Internships

Stepping Stones offers many internships throughout the year, including the summer. Our interns carry out many important roles in our organisation, and we welcome applications from all candidates who fit the requirements below.

We’ll provide a friendly and fun work environment, as well as opportunities to learn about non-profit work, volunteerism, English teaching and the migrant situation in China. Click here to meet some of our interns and  here to see interns testimonials.

We are committed to providing formative feedback to our interns, and provide certification and references to interns after their internship as needed for future academic and work applications.

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REQUIREMENTS are as follows:

• Fluency in English and/or Chinese.
• Committed to the goals of Stepping Stones, interested in volunteerism and education.
• Smart, self-motivated, quick and eager to learn, well-organised and with a positive attitude.
• Passion for helping disadvantaged children.
• Capable of multi-tasking and prioritizing.
• Minimum age 16.
• Able to work as follows:
  1. Spring semester (from the end of February until the end of May) and fall semester (from mid-September until mid-December): 2 – 4 days per week. At least 3 days would be more advantageous for our programs, but if your school schedule or other arrangements do not make it possible, please explain it in your motivation letter.
  2. Summer (July and August): minimum 3 days per week for 2 months or 4 days per week for 6 weeks.
  3. We might take interns for different time schedule (e.g. full time for 1 month), subject to our needs. Please contact our HR department.

All interns may be requested to help with general office administrative tasks including but not limited to printing, filing, photocopying, translating and managing office inventory and supplies, as well as assisting with ad hoc projects and at events.

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INTERNSHIPS VACANCIES

All interns will have the opportunity to get involved in many different aspects of Stepping Stones’ work listed below, and most interns will be required to do some teaching. Candidates may apply for a General Internship, or apply for one of the specialist vacancies  below:

General internship

Team Message:
As a General Operations Intern, you will gain exposure to multiple aspects of nonprofit operations and program implementation. Your responsibilities will be tailored based on organizational needs and your personal interests.

Work Attitude & Time Commitment:

• Work Attitude: Proactive, open-minded, with a strong willingness to communicate and a collaborative team spirit.
• Time Commitment: Available to intern 2-3 days per week for at least 2-3 months.

Requirements:

• Fluent Chinese or English language skills. Bilingual is preferred.
• Strong Attention to Detail: You take pride in delivering tasks with accuracy and care.

Core Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support: Assist with daily office tasks to help the team run smoothly and efficiently.
• Front-line Teaching Experience (as needed): Potentially teach once a week at a Stepping Stones project site, gaining firsthand experience in公益 classrooms.
• Teaching Program Coordination (as needed): Participate in coordinating teaching programs, including managing and supporting designated volunteer teams to ensure smooth implementation.
• Classroom Support: Serve as a substitute teacher or teaching assistant to ensure classes continue smoothly when needed.
• Event Participation: Represent Stepping Stones at various events, including volunteer recruitment, fundraising campaigns, corporate engagements, and public advocacy initiatives.
• Translation Support (for bilingual interns): Assist in translating, proofreading, and localizing materials between Chinese and English.
• Cross-Department Collaboration (based on interest and skills): If interested or skilled, assist with tasks in other areas such as event design or communications, enriching your internship experience.
• Flexible Project Assistance: Provide timely support for ad hoc projects as needs arise.

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Home Classroom Internship (Online)

Home Classroom interns support Stepping Stones staff to coordinate groups of students who are attending online English classes with our volunteers from their homes.

Work Attitude & Time Commitment:

• Work Attitude: Proactive, open-minded, patient, and responsible. Possesses a strong willingness to communicate and a collaborative team spirit.
• Time Commitment: Available 2-3 days per week for at least one full semester (typically 3-4 months; summer: July–August, winter: January–February).

Requirements:

1. Language & Communication Skills:

• Native Chinese speaker with natural and fluent communication skills.
• Basic English communication skills, capable of daily communication with international volunteers.
• Interns with fluent spoken English may have the opportunity to participate in weekly online teaching.

2. Organizational & Coordination Skills:

• Strong communication and coordination skills, able to effectively facilitate the flow of information among multiple parties.
• Good time management skills, capable of adapting to shifting priorities and tasks across different periods.

