and other important information to you. You would also be required to make the minimum deposit here. We found the staff to be extremely pleasant and efficient, and the whole process was completed in about 30 minutes.

4) Collect your debit card: Your debit card would take about 10 days to prepare. You would be given an appointment slip which you can present at the branch at the stated date to collect your debit card. You need your debit card to make withdrawals from ATMs. If you need to withdraw cash urgently, don't worry! You can visit any branch and present your passport to make withdrawals.

5) Congratulations! You have opened your very own Vietnamese bank account!

Fees

The fees charged by banks varies across different banks. This is the chart of fees that the staff at VietcomBank gave to us. You can waive some of the fees, such as the debit card issuance fee, simply by asking the staff.

Other Important Things to Take Note of:

• Most banks only operate from 8am to 5pm in the weekdays. Banks are closed during weekends and holidays. For that reason, it is recommended that you arrive in Vietnam a few days before your work/school/internship starts to set up your bank account.

• Bring enough cash before arriving in Vietnam if you intend to secure a deposit at an apartment before opening an account.

• If you intend on transferring money to and/or from overseas accounts, ensure that your bank provides you with a Swift Code.

• Bank transfers from overseas would take about half to a full day to reach your account. It might only be deposited in your account the next day.

• Remember to sign up for Internet Banking and Mobile Banking.

• For your own security, when at any print shop, remember to ensure that you have logged off your account before you leave.

Intern in Vietnam: Hello Weekend Market in HCMC

You must be wondering what we interns do during the weekends after a tiring 5 days of work. Well, we can't possibly be sleeping the weekends away. Like the name suggests, Hello Weekend happens only in the weekends and is a famous flea market here in Ho Chi Minh City that we couldn't miss! It is indeed saying hello to the weekends while we unearth various hidden gems in this growing city of urbanization. 

We celebrated the festive occasion by dropping down to the market during Halloween to bask in the spooky season. The area was decorated in pumpkin lanterns which reminded me of the Unique Pumpkin Shaped Lamp on ODM case studies blog. Ho Chi Minh City spontaneously engaged their tourists and locals alike as also seen their efforts at Tous Les Jour with their Halloween custom display design. The excitement could be felt as people buzzed in and out of the markets - carrying bags of their loots. There are even tables and chairs for us to relax after shopping really hard!

The aisle to walk through all the shop tents that were set up. Items sold there ranged from phone cases to clothes - and the most mouth-watering of them all: cheap and delicious food. 

One will surely not go wrong by spending money on food. The aroma was heavenly and it felt great reward to oneself for getting through a tough work week. These finger food easily fuelled our energy to continue shopping for more.

There were more seats at the back for people to chill. Definitely thought that the organizers could have provided Halloween special shadow coasters to further spice up the occasion. Nonetheless, we had our fair share of enjoyment and definitely would come back for more. Be sure to check out the market if you are ever going to intern in Ho Chi Minh City!

Intern in Vietnam: Local Food in HCMC

Asides the heavy morning traffic and waking up to the sound of my alarm, what I came to love from living in Ho Chi Minh City was the sight and scent of food that leaves me wanting for more. The cost of living in HCMC is comparatively lower than in Singapore, which makes things so much easier! Splurging on food has never felt more enjoyable given that a bowl of noodles along the streets will never hit more than 3 USD/4 SGD.

So, what is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Vietnam? That’s right, it’s phở! Phở is a Vietnamese dish that is made up of broth, rice noodles, spices, and mainly with either beef or chicken as the meat. Instead of using chopsticks, was wondering if the twist fork product idea could work on Phở 🤔

Through recommendations from our Vietnamese colleagues, we went to try out Phở Hòa Pasteur that is located in district 3 – a stone’s throw away from our Vietnam office!

We ordered Vietnamese tea which was perfect for a tea lover like myself. It reminded me of this promotional gift idea I read on ODM’s blog which I found unique. Speaking of tea, I frequently purchase Fuze Tea in HCMC and also got a chance to write about their promotional POS display as it caught my attention in the convenience store.

Next up, my friends and I came across this stall selling crab noodles and more along district 5 – also known as Saigon’s Chinatown – during the weekends. The noodles used was Bánh canh – a thick Vietnamese noodle made tapioca flour or a mixture of both rice and tapioca flour. While savouring the crab, I thought that crabs designs would totally make good promotional items for summer as it reminds one of the ocean. Inspiration is surely everywhere! Overall, life here in HCMC has been pleasant so far and I can't wait to see what more will the future unfold.

