SHANGHAI - Having spent two months in internships at some of the most prominent companies in Shanghai, 30 university students are returning to Hong Kong on Tuesday with great expectations.

They constitute the first batch of students to take part in the Shanghai-Hong Kong Future Leaders Internship Program 2011, which was organized by the Hong Kong-Shanghai Youth Exchange Promotion Association. The program offers internships, cultural exchanges, lectures and various educational excursions.

The 30 students were selected from among 300 applicants at the University of Hong Kong.

The chief offering of the program enabled them to take up various internship posts at prominent mainland and overseas companies in Shanghai.

"Many students have been to the mainland before, but they have only been able to take a quick look and not gain a deep understanding," he said. "We have therefore built up this program and provided opportunities for the best students to work in some of the leading companies in Shanghai, expecting they will learn more on the mainland and bring something from their valuable experiences back to Hong Kong."

Many of the students said the two months they spent in Shanghai were unforgettable.

"Shanghai is a very beautiful city and I've learned a lot during the two months," said Chen Yingqi, a sociology sophomore who had an internship with Fosun International Ltd, a conglomerate dealing in pharmaceuticals, property development, steel, mining, retail, services and investments.

"Before I came here, I thought private enterprises on the mainland were complicated and lacked good management," she said. "But the reality turned out to be different than what I had thought. The operations and management of the private companies I saw were very advanced, meeting international standards."

In addition to getting internships at mainland companies, the students were allowed to "shadow" business executives, giving them insight into the ways senior managers make decisions and plans.

Wu Tingfeng, a sophomore studying finance, worked as an intern at Van Shung Chong Holdings Ltd, a processor and distributor of construction