GRIP, Internships Abroad Exploring Shang Hai

July 2, 2024
By Julia Fensel, Wharton '27

GRIP: Keru

Living and interning in Shanghai has been an amazing adventure, filled with fun experiences and delicious food. This city is a perfect mix of the old and the new, and every day here has been exciting.

One of our first outings as an intern group was to the Bund. Walking along the waterfront, we couldn't help but be impressed by the mix of historic buildings and modern skyscrapers across the river. The city lights up beautifully at night, making it a must-see spot for anyone visiting Shanghai.

We also checked out the Shanghai Dungeon, which was both scary and hilarious. It's not your average haunted house – it's a fully immersive experience with live actors and special effects that take you through some of Shanghai’s darker history. We had a blast, and it was a great way to bond with my fellow interns.

Another highlight was visiting a VR place where we got to try out some amazing virtual reality experiences. Whether we were exploring fantasy worlds or engaging in thrilling action games, it was a fantastic way to escape from our daily routines and have some high-tech fun.

Julia and other GRIP interns enjoying foodBut what really stands out about our time here is the food. Shanghai is a food lover's dream, and we’ve been eating our way through the city. Our favorite by far has been yang rou chuan, which are these incredibly tasty lamb skewers. They’re a popular street food, and we just can’t get enough of them. The combination of spices and tender meat is absolutely delicious. Another recommendation would be the soup dumplings. Just be careful when biting into one though! The soup can easily burn your tongue if you are not careful, I’m speaking from experience.

Work-wise, this internship has been a great opportunity to learn and grow. The office is modern and has everything we need to be productive. My coworkers are talented and diverse, and I’ve learned so much from them. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, making this experience invaluable for my career.

Overall, my time in Shanghai has been an unforgettable mix of work, play, and great food. From the stunning views at the Bund to the thrilling Shanghai Dungeon, the futuristic VR experiences, and the mouth-watering yang rou chuan, every moment has been special. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to see what else this vibrant city has in store for us.

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The Global Research and Internship Program (GRIP) provides outstanding undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to intern or conduct research abroad for 8 to 12 weeks over the summer. Participants gain career-enhancing experience and global exposure that is essential in a global workforce.