Intern in Vietnam: Short Getaway Trip To Da Lat

3 weeks into Ho Chi Minh City was nothing but a series of cultural adaptations and independence. However, that didn't kill the adventurous spirit to explore Vietnam inside out! During the span of our 6-month internship for The ODM Group, we decided to take a trip down to Da Lat to immerse ourselves locally.

Sleeper Bus - En Route from HCMC to Da Lat

Excitement and anticipation bubbled in us as it was our first experience on a sleeper bus. We hopped onto our ride on a Friday night after work and slept throughout the 5-hour long journey.

Bird's Eye View of Da Lat

In a blink of an eye, we reached Da Lat! It was a freezing cold 20°C (a stark contrast from the temperate weather in HCMC). Despite the cold summer breeze, we were definitely warmed by the beauty of Da Lat. 

Trúc Lâm Temple

Valley of Love

We visited some of the famous tourist attractions such as Bao Dai Palace, Valley of Love, Trúc Lâm Temple etc, Elephant Falls etc. The day was filled with sightseeing activities - it was really a great unwinding session as we got to indulge ourselves in the tranquility and scenic views.

Tea Time at An Cafe

After a day of fun, we headed down to An Cafe - one of the popular cafes in Da Lat - and ordered a muesli bowl to snack before we left for our sleeper bus back to HCMC. All in all, we didn't expect to love Da Lat as much and this trip was certainly unforgettable - can't wait to come back already! Now, back to hustle bustle life in HCMC while the next adventure awaits us.

All Good Things Come to an End - Finishing my Internship

Although this will not be my last time in China, my time in Zhuhai has come to an end (for now), and what an experience this half of my year abroad has been. I can say for sure that I have became more confident in myself, my surroundings and in everything I didn't think I was capable of with working in China an enriched experience and a memorable one at that.

I have had both ups and downs here; my phone getting stolen, impossible to get on crowded buses and constantly being bitten by mosquitoes isn't ideal for starters.. but I have met some amazing people and friends along the way.

I'm very lucky to have spent my time here living with a Chinese family, and can proudly say that I have got a fourth little sister. They have introduced me to some amazing people, families and connections who will not easily be forgotten, letting me create lifetime memories, practice my Chinese and acquire the feeling of knowing that I will see them again next year! 

Although I haven't had the chance to travel as much as I had hoped, I did get the chance to re-visit Hong Kong, go to 海陵岛，and I finally got to visit Guilin, and Yangshuo (with the rain)! Macau will have to wait till next year though.. Here I was able to relive my memories of being by the seaside, eat the best honey ribs, finally eat Lychee (after waiting already for 3 years) and try some of the best seafood, oh and of course getting to appreciate how beautiful China can be away from the buzz of the city life. 

Furthermore, my time at ODM has been an opener to the real working world and how I want my career pathway to be in the future. To be frank when first arriving I wasn't very confident and lacked in certain aspects. Now, I feel that I can deal with problems and achieve goals using the essential skills and experiences that ODM have given me. Sales, marketing, sourcing and project management have all formed a major role in my abilities that I can utilise as my journey continues.

All good things must come to an end they say, but good things never have to end if you don't let them. My positive working experiences will continue to fuel my motivation, and my relationship with my home stay family will never be forgotten (have to see my sister grow up!). I would advise anyone out there regardless of where, to come to China or any other country and learn something new, it changes you and for the better. 

Finishing My Internship And A fantastic Experience

Well my time in China has come to an end and what an amazing time it’s been. I’ve met so many great people along the way who have inspired and developed me as a person. I can honestly say it has been the best decision I have ever made and looking back at the nerves I had when I stepped on the plane seemed ridiculous.

I have seen so many things that I never would have at home, like 40 people all cramming into one bus or a fish market with tropical animals that look like they should be from an aquarium. I've seen some of the most beautiful views, cities and islands I could possibly imagine all within hours of my home.

I’ve eaten some of the tastiest food and some of the not so tasty like chicken feet. I've learnt how to speak enough mandarin to have a basic discussion as well as even tell the time. I’ve experienced so much in my short time here and wish it wouldn't end. I've even gotten up and played at an open mic night because hey, when in China do as the Chinese do and sing. 

My time at ODM has been a real eye opener to what I want to do with regards to business and employment as well as giving me the essential skills needed to achieve these goals. Sales, marketing and management have played a major roll in forming my theoretical abilities into practice - something that will be kept with me forever.

