Frequently Asked Questions

Your Initial Deposit is 400 US Dollars regardless of destination. Your deposit can be converted in other currencies as needed. 

Upon payment of your Initial Deposit, you agree to fully co-operate with NEXSTEP to secure your internship placement. If we are unable to find a suitable internship company for you, and thus you wish to withdraw from the program, we will refund US$ 300 of your deposit and keep US$ 100 as a non-refundable application fee. Cancellations for personal reasons at any point of the pre-arrival or arrival process or non-cooperation during the process will not result in any refund of the deposit.

NEXSTEP is a fee-based Global Experiential Learning Organisation. Our Internship program includes your internship placement, events, visa, support, CV help, housing, travel insurance, airport transfers and more. Program Fees starts at USD 1950 and can be consulted on each of our program information pages.

If you are wondering why you need to pay to do an internship program abroad. First of all, the program fee covers a crafted learning experience at a host organisation offering you an opportunity to interact directly and get hands-on experience from local employers at the destination. Our approach, experience and extensive network are unique, to ensure we match your requirements and arrange the right learning environment for you.

Next, the program fee also covers other valuable educational services such as CV and interview prep, monthly experiential and executive events, pre-departure services, career preparation service, flight booking, gathering and social network, visa assistance, airport transfers, welcome pack, orientation, medical insurance, 24/7 in-country support, accommodation. This will not only help you have a smooth transition to your new country but also give you vital learnings to enhance yourself.

Most of our destinations do not enable students to legally get paid during their internship except Singapore and Hong Kong. However, we do not guarantee any payments or stipends as this is at the host company’s discretion.

It really depends on the lifestyle you choose to live in. The inclusions of your internship program are another factor to consider. If you decide, for example, to deal with your own housing arrangement, you will have to budget this element accordingly. At NEXSTEP, we’re offering various program includes options to help limit your living expenses budget. This does not include your meal or shopping expenses so we recommend that you find a balance suitable to your needs.

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries.jsp

Our English-speaking team at destinations set up internships, preview your accommodation beforehand, meet you at the airport, mentor and provide you with any support you need during your experience. You will also have a supervisor at your place of work.

If you are ill while abroad, our staff will know where the best medical care can be found. You will receive information on this when you first arrive in the city. You are also covered by a comprehensive insurance policy, which includes flying you home and all your medical costs.

No, flights to/from the destination are not included. However, we can give you advice about where to look for great rates. You should also check with our partner Student Universe as they are able to get amazing rates for students.

Mainland China: Yes. We will provide you with all the necessary documents so that you can get your M business visa from the Chinese embassy in your home country.

Hong Kong: We provide all our applicants with training visas valid for up to 12 months. The process is handled in Hong Kong by our team. You may also be eligible for the Working Holiday Visa.

Singapore: Yes, we will assist you to obtain the Work Holiday Visa

Thailand: Yes, we will assist you to obtain a non-Immigrant ED Visa.

Indonesia: Yes, we will assist you to obtain a cultural visa.

Korea: Yes, we will assist you to obtain the K-ETA Work Holiday Visa

Japan: Yes, we will assist you to obtain the appropriate visa

Vietnam: Yes, we will assist you to obtain the Business Visa

During your internship program you will be living in a studio or shared accommodation (private room in shared apartment) in a student residence or confominium depending on the location. You will be living with other interns who are in the program at the same time as you. There will be no members of our staff living with you.

No, apart from the dinner events we organize regularly, meals are not provided as part of the program. However, we organize dinner events once a month with all participants.

We have maintained relationships with over 650 host companies across Asia since 2008.

During your initial advisor interview, we collect important data points about your personality, academic requirements, career goals and aspirations.

This enables us to curate one to three host companies aligned with your objectives.

We curate host companies based on their work culture, environment, projects and skill needs.

We organise a video interview between you and the host company to ensure expectations are aligned before successfully ending the process.

If you are encountering a challenge during your internship, your NEXSTEP advisor is available to support you. 90% of challenges can be solved through communication, transparency and and mutual understanding.

If there is an unexpected external situation which is creating a threat to the integrity of your learning experience, we would change your internship at no cost.

We do have a lot of experienced professionals looking for a career break/change who have joined our program in the past. Each internship is tailor-made so we really take the time to understand each applicant’s requirement before securing the right internship.

Our program is custom-based, meaning that you can choose when your internship starts and finishes. We do generally need at least 8 weeks to process your application, but we encourage you to apply as soon as you have decided to go. If you decide last minute, you can still contact us and we will try our best to arrange your international internship.

No. All you need is enthusiasm and a drive to succeed in your chosen field. With that said, relevant experience in your field prior to the internship may help your chances to enter a larger firm.

Participants should be over the age of 18.

While all our internships are based with English-speaking companies, it is a valuable asset to speak the language of the country where you are heading, as It opens up more placement opportunities. We also offer the opportunity to learn the local language (or improve it) should you wish.

Our internships are located in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Bali, Surabaya, Bangkok, Kyoto, Tokyo, Seoul, Saigon, Jakarta.

It is recommended that you see your physician and preferably a doctor at a travel medicine clinic at least 4-6 weeks before you are scheduled to depart. There are some recommended vaccines (especially Hepatitis) and it’s important that you take the necessary precautions and be up-to-date on your routine vaccines.

Of course! Once you have made up your mind, our local staff will help you out with the formalities. However, we need at least three weeks to make the necessary arrangements.