Eugenia's Project Assistant Internship Experience at BCI
My internship at the Business Confucius Institute (BCI) has been a truly rewarding experience that allowed me to grow creatively, professionally, and personally. As the Project Assistant, I had the exciting task of continuing the work of my predecessor, Émilien Luigi, by producing short-form video content to promote BCI’s events and initiatives on social media.
Creative Media Production
This year, our focus was to spotlight the diverse events hosted by the BCI and engage students through short, dynamic videos. I was responsible for planning video formats, writing scripts, filming, and editing content using tools like Clipchamp and CapCut. Each video was crafted to be informative, visually engaging, and aligned with current social media trends.
Through this process, I developed a strong understanding of video production workflows and learned how to adapt content for different platforms. I also gained experience in analysing video performance metrics, which helped me refine my approach and improve engagement with each new post.
Intercultural Communication
One of the most enriching aspects of this internship was the opportunity to work closely with the BCI teaching staff. I regularly collaborated with them to create content that highlighted their Chinese language classes and cultural insights. These daily interactions often turned into meaningful conversations about global affairs and cultural exchange, where I shared my Malaysian background and learned more about Chinese traditions and perspectives.
I also had the chance to attend a few Chinese classes while filming. The small class sizes created a friendly and interactive environment, and I even made a few friends along the way. It was a great reminder that language learning is not just about grammar and vocabulary, it’s about connection.
Cultural Events: Behind the Scenes
BCI’s events are designed to be both educational and engaging, and I was fortunate to be involved in many of them. Being behind the scenes gave me a deeper appreciation for the planning and cultural significance behind each event. It also allowed me to learn more about Chinese history and contemporary culture in a hands-on way.
Chinese Bridge Competition 2025: A Highlight in London
A standout moment of my internship was traveling to London with the BCI team for the Chinese Bridge Competition 2025 (汉语桥). I was there to document the event and support our contestants. Before this, I hadn’t realised how prestigious and inspiring this competition was. Watching non-native Chinese speakers confidently deliver speeches and performances in Mandarin was incredibly moving. As a native Chinese speaker, it was a proud and humbling experience to witness such dedication to the language and culture.
Final Reflections
This internship has been more than just a role, it’s been a journey of creativity, cultural exchange, and professional development. I’ve gained practical skills in media production, improved my intercultural communication, and built lasting connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
For any student interested in cross-cultural learning, digital media, or simply stepping out of their comfort zone, I highly recommend this opportunity. It’s a chance to grow, contribute meaningfully, and have a lot of fun along the way.
I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jack Popplewell, BCI's Communications and Engagement Officer, for his constant support, guidance, and encouragement throughout my internship. His guidance gave me the creative freedom to explore new ideas while always feeling supported. I also want to thank the wonderful BCI teachers, who welcomed me into their classrooms and conversations with such kindness. Working alongside them not only enriched my understanding of Chinese language and culture but also made every day at the BCI a joy. This internship wouldn’t have been the same without their warmth, insight, and collaboration.