Terms & Conditions
Shanghai Internship Match
Last updated: [19.01.2026]
1. Definitions
1.1 The Student
The client (natural person and principal) for whom the services are provided and who has agreed to these Terms and Conditions via the registration process. This definition does not refer to any official status and always refers to a single person.
1.2 Host Company
Any internship company in Shanghai with which Shanghai Internship Match has been in contact, with the intention of arranging an internship opportunity for the Student.
1.3 Shanghai Internship Match (“SIM”)
The consultant and intermediary between the Student and the Host Company, providing information and mediation with the goal of enabling agreements between the Student and the Host Company.
1.4 Third Parties
Other service providers and organizations in addition to SIM. These include accommodation providers, insurance providers, travel agencies, visa authorities, universities, and any other company or institution with which the Student enters into an agreement in order to carry out an internship.
2. General
2.1 These Terms and Conditions can be consulted on the SIM website: https://www.shanghaiinternshipmatch.com/.
2.2 These Terms and Conditions can be saved or printed.
2.3 These Terms and Conditions can be requested at any time by email: info@shanghaiinternshipmatch.com
2.4 SIM and the Student agree to cooperate with the goal of completing the service process based on these Terms and Conditions and the prices stated on the website at the moment the agreement is concluded. These Terms and Conditions apply exclusively.
2.5 SIM is not responsible for costs incurred by the Student from external organizations (Third Parties), including price increases. SIM’s fees cover only the services described by SIM.
2.6 SIM is not liable for costs incurred in preparation for the internship, including but not limited to transport, visa, insurance, accommodation, documentation, medical checks, or vaccinations—regardless of whether an internship is ultimately confirmed.
2.7 SIM is only liable for demonstrable direct damage suffered by the Student that is directly attributable to SIM. Loss of profit, business damage, reputational damage, and consequential damage are explicitly excluded. SIM’s liability is further limited to the amount paid to SIM at the time the liability claim is made.
2.8 The Student agrees that communication (including invoicing, confirmations, and reminders) may take place via email. The Student is responsible for ensuring emails are received. The Student cannot rely on spam filters or an incorrect/invalid email address as a reason for not receiving invoices or communications.
3. Procedure and Official Contract
3.1 First contact and information
3.1.1 After the Student has filled out the contact form or has otherwise made first contact with SIM, SIM may provide the Student with information regarding the application process.
3.1.2 The Student may receive a registration form, guidance on required documents, and a step-by-step overview of what SIM can and cannot do during the internship matching process.
3.1.3 Any information sent by SIM to the Student should be considered an offer for a specific service at the Student’s request. The Student is advised to read these Terms and Conditions carefully.
3.2 Acceptance of Terms and Conditions
3.2.1 Questions regarding the process or these Terms and Conditions can be directed to SIM at any time via email.
3.2.2 By submitting forms and/or making payment, the Student confirms that they have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions.
3.2.3 The acceptance of these Terms and Conditions forms the basis of the service relationship between SIM and the Student.
3.3 Accuracy of information
The Student is responsible for completing all forms truthfully and accurately. Updates or changes must be submitted to SIM promptly in writing.
3.4 Recommended registration timing
SIM advises Students to register well in advance of their desired internship start date. The Student must take into account interview scheduling, company response times, and any visa-related timelines.
3.5 Minimum age
Internships arranged through SIM are intended for Students who are 18 years or older at the internship start date. If the Student is not 18 at the start date, SIM may request written consent from a parent/guardian and may decide not to proceed.
3.6 Separate registrations
Students registering together (friends/partners) are treated as separate registrations. SIM cannot guarantee placement at the same Host Company.
3.7 Interviews and availability
Students must be available for interviews throughout the process. Interviews are scheduled in consultation with the Student and the Host Company. The Student must consider time zone differences and may need to attend interviews outside standard hours.
4. Qualification Process
4.1 Internal assessment
4.1.1 The qualification process is an internal procedure and depends on the quality and content of the registration materials.
4.1.2 SIM reserves the right to request additional information or clarification.
4.1.3 Selection criteria may include education level, relevant experience, skills, language ability, availability, and feasibility of expectations.
4.2 Insufficient profile / feasibility
If SIM determines that the Student does not meet the required feasibility level for the matching process, SIM may terminate the process and inform the Student.
4.3 Incomplete materials
4.3.1 If the Student’s materials are insufficient, incomplete, or unusable, SIM will request updates.
4.3.2 SIM begins active matching only after payment is received and all required materials are complete and usable.
4.4 Document formatting
4.4.1 SIM may format registration materials to a consistent standard and make minor edits for clarity.
4.4.2 In-depth edits or feedback may be provided after the Application Fee has been paid.
5. Application Fee (Registration Fee)
5.1 Once SIM confirms that the Student can proceed to the matching phase, the Student is required to pay the Application Fee of €100.