3. Technical Skills:

• Basic technical proficiency, able to adapt to online collaboration tools, including but not limited to WeChat and the ClassIn teaching platform.
• Proficiency in using Excel’s data functions is preferred.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Teaching Coordination & Support:

• Complete all online classroom setup tasks before the start of each semester to ensure classes begin smoothly and on time.
• Serve as a communication hub, maintaining daily contact with teaching volunteers and class coordinators to ensure smooth information flow.
• Send class schedules to volunteers, reminding them of key deadlines and classroom注意事项 (important notes/precautions).
• Follow up on student attendance records, verifying and improving them in coordination with the class coordinator.

2. Classroom Operation Support:

• Monitor classroom operations throughout the process, supporting the smooth delivery of teaching activities.
• Step in as a substitute teacher when necessary to ensure classes proceed as scheduled.
• Proactively assist with on-site issues when the coordinator is absent or when unexpected situations arise.

3. Volunteer & Program Management:

• Assist in organizing and delivering volunteer training sessions.
• Support the program manager in maintaining communication with volunteers, collecting feedback, and improving workflows.
• Create promotional materials such as posters for various program needs.
• Prepare volunteer certificates upon program completion.

4. Team Collaboration & Ad Hoc Tasks:

• Maintain close communication and collaboration with Stepping Stones full-time staff and other interns.
• Take on ad hoc tasks such as translation as needed.

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Shanghai English Program Internship

Interns are needed to teach and coordinate in our Shanghai English Teaching Program. Candidates should be fluent in either English or Chinese, both languages would be great. We provide training, teaching material and supervision.

Time Commitment: 2-3 days a week at office and teaching sites in Shanghai, including at least 1 weekend day.

Requirements:

• Full professional fluency in Chinese or English, with excellent communication skills.
• Strong time-management skills and a proven ability to work independently and efficiently.
• Available to work on weekends with a flexible schedule that accommodates varying program needs.

Job description:

• Manage multiple WeChat teaching groups: send volunteer reminders and following up on teaching materials.
• Teach English classes at assigned program sites; step in as a substitute teacher or teaching assistant when required.
• Organize and conduct student oral English assessments at the beginning and end of each semester.
• Collect, enter, and help analyze program data for reporting purposes.
• Commit to being on-site for class observation or substitute teaching at least one weekend day per week.
• Interview volunteers and produce short videos to promote the program.
• Contribute to the development of teaching resources and the preparation of volunteer certificates.

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Summer Camps Internship (Fluent Chinese Speaker)

Chinese-speaking interns are needed for Stepping Stones’ Summer Camp, where they will help us to provide an enriching experience for children in Shanghai between the ages of 6 and 12 whose parents are working full-time. The Summer Camp runs for 7-8 weeks in July and August.

Time Commitment: At least 3 days per week for 2 months, or at least 4 days per week for 6 weeks.

Requirements:

• Fluency in Chinese.
• Enjoy interacting with children.
• Helping with the lesson planning of the classes if necessary.
• Ready to learn how to teach different classes to children.
• Ability to work independently.

Job description:

• Teach classes in a variety of subjects, including arts and crafts, reading, music, drama, dance and environment.
• Assist classroom teacher with classroom management, including managing morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, handle simple discipline issues, etc.
• Look after and play with the children during breaks and at lunch time.
• Assist children complete their holiday home work.

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Communications Internship

Team Message：
Join Stepping Stones and use your creativity, writing, and digital skills to empower public interest communications! You will play a direct role in building our brand and increasing the visibility of our high-quality educational programs. This is more than just an internship—it’s your starting point to make an impact and gain hands-on experience in full-cycle communications projects.

The Communications intern reports to the Communications Manager.

Time Commitment: Available to intern 2-3 days per week for at least 2-3 months.

Requirements:

• Native-level Chinese with excellent written communication and storytelling skills.
• Strong English reading and writing skills, capable of handling translation tasks between Chinese and English proficiently.
• An active and savvy social media user, familiar with the communication dynamics of major platforms and eager to learn new trends.
• Basic proficiency in design software (e.g., Canva, Photoshop, Illustrator) with the ability to visualize ideas.
• Strong attention to detail and focus, maintaining rigor in copy, layout, and data.
• Proactive, with good communication skills and a collaborative team spirit.