I wouldn’t change my experience for the world, it’s been brilliant and I would advise anyone to do it. You wont regret it and you certainly wont be missing home. My only regret is not staying long enough, but I'm sure I will return one day.

My first taste of working in China

The start of my yet to experience 4 and a half month internship here at ODM has been eye opening to say the least. It has so far been exciting, and I have already learnt a lot about marketing and sales, and I can’t wait to learn more as my experience and knowledge grow. Although I have already spent quite a while in China, travelling and studying over the past few years, this is my first time working here in China and in an international company. Let’s just say, it’s certainly different! For starters you need the patience of a saint with the Chinese internet.

This is also my first time coming to Zhuhai and it has not disappointed me. The only problem is the random bad weather, but regardless it’s beautiful here and it doesn't have the busyness like other big cities. With the beaches and the sea, what’s not to love, I really can’t wait for the summer again. 

                            

During my internship I am also doing a home stay through Internchina alongside working here at ODM. I thoroughly enjoy living with a Chinese family; it is without a doubt the best way to learn about China and the way everyday life is lived, its fun and it’s definitely great for my Mandarin practice, I'm made so welcome and I already feel like part of the family. 

It can be tiring though, living so far away from ODM means early and long working days and barging my way on to the busy buses in the morning; but it is something I am adapting too quickly and after a while I am certain it will be ‘normal’. 

                               

From travelling through China, Guangdong is definitely one of my favourite regions and the place I have spent most of my time. To me its closest to feeling like home, its nature is beautiful, it has the best food (肠粉and早茶）(hence the food picture), environment, and it has barely any pollution, and being accustomed to already living in China it has been a bonus for fitting straight in with Chinese life.

My exploration of Zhuhai is minimal at the moment. I'd say compared to my time studying in Hangzhou just before this, time is not of the essence, so it can be difficult to balance my time with my friends and with the family also. But so far, I did go to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom Park during my first week and that is certainly worth checking out on a weekend with great weather. I have yet to also travel to Macau, but that is for sure on the agenda.

                                               

All in all, this experience is worth it. In my first week at ODM I was very busy and new to everything and I did feel quite overwhelmed. But now I feel comfortable as I get better and faster, and I love it here.

I have been so busy that I have barely contacted my family since arriving again in China. But it’s good, it means that I will achieve something in learning so much all of the time; I know I will learn important life skills, become more confident, and will be well on my way to achieving something bigger in the future. I know my experience here in ODM will be one of the greatest experiences to date, and thank you ODM for giving me this opportunity. 

My month in Zhuhai!

One thing that I believe very strongly in is that if you say you are going to do something, do it. It’s easy saying that you’ll do all of these wonderful things and go to all of these magnificent places, but until you actually put your mind to it and get the ball rolling, they are just empty words. You’ll simply be left with what ifs and regrets. So when I say that I’m going to do something, I stand by my word and do my utmost to make it happen.

For me, I said to myself that I wanted to come to China to work as an intern. There were a million and one reasons I could think of that could possibly stop me from going. Who would I live with? Would I like it? Would the language barrier be a big issue? I mean I would be 6,000 miles from home. One of my biggest fears about coming here was quite simply trying to get a decent hair cut! However, I didn’t want this to be something I said I’d do and never did. Nothing will ever be perfect and you’ll always have doubts about what you are doing. So sometimes you just need to jump in the deep end. I blocked these negative thoughts from my mind and focused on what a great opportunity this could be. I then paid my deposits and booked my flights. All of a sudden, I was locked in. I was going to China for the first time in my life.

China here I come!

Admittedly though, my time in China got off to a shaky start. This included not having my luggage for the first 4 days of my trip, not understanding any signs and not knowing any other interns. These were precisely the problems that I thought of before I came out here. Fortunately, they quickly began to straighten themselves out, and I started to feel more and more settled by the day. Before I knew it, I felt at home, experiencing many new things with similar minded people, who had also come out here to experience life in a foreign country.

There has been so many things that I've learned in this short space of time. The first of which is that the food here is magnificent. How Chinese people get such simple dishes to taste so good is beyond my comprehension. Normally I would turn my nose up at a vegetable dish, but in China they taste so good that I can’t get enough of them. Before I came here I seriously struggled with spice in my meals as well. But my taste buds have really grown to enjoy a little spice with dinner. Needless to say, the cuisine has been a welcome change in my life since I arrived.