5.2 Administration fee (non-refundable component)
5.2.1 The Application Fee includes an administration fee of €39.
5.2.2 The administration fee of €39 is non-refundable and covers time and work spent on onboarding, assessment, screening, and initial outreach preparation.
5.3 Start of the placement process
5.3.1 Registration is considered complete once SIM has received the full Application Fee.
5.3.2 By paying the Application Fee, the Student agrees to the cooperation and mediation process under these Terms and Conditions.
5.3.3 Once the Application Fee has been paid and all correct/complete documents have been received, SIM will officially begin the matching process.
5.4 Deduction from the final invoice
If a placement is confirmed, the Application Fee is deducted from the total service fee (see Article 10).
6. Deadline
6.1 Student deadline option
The Student may indicate a deadline by which SIM should aim to propose an internship opportunity.
6.2 Minimum deadline period
6.2.1 The deadline must cover at least one (1) calendar month.
6.2.2 The minimum period begins once SIM has received the Application Fee and is in possession of all complete and correct registration documents.
6.3 Longer deadlines
A longer deadline may be set to allow more time to identify the best match.
6.4 Scope of the deadline
The deadline only covers the time SIM has to identify and propose an opportunity. Host Company interview scheduling and visa procedures are outside SIM’s control.
7. Refund of the Application Fee
7.1 Refund only if no opportunity is proposed within the valid deadline
7.1.1 Only if SIM is unable to propose any internship opportunity to the Student within the deadline stated by the Student (and meeting the minimum period in Article 6.2.1), the Application Fee will be refunded minus the €39 administration fee.
7.1.2 If the Student’s deadline is shorter than the minimum period in Article 6.2.1 (one calendar month), the Application Fee will not be refunded, unless a shorter deadline has been agreed in writing by SIM.
7.2 Exceptional circumstances
7.2.1 If the Student must cancel the process after paying the Application Fee due to serious illness or major family circumstances (such as the death of a first- or second-degree family member), SIM will refund the Application Fee minus €69, provided official written proof is submitted (e.g., medical certificate or death certificate).
7.2.2 In all other cases not stated in Articles 7.1 and 7.2, the Application Fee is non-refundable.
7.3 Cooperation requirement
Refund eligibility under Article 7.1 applies only if the Student has cooperated reasonably, including providing complete documents, responding within a reasonable time, and attending interviews where applicable.
7.4 Refund processing
7.4.1 If the Student is entitled to a refund, the Student must provide correct payment/banking details within six (6) weeks.
7.4.2 Refunds are processed within thirty (30) days after valid payment details are received.
8. Termination or Suspension of the Agreement
8.1 Unresponsiveness
If the Student fails to respond via phone or email within a maximum of five (5) days after the last contact from SIM or a proposed Host Company, the agreement/process may be terminated. In such a case, the Application Fee will not be refunded, regardless of the stated deadline.
8.2 Missed interviews / lack of cooperation
If the Student repeatedly fails to attend interviews without valid reason, repeatedly delays essential steps, or otherwise prevents the process from moving forward, SIM may terminate the process. In such a case, the Application Fee will not be refunded.
8.3 Early termination by the Student
If the Student decides to terminate the process earlier than the given deadline for a reason not stated in Article 7.2, the Student must notify SIM. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Application Fee will not be refunded.
8.4 Professional conduct
SIM expects commitment and professional attitude. SIM reserves the right to terminate the process if the Student fails to attend or is late for scheduled interviews, or clearly demonstrates poor or no motivation. If one or more Host Companies report concerns about the Student’s attitude or professionalism, SIM may terminate the process. In such cases, the Application Fee will not be refunded.
9. Internship Acceptance Criteria
9.1 Commitment to suitable opportunities
SIM is committed to proposing suitable, educational, and realistic internship opportunities based on the Student’s stated preferences and feasibility in Shanghai. If a proposed internship is deemed unsuitable, the Student must clearly explain the reasons so a better-suited option can be proposed.
9.2 Maximum number of suitable offers
9.2.1 The service package includes a maximum of three (3) fully suitable internship offers.
9.2.2 Offers are presented sequentially; the Student must accept or reject each offer before the next one is presented.
9.2.3 If more than 3 suitable offers are desired, SIM charges €75 (including VAT where applicable) for every two (2) additional offers.
9.3 Contracts and terms are between Student and Host Company
Contractual terms are agreements made between the Student and the Host Company. SIM is not responsible for these agreements. This includes agreements regarding working hours, compensation, geographic flexibility, internship goals, workplace behavior, and termination.