Core Responsibilities:

• Content Creation and Operations: Assist the Communications Manager in planning, writing, curating, and publishing daily content for social media accounts such as WeChat Official Account and Xiaohongshu.
• Content Maintenance for Digital Platforms and Print Materials: Assist in updating and optimizing content for the organization’s website, annual reports, impact reports, and other materials to ensure accuracy and professional presentation.
• Visual Design Support: Use design software to create basic promotional materials such as event posters, social media graphics, and newsletters.
• Program and Event Support: Assist in the promotional planning and on-site execution of various activities including training sessions, volunteer events, and fundraising campaigns.
• Special Project Management: Have the opportunity to participate deeply in the entire process of special projects, including initial planning, copywriting, execution follow-up, and post-project review.
• Bilingual Content Processing: Complete translation, proofreading, and localization polishing of copy between Chinese and English.

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Fundraising Internship

Time Commitment: 2 days per week.

Requirements:

• English and Chinese bilingual intern is preferred.
• Ability to work independently.

Job description:

• Assist the Stepping Stones team to write reports on the Global Giving platform and help the organization enhance its fundraising and marketing strategy on the platform.
• Write thank-you letters to donors on Global Giving.
• Explore new fundraising opportunities on Global Giving, including updating existing projects and establishing new projects.
• Explore new ways to help raise the rank of Stepping Stone on Global Giving.
• Search for new grant opportunities to support Stepping Stones (e.g., Bosch China and Lenovo Foundation).
• Come up with suggestions to improve Stepping Stones’ online fundraising activities and strategy.
• Assist in designing and preparing proposals and materials for corporate partnership activities.
• Organize and update promotional materials for existing Stepping Stones projects, and design materials for future new initiatives.
• Utilize social media platforms to conduct fundraising campaigns targeting UK private schools.
• Teaching for Stepping Stones programs if needed.

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Research Internship (1-2 interns)

Time Commitment: 20 – 22 days of work.

Requirements:

• Strong excel skills.
• Very good command of English.
• Native level or fluent Chinese (oral and written).

Job description:

• Design and carry out feedback surveys involving different stakeholders (students, volunteers, parents, teachers).
• Collate survey data.
• Analyse survey output & write reports.
• Assist in other research projects related to migrant children’s education and welfare in China.

Please go here for examples of our research work.

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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Project Internship

Time Commitment: 3 days per week.

Requirements:

• Experience/understanding of SEL is strongly preferred.
• Experience in mental health or/and social work field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with children is a plus.
• Work at least 4 months (part-time).

Job description:

• Assist facilitators with classroom management.
• Facilitate/Co-facilitate SEL class to elementary school students (Class includes emotion regulation, positive social skills, conflict resolution etc.)
• Conduct assessments and help in data management.
• Provide other program management support (outreach, data entry, lesson planning and any class activities).
• Support the development of SEL training materials.

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Digital Literacy – Computer Teaching Internship

The Digital Literacy Program intern will assist the Program Manager in delivering innovative instruction. This initiative is dedicated to providing students in Shanghai and across China with cutting-edge digital and life skills training through both online and in-person formats. With a special emphasis on professionalising instructional support, we welcome interns who are passionate about digital literacy education.

Requirements:

• Language Skills: Native-level Chinese proficiency with strong written communication skills, capable of efficiently performing translation and documentation tasks.
• Professional Interest: Interest in computer science, STEAM education, or children’s programming; prior experience with Scratch or other graphical programming tools/AI applications is preferred.
• Technical Competence: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), with demonstrated ability to efficiently handle document processing and teaching material development.
• Time Commitment: Availability to work two days (16 hours) per week.
• Work Ethic: Good communication skills, team collaboration spirit, and ability to work independently; must be able to accommodate potential commute requirements for offline courses (maximum one-way commute approximately 90 minutes from central Shanghai).

