Foundation 1: Business

The business foundation of the programme allows a student to carry out a full time internship work placement with one of Catalai’s partner employers. Catalai partners with a diverse range of companies and orgnaizations across all main industry sectors.

In addition to the internship, Catalai organizes guest speaker and company visits. The Catalai guest speaker series provides Catalai students with valuable China insight and industry-specific knowledge. Students are able to gain knowledge about the practicalities of doing business in China and can absorb the advice and messages from senior business leaders working in Beijing and Shanghai.

Students and recent graduates on the Catalai programme also take part in business and social networking events. The events allow students to meet industry leaders and young professionals in Beijing or Shanghai. For graduates that are interested in working in China after the Catalai programme, the networking events are a great way to make contacts and discover new career opportunities.

Foundation 2: Language

Studying Mandarin is an integral part of the Catalai Chna Programme.  As the second foundation of the programme, the Catalai Chinese language course is delivered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Over the first weekend of the programme students will be given a language assessment if required, allowing us to determine the appropriate level of study. Students are then assigned a teaching group for the duration of their programme. Studying Chinese for the first time can be overwhelming. However the Catalai language teachers are well placed to get students using the language in an effective and functional way.

Throughout the duration of a 1-month Catalai China programme, students are given 2o hours of taught lessons, in addition to self-study and required class preparation. The Catalai Chinese language course focuses on practical oral Chinese at beginner level, and also develops writing and reading skills. Taught classes are typically scheduled in the evening during the week and often there will be classes at the weekend.

Foundation 3: Culture 

Understanding Chinese culture is perhaps the biggest challenge that faces a Western student or graduate. Whereas business experience can be gained and language skills can be practiced, understanding Chinese culture requires an open mind and an appreciation of the country’s 5000 year history. Students on the Catalai China Programme are taught the basic Chinese cultural concepts of Face 面子and Guanxi 关系 right from the start of the induction weekend. Spending time learning about the Chinese culture is vital for any graduate that wishes to be successful in China.

In addition to studying Chinese culture, on the Catalai China Programme students are shown cultural highlights in both Beijing and Shanghai. In Beijing, cultural trips may include the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven. In Shanghai, Catalai often takes students on a boat cruise along the Bund, enjoys Chinese tea at traditional teahouse and will organize city visits to Hangzhou or Suzhou.