I had been told before I came that Zhuhai is known as the most liveable city in China, and I can now see why. It’s not the biggest city in China, nor is it the most spectacular, but there lies the reason why it is so nice. It’s not overwhelming, it's not horrendously busy and it's not expensive. It has a fantastic feel to it, the people are very friendly, and most importantly it's a very safe environment to be in. There are hidden gems dotted all around the city, whether it be restaurants, bars or tourist attractions. Needless to say that it's been a great place to settle into.

In terms of my actual internship at ODM, my role has been varied. The majority of my time has been spent blogging in order to bring in new business for the company, and this has definitely helped my research and writing skills. But I've also had a chance to arrange business meetings with international clients, learn about the manufacturing process and run Twitter accounts. The latter plays such an important role in the business world these days, that I found it intriguing how it can be utilised to promote a business. All in all, my 4 weeks here have been a great experience, and I have no doubt that this experience will be a welcome addition to my CV.

I was even lucky enough to go on a weekend trip to Danxia mountain in Shoaguan, and as you can below, that was time well spent. It really gave me a sense of the vastness and beauty that China has to offer.

Stunning view from our trip to Danxia

With all this in mind, I really got myself in an enjoyable routine. Playing football, Chinese lessons, meals with friends, going out on the weekends. Zhuhai has felt like a little home away from home, and I’m going to miss for sure. What I like most is that everyone on the program knows everyone, and it’s like being part of a family.

Not matter where you go, you can always find people to play football with!

In conclusion, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Zhuhai. I can return home knowing that I’ve had an excellent experience and that I have no regrets coming here.

I’d like to say a big thank you to the ODM group for providing me with the chance to work in China. It has been a great place to work, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of a successful business. I know I was only there for a month, but it’s been a brilliant office to work in and I wish everyone here the very best for the future.

I’d also like to say a huge thank you to InternChina for what they have done for me since I’ve been out here. They’ve helped me sort out all of my issues, and were always checking in to see how I was doing. The service that I have received has been excellent, and I feel like I’ve been supported from day one.

Alas, my short stay in China has come to an end. But I know I did the right thing by coming out here. Immersing myself in the culture, meeting new people and adding valuable work experience are all positive things I can take away from my experience.

There's an old saying that says 'the world is a book, and those who don't travel only read one page'. Well, I think it is fair to say that I can walk away from my experience in China knowing that I’ve read and enjoyed the chapter on Zhuhai.

Goodbye Zhuhai, until next time!

The First Week of Internship in China

The very first week of my 6-months internship was so intense and exciting for me that I was completely erased from my friends and parents' view: they didn't receive any photos or calls from me, only short messages that everything was fine - that was all I had time for. I expected the work to be interesting, but the pleasure I got from it exceeded all the possible expectations.

On my first weekend here, in China, when I finally started my investigation of the city, another one pleasure was on the watch for me.

Zhuhai, without any exaggeration, has become the love at first sight. What an overwhelming mix of Hollywood hills and mountains, Dubai palm trees and seaside, Monaco ultra-modern multi-storey buildings, sub-tropical climate, and Chinese culture.

The First Week of Internship in China 

I've been to China before, visiting Beijing and Shanghai, and I can say that Zhuhai is completely different. Here you can feel a pacification and relaxation simply by enjoying the beauty of skylines. The people are friendly and always ready to help, and for sure, the food, being so diverse, exotic and new, is beyond all praise. Can't wait for tasting the delicacies in the local seafood market!

The First Week of Internship in China

I also enjoyed walking in parks, where people are laying on the grass, playing with children and flying toys on strings. Not without purpose Zhuhai is called the city of gardens: the parks here are huge and impressively beautiful.

The First Week of Internship in China

I am very lucky to be the part of such a fantastic opportunity to get the new experience in the international company, so big thanks to the ODM Group for letting me take the chance.

The First Week of Internship in China

My Two Month Internship in Zhuhai, China

My days are numbered here in Zhuhai, China. Now, during my last days it's time to do a review on my experiences in this beautiful country.

As I already wrote about Chinese food, I want to focus on the amazing landscape and and the city of Zhuhai. 

One of the things I will never forget is Chinese nature with its incredible landscapes like on Wailingding Dao. Wailingding Dao is one of Zhuhai's 146 islands and with the ferry about 2 hours away from Zhuhai. There aren't any cars on the island and the air is very good, a pleasure in China. On my Wailingding trip with the other interns, we explored a Chinese jungle path with huge spiders and on its end we found an moldered "Mad-Max-esque" quarry with this flooded gravel pit.

My Two Month Internship in Zhuhai, China

The location of my internship, Zhuhai is a wonderful city. With the Fisher Girl as its landmark and located on the seaside it's an amazing place to be.

