Vacancies | 招聘职位

Currently, we do not have any active vacancies for a teaching position. However, we are recruiting an Assistant as part of the University Internship Scheme. 

Cultural & Events Project Assistant (University Internship)

The Confucius Institute (CI) is excited to launch the University Internship Programme for final-year undergraduate and final-year postgraduate taught students!

The University Career Connect Code: GWN4Z
Application Deadline: Midnight, Friday 27th February

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cultural programming, event coordination, and international engagement. Don't miss your chance to be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact on campus!

Cultural & Events Project Assistant (Confucius Institute Internship)

This is part of the following Placement and internship scheme

The University of Sheffield Internship Programme

About this role

This is an exclusive internship open to current final year undergraduate students and final year postgraduate taught students from the University of Sheffield.
We are looking for someone to join us for a 70 hour internship as a Cultural & Events Project Assistant.
You'll be helping support the Confucius Institute’s delivery of key cultural and community engagement projects during Spring–Early Summer 2026. You will assist the Institute Coordinator and Marketing & Events Officer in planning, coordination, communication, and on-the-ground delivery of three major initiatives. Through active participation, you will gain workplace experience in event management, stakeholder engagement, communications, and cultural outreach.

This internship is structured across three interlinked projects, each building progressively on the skills and responsibilities developed in the previous one. The role involves carrying out a range of defined tasks using established procedures, working to tight timescales around live events, and liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. All work will be undertaken under appropriate supervision, with increasing responsibility as confidence develops.

Project 1: School Arts Competition & Launch Party (late March 2026)

Primary focus: Customer service, written communication, and routine administrative tasks

Under the supervision of the Confucius Institute Coordinator, the intern will:

(1). Greet audiences, students, parents, and school representatives at the launch party and prize-giving ceremony, providing a welcoming and professional first point of contact.

(2). Distribute Confucius Institute flyers and promotional materials to attendees.

(3). Draft and send routine email communications to participating schools using established templates and guidance.

(4). Assist with packaging, labelling, and posting original artwork back to schools following the exhibition, ensuring accuracy and care.

(5). Respond to straightforward queries from schools and event attendees, referring more complex matters to the supervisor where appropriate.

Estimated Time: 8 hours total (Launch event: 3h; Post school communication: 5h).

This project requires attention to detail, clear written communication, and the ability to work to fixed deadlines associated with a live event.

Project 2: Weston Park May Fayre Collaboration (mid-May 2026)

Extended focus: Organisation, resource management, and public-facing liaison

Working under joint supervision from the Institute Coordinator and Marketing & Events Officer, the intern will build on Project 1 skills by:

(1). Attending planning meetings and contributing ideas within defined parameters.

(2). Assisting with preparation, checking, and organisation of resources and materials needed for public engagement activities.

(3). Observing and supporting teachers and staff delivering hands-on cultural and language activities to the public.

(4). Acting as a point of contact on the day to respond to ad-hoc queries from members of the public, explaining Confucius Institute activities in a clear and accessible way.

(5). Ensuring resources are correctly set up, replenished, and accounted for throughout the event.

Estimated Time: 12 hours (2h meeting, 2h preparation of resources, 8 hours onsite service)

This project requires working independently on assigned tasks, prioritising activities in a busy environment, and liaising confidently with members of the public.

Project 3: Confucius Institute Dragon Boat Festival (scheduled on 15 June 2026)

Advanced focus: Internal and external liaison, coordination, and people-focused responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Marketing & Events Officer, the intern will take on broader coordination responsibilities, experiencing marking and promotions, drawing on experience from Projects 1 and 2:

(1). Assist with internal and external liaison by reaching out to potential stage performers, schools, and community partners using approved communication channels.

(2). Contribute to the design and suggestion of stage programmes and activity schedules.

(3). Support coordination of a children’s stage play, including communication with parents, teachers, and school children at the Confucius Institute Star Mandarin School.

(4). Assist with cultural activities, quizzes, games, and food-related workshops, ensuring smooth delivery.

(5). Contribute ideas for widening audience engagement, including opportunities to support Confucius Institute social media promotion.

(6). Report and refer any concerns appropriately, identify issues during planning or delivery, and make constructive suggestions for improvement.

This project provides experience of coordinating multiple strands of activity, working to tight event deadlines, and supporting the delivery of a large-scale public event involving hundreds of participants.

Elemental allocations 15 hours: Cultural performance liaison (7h); Children’s stage play assistance (8h); Quiz and games assistance (4h); Traditional rice dumpling making and live activity (6h)

Overall Role Progression and Outcomes

By the end of the internship, the successful candidate will have experienced the full cycle of event organisation and promotion, including planning, communication, delivery, and reflection. The role involves routine but varied tasks, increasing responsibility, regular liaison with customers and stakeholders, and independent working within clear procedures and supervisory support.

As part of the internship you will be required to complete a reflective piece such as a short video, poster, or case study, about your project and experience of the programme. Guidance on this will be provided to appointed candidates.

Person specification

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following transferable skills and attributes:

• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in written and spoken English, including drafting routine emails and engaging with members of the public.
• Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to work to tight timescales and meet fixed deadlines.
• Confidence in providing front-line customer service, including greeting visitors and responding to straightforward queries.
• Ability to follow established procedures and guidance while working independently on allocated tasks.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly when handling materials, resources, and administrative tasks.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and take direction from supervisors.
• Basic IT and digital literacy, including email, word processing, and online communication tools.
• A professional, reliable, and responsible approach to work.

The following skills and experiences would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Experience supporting or volunteering at events, festivals, or community activities.
• An interest in or awareness of Chinese language, culture, or international education.
• Experience of liaising with schools, children, parents, or community groups.
• Confidence in suggesting ideas to improve engagement or audience reach within agreed guidelines.
• Basic experience with design or promotional tools (e.g. Canva) or social media platforms.

As a student at The University of Sheffield, you will develop certain attributes throughout your time at Sheffield which are set out in the Sheffield Graduate Attributes. By undertaking this internship you will develop:

• Applying knowledge
• Interpersonal skills
• Working with others
• Personal development

For any queries about the role, please contact Dr. Xinqun Hu on xinqun.hu@sheffield.ac.uk

For any queries about the application process or about the University of Sheffield Internship Programme as a whole, please contact placements@sheffield.ac.uk 

Applications close 23:59 on Friday 27th February 2026. 

The internships can be completed either part-time or full-time and this will be decided between the successful candidate and the internship supervisor. Internships need to have finished by Friday 26 June 2026.

We continue building a database of potential teachers who can offer instruction in the following areas:

• Mandarin Chinese
• Chinese Zither (Guzheng)
• Mathematics (for children)
• Arts (for children)

If you are interested, please inform us and clearly indicate the subject(s) you are applying to teach.

Please send your CV to: confucius@sheffield.ac.uk