9.4 Definition of “suitable” and non-acceptance reasons
A suitable internship is defined as one that reasonably aligns with the Student’s preferences regarding Shanghai location, company, department, internship tasks, and number of hours (where specified). The following reasons do not automatically affect suitability:
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Internship compensation (in any form)
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The neighborhood/area of the office
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Commute time (up to one hour is considered acceptable)
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Work on weekends or in the evenings (if common for the role/industry)
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The company’s sector (if the role matches the Student’s stated preferences)
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Lack of other interns at the company
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Minor interviewer delays
10. Final Invoice
10.1 Confirmation and final invoice
10.1.1 After the Student and Host Company have both confirmed the internship placement in writing, the Student will receive the remaining invoice (“Final Invoice”).
10.1.2 The Final Invoice is issued once the Student accepts the internship offer, even if further formal steps (e.g., school paperwork) are still ongoing.
10.2 Fee structure
10.2.1 The total service fee for a confirmed placement is €450.
10.2.2 This consists of the €100 Application Fee already paid and a remaining €350 Placement Fee.
10.2.3 The Final Invoice equals €350.
10.3 Payment deadline and reminders
10.3.1 Unless otherwise agreed, the Final Invoice must be paid within seven (7) days after issuance.
10.3.2 If payment is not made on time, SIM may send reminders. For the second and third reminders, SIM may charge an administrative fee of €25 per reminder.
10.3.3 If payment remains unpaid after the third reminder, SIM may engage a debt collection agency. Any legally mandated additional costs may be charged to the Student.
10.4 Cancellation after confirmation
If the Student cancels the internship after acceptance/confirmation, 100% of the Placement Fee is due, because the core mediation service has been delivered.
10.5 Change of internship scope
If, in consultation with the Student, a materially different internship scope is agreed than stated in the registration (e.g., major timing changes), SIM may adjust the process and confirm any changes to invoicing in writing.
10.6 Acceptance after the deadline
If the Student accepts an internship after the stated deadline has passed, the Student is still required to pay the Final Invoice. No discounts apply.
11. Travel Documents
11.1 It is the Student’s responsibility to possess correct travel documents prior to the internship, such as a valid passport/ID, visa, permits, and any required vaccinations. SIM may provide general information upon request, but application, payment, and timely acquisition are entirely the Student’s responsibility.
11.2 If the Student is unable to travel or must change plans due to missing/incorrect documents, all consequences are the Student’s responsibility.
11.3 SIM strives to stay up to date with general visa information, but cannot guarantee awareness of all latest changes. The Student is expected to verify requirements via official embassy/consulate sources.
11.4 If an accepted internship cannot take place due to inability of the Student and/or Host Company to obtain a visa or authorization, SIM will not refund the Final Invoice.
12. Host Company / Student Contract
12.1 SIM may provide guidance regarding the process of signing contracts, but the internship contract is signed by the Student and the Host Company (and sometimes the school/university).
12.2 SIM is not responsible for the content of the contract or any changes made by the Host Company, Student, or school/university.
12.3 If there are changes made to the internship agreement, the Student must inform SIM promptly.
12.4 If significant changes occur beyond SIM’s control (e.g., company goes bankrupt, cancels unexpectedly, relocates), SIM may attempt to assist in finding an alternative, but no refunds apply beyond Article 7.
12.5 SIM cannot be held liable for changes made to the contract by the Host Company, school/university, or Student, but will aim to support where reasonably possible.
13. Termination of Contract by the Host Company
13.1 If the Host Company terminates the internship due to the Student’s attitude or performance, SIM has no further obligations. No refunds will be issued.
13.2 If the Host Company terminates early due to internal reasons not caused by the Student, SIM will try to assist in arranging a similar internship where feasible. The Student cannot hold SIM financially liable.
13.3 If a new placement is requested after termination caused by the Student, a new process may begin subject to new fees as stated on the website.
14. SIM Service
14.1 SIM is an internship mediation and advisory service. Fees are solely for mediation services.
14.2 SIM does not provide legal advice or immigration representation. Any information about visas, housing, or insurance is general guidance only.
14.3 SIM gives no guarantees, express or implied, that a suitable internship will be found.
14.4 SIM cannot be held responsible for consequences arising from failure (in whole or in part) of the mediation process, Host Company decisions, or incorrect information provided by Host Companies or Students.
14.5 Complaints must be reported to SIM immediately so SIM can attempt to support resolution.
14.6 If the Student hinders SIM’s work by providing incorrect information, intentionally disrupting the process, or preventing progress within the agreed timeframe, SIM may charge additional fees proportional to the additional work required.
14.7 Use of contact information / bypassing
If the Student uses Host Company contact information for personal gain, shares it with third parties, or attempts to bypass SIM after receiving introductions, SIM reserves the right to charge the full placement fee and any demonstrable damages.
14.8 SIM’s liability limit does not exceed the amounts paid for SIM’s services.
15. Governing Law
15.1 These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of Germany.
16. Contact Details
Shanghai Internship Match
Address: Munich, Germany
Email: info@shanghaiinternshipmatch.com
Website: https://www.shanghaiinternshipmatch.com/