Being as the area Guangdong is the cleanest area in China and an economically important place, it is a great spot for an internship, as it's so close to Hong Kong and Macao.

My Two Month Internship in Zhuhai, China

My Two Month Internship in Zhuhai, China

I'll spend my last weekend in China in Hong Kong and I'm really looking forward to the day I'm coming back to China and especially back to the wonderful city Zhuhai. 

In the end I want to thank InternChina to make the last two month possible and especially The ODM Group for this great internship!

See you!

My first days in China

Hello everyone out there, my name is Tom and I'm a 19 years old male from Germany, currently studying for my undergraduate degree in Business Management and Sales at Heilbronn University.
I just started a marketing and sales internship at a outsourcing company called the ODM Group.
I'm staying in a shared apartment with two other interns from the UK in the south of Zhuhai, called Gongbei.

Sunrise over Zhuhai seen from my balcony

Arriving on Thursday I just had 5 days in Zhuhai, but I could already experience very much.
On Sunday, I went together with other interns from InternChina on a waterfall trip in the mountains outside of Zhuhai. Having around 35 degrees we went a little bit through the Chinese jungle and hiked up a mountain to the waterfall.

View from the mountain 

  It was totally worth it climbing the mountain

I'm really looking forward to the next 2 month here in China and can't wait to start working for the company and learning new skills.

A Day Trip to Grass Island

How have you been enjoying your internship? I am sure Hong Kong has been a very great experience for everyone as there are so many events and places of interest to visit. Other than Hong Kong island itself, there are also Kowloon island and the New Territories, there are also the outlying islands. Hong Kong is diverse in transportation, from buses to trams, trains to ferries. A ferry is usually needed for travelling to the outlying islands.

The main outlying islands are Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Discovery Bay, Lamma, Peng Chau and Ma Wan. However this time, this post will be about Grass Island. Grass island is situated at the most north-east of Hong Kong. The only transportation there is by ferry. Thus, you have to go to the pier at Wong She, where there are ferries available to take you to the port. To go to Wong Shek Pier, take the bus 94 from Sai Kung.

The island is known for its large grass patches and it is a perfect play for camping and kite flying. It is also a perfect place to spend time with your friends or family with picnic. There are Chinese eateries with very good options of lunch and dinner choices that you should check it out!

In Grass Island, you can do the few things below:

• Kite Flying
• Camping
• Picnic
• Hiking 
• Visit Temples
• Visit Caves
• Fishing
• Photo taking

There are many things you can do in there and places to go. If you are lucky, you could meet live cows roaming around. Be careful though, they have the the cow patty around and that the cows might step on you if you have too much food on yourself! In addition, there is an old primary school there, and you might feel like you have traveled back in time to the past! 


So other than that, there are attractions you should visit.

1. Tin Hau Temple

This temple was built during the 8th year of the Qing Dynasty and was renovated 10 years ago. Both the temples are inscribed with the names of donors. There are also tradition celebrations during may where the celebrate the birth of the Gods in the temple.

2. Balanced Rock

The rock is called balanced rock with two equal size of the rocks on top of year other. It measures 6m high and 3m wide. Legend has it that the rock is something the Gods use to protect the villagers against the evil dragons.

3. Tap Mun Cave

Lastly, legend has it that there was a tunnel that is close to the Balanced Rock all the way to the Tin Hau Temple.

	So, do check out Grass island and tell us your experience there!

Trip to China - Nanjing, YiWu, Shanghai

Hong Kong is extremely close to China. Since ODM Asia works closely with many factories in China, business trips to China are inevitable. In this trip, I went to several places, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Yi Wu and Shanghai.

Nanjing 

I took a plane from Hong Kong International airport to Nanjing Airport directly. As the factory was not near the airport, I took a bus to the middle of the town. It was a 2.5h ride on the airport bus that costs 70RMB. There, I met the contact person from the factory and went directly to the factory. It took another 30-40min.

It was autumn, thus, the sun sets rather early. After visiting the factory, it got extremely dark. Perhaps it was not the usual big city that I came from, where street lights are inevitable. Thus, we headed to a restaurant for dinner.

From this post,  China Factory Visit - Buyer Diary #1 Culture & Customs, it is a custom for the factories or hosts to treat the client to a meal. It is to show respect as well as to build relationship. As most of you know, relationship is the most important thing in the Chinese culture. It is also a culture for the Chinese to drink the Chinese wine. However, I am fortunately that they did not order any alcohol. Instead, we drank yoghurt drinks. The dinner included lots of their local dishes. And by local, I am talking about their locally grown agriculture and local catch! Their river prawn and river scallop is one of the few popular dishes. 

During the dinner, we talked about our lives, hobbies and the difference in culture. International friendship is truly amazing. It is through such chatting and bonding where you really learn about the difference in culture and customs. It was also a great platform to observe the difference in culture. I always thought that in the Chinese culture, the host would always order a lot of food and you are not suppose to finish them. This is to show that the host has prepared more and enough food and they are treating you well. Although they claimed that they do not follow this tradition anymore, they ordered too much food! There was too much food to eat. 

The second day, I took a 10h train to Yi Wu. There was a train for 4 hours, however one has to go to the train station at 1am. Thus, to be safe, I decided to take the train that is longer but a safer timing. 

Yi Wu

I checked in immediately after arrival in Yi Wu. The day after, I visited 2 factories. I had to visit a trade fair and visit one of the factories again, and I stayed for another night. The 4th day was yet another packed day, of visiting factories and more. 

Shanghai

The last stop - Shanghai! Hangzhou is nearer to Yi Wu however both of the cities have no flight/seats to Hong Kong. Thus, I have to go to Shanghai to take a plane back. Shanghai is a beautiful city and the chilly weather made everything even more perfect! I met some interns in Shanghai and we had a great time chatting about internship and difference in culture!

Internship is something you will definitely not forget.  A time where you learn and experience many new things. Always keep your mind open and have a blast during your internship! 

Getting to Shenzhen from Wanchai, Hong Kong

Going to Shenzhen from Hong Kong is extremely easy, fast and simple. This time, I went to Shenzhen from Wan Chai. Read one more to find out my journey! I used a different route when returning, and this method is the fastest. 

I left the office at 2:30pm.

Firstly, you have to take the train from Wan Chai. This is because you will be taking the train all the way to Shenzhen!

Wan Chai Station

This is the stop where I took the train. Wan Chai. 

Red Line

I took it towards Tseun Wan. 

Admiralty Station

Alighted at the next stop, Admiralty.

Tsim Sha Tsui Station

I changed the MTR line and alighted at Tsim Sha Tsui.

This part is quite tricky. This is because you will be leaving the station and walking to the next station! No worries, just follow my images and you will get there!

Leaving Tsim Sha Tsui

Take the escalator up

Exiting the TST Station

Exit the station

East TST Sign

Walk towards the sign that is pink in color

Directional Sign

It says: East Tsim Sha Tsui

Left turn

Just follow the sign

Walk ahead

You will reach this left turn. It is actually a 5min walk, so all you have to do is walk.

5min walkway

5 min walkway

5 min walkway

5 min walkway

It is indeed, quite a long walk.

End of 5 min walkway

At the end, you will see the pink sign, pointing right. Turn right and keep walking. 

Walkway to East TST Station

It looks like this. Another stretch of walkway. 

East TST Gantry

Finally, at the end, you will see this gantry. Tap your octopus card and enter!  

Hung Hom Station

Take towards Hong Hom station

East Tsim Sha Tsui

Towards Lo Wu Station

The destination: Lo Wu Station

Taking towards Hung Hom Station

Take towards Hung Hom Station. It is only 1 stop.

In the train towards Hung Hom Station

Hung Hom Station

After reaching, just take the train opposite. You will take the train all the way to the end. 

Reached!

Lo Wu Station

Arriving in Lo Wu

Going towards Shenzhen

You can either follow the crowd or find the sign that says "Shenzhen" 

Walking towards Hong Kong Customs

Nearing Hong Kong Customs

At the Hong Kong Customs

Queuing at the Hong Kong Customs

Queue under the Visitor side. All international passport holders should queue in this lane while the Hong Kongers and Chinese Nationals will queue another place.

Waiting in line at the Hong Kong Customs

At the Hong Kong Customs

Leaving the Hong Kong Customs, going towards China

After clearing the Hong Kong Customs, you will walk another stretch of road.  

Walking towards China Customs

There, you will reach the China customs. Before you queue, remember to grab the arrival form!

Arrival card at China Customs

Fill it up, wait in line and then you will clear the customs! Honestly, the queue in the China side can take some time. Remember to wear comfortable footwear! Also, the arrival card has a departure card attached. Keep the departure card because you will need it to leave China.

Reached China: 3:45pm

Total cost: about HKD$50
Total time: 1h 15min