Job Description:

• Curriculum Development & Organization: Assisted in the development, organization, and refinement of innovative computer skills and AI-related courseware, ensuring the systematic structure and accuracy of all teaching materials.
• Translation & Localization: Responsible for the translation, proofreading, and localization of teaching materials into Chinese, guaranteeing the professionalism and readability of the content (Native-level Chinese proficiency required).
• Course Materials Management: Systematically organized and archived course materials, training resources, and teaching aids, maintaining the resource library to ensure it remained up-to-date and accessible.
• Instructional Support & Collaboration: Provided comprehensive teaching support under the guidance of the Program Manager, including but not limited to course preparation, teaching tool setup, and tracking student assignments.
• Cross-departmental Communication Support: Facilitated coordination and communication between the instructional team and other departments to ensure the seamless execution of teaching processes.

What the Intern Will Gain:

• Innovative Teaching Skills: Gain hands-on experience in the field of computer education by participating in innovative teaching models that integrate online and offline methods.
• Professional Development: Enhance skills in courseware development, curriculum organization, and instructional support through systematic training, laying a solid foundation for future career growth.
• Personal Growth: Improve abilities in task planning—balancing course requirements with personal schedules—and hone communication and collaboration skills with diverse stakeholders, fully realizing the value of a supportive role in an educational context.

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Rural Videolink (RVL) Program Internship

Interns are needed to teach and coordinate in our Videolink Program. We provide training, teaching materials and supervision. Prior teaching and technical skills are not required.

Previous Videolink English teaching interns have said: “it was great fun, it is Skype-ing”; “the best part of my internship was to make creative and funny PPTs for the videolink teaching”.

Time Requirement: 3 weekdays per week

Requirements:

• Native-level Chinese, good English skills.
• An interest in using technology for teaching.

Job description:

• Coordinator for Remote Courses: Facilitate communication between partner schools and volunteer instructors to ensure smooth delivery of English Speaking and Digital Literacy classes.
• Substitute Teacher: Step in to conduct remote classes when volunteers are unavailable.
• Communication & Quality Assurance: Support ongoing liaison between volunteers and teachers, track course progress, and monitor learning outcomes to maintain teaching quality.
• Data Reporting: Collect and document class details (e.g., student rosters, PPT usage, volunteer attendance) and provide regular updates.
• Final Documentation: Compile semester course reports and prepare volunteer certificates based on program results.

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APPLICATION PROCESS

Candidates are encouraged to send their resume to hr@steppingstoneschina.net, along with a cover letter explaining their motivation and suitability for this internship, and detailing their availability.  An interview will be arranged with qualified candidates.

Note

Please note that Stepping Stones is unable to arrange or pay for visas, travel or accommodation. Interns will need to arrange these for themselves.

Stepping Stones will reimburse all project-related costs (e.g. travel to project sites), and provide other transportation and meal stipends depending on the circumstances.

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TESTIMONIALS FROM PREVIOUS INTERNS

“As a Stepping Stones’ intern, I had the opportunity to go deep into a non-profit organization, learning about its operations and forming new insights into this industry. Teaching school-age children who are lovely and enthusiastic lights up my heart. For the past five months of my internship, I have been enjoying working with amazing Stepping Stones staff, growing together with my students, and embracing new challenges. If you love working with children or have an interest in non-profit organizations, I highly recommend you join the Stepping Stones family as an intern right now!” (Kathie, Stepping Stones Intern, 2020)

“As an intern at Stepping Stones, I was able to teach many incredible and loving students, as well as having the opportunity to work with many of the wonderful staff at Stepping Stones. Overall, it was a magnificent experience and I learned many valuable skills and expertise during my time interning. I would definitely want to work with Stepping Stones again as an intern in the future!” (Denise Bu, Stepping Stones Intern,SET Program, 2018)

“Interning with Stepping Stones has been an incredible experience. I’ve gained great professional skills, and more importantly was able to make a positive impact in the world” (Elizabeth, Stepping Stones Intern, Videolink Program, 2017).

“Some of my students thanked us and wished that we would come back. Some of them gave me letters saying that when they grow up, they want to travel to Turkey to visit me. It was very meaningful for me” (Elif, Stepping Stones Intern, 2015).

“I know the issue is overwhelming, but you guys are doing a great job. I am glad that I could join here and became part of this journey. It changed me for better” (Mika, Stepping Stones Intern, 2015)

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