Students Spent the Summer Stepping into the Professional World
Sometimes, the best way to find out what a potential future career looks like is to step inside an operating room, sit in on a legal meeting, or help bring a live performance to the stage.
This summer, Shanghai American School high school students did exactly that through the Workplace Immersion summer program. Across placements at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai United Family Hospital, West Bund Theatre, and Rajah & Tann Shanghai Representative Office, students gained firsthand exposure to professional environments while learning directly from industry experts.
At Ruijin Hospital, 14 students spent four weeks shadowing professionals across Orthopedics, Critical Care and ICU, and Burn & Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair. They observed consultations, surgeries, ward rounds, and multidisciplinary teamwork while gaining practical exposure to CPR, ultrasound, medical imaging, and case reports. For Senior Mohammad K., the experience made medicine feel both practical and purposeful. “Every day, I felt like I was going to learn something new that would help other people,” he said, reflecting on opportunities to practice CPR, use medical devices like an ultrasound machine, and better understand how illnesses are diagnosed and treated.
Nine students explored a different healthcare setting at Shanghai United Family Hospital through placements in Family Medicine, Sports Medicine, Pharmacy, and Radiology. Alongside observing consultations, students used diagnostic, patient-monitoring, and rehabilitation equipment under supervision and saw the importance of personalized care and long-term patient relationships. Alex L., a senior, said the experience moved them “from simply observing cases to beginning to understand them,” as they learned how each patient's history and concerns can shape treatment decisions.
At West Bund Theatre, seven students stepped behind the scenes of live performance, working across Public Relations, Marketing, Business Operations, and Guest Services. They supported campaigns, conducted market research, created promotional content, and contributed to audience-facing operations. Senior Annabell Z. shared that she “learned how different social media platforms and promotional tools can affect interest in a show.”
Four students entered the legal world through three-week placements at Rajah & Tann Shanghai Representative Office in International Arbitration, Construction and Projects, and Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions. Students conducted research, reviewed contracts and case materials, supported translation work, and participated in professional workshops and meetings. For Senior Jenna H., contributing to real cases rather than simulations provided “a much clearer understanding of what a future in law could involve.”
On August 15, all students came together for a program completion celebration to share what they had learned with peers, mentors, and school leaders. The event also recognized the partnerships that continue to expand real-world learning opportunities for SAS students. The Board of Trustees authorized the SAS Immersion Programs as part of SAS Forward, the school’s strategic plan. These programs were designed to assist students in creating innovative and personal pathways to success in school, college, and life.
“Since 2024, our Immersion Programs have received more than 600 applications and connected over 300 students with valuable real-world learning experiences”, said Sydney Lai, Director of Partnerships. “These opportunities beyond the classroom greatly help our students explore career interests, develop workplace skills, and broaden their horizons.”
Across hospitals, theatres, and law offices, students returned to SAS with a glimpse of possible careers, new perspectives, and a clearer understanding of the skills it takes to succeed outside of the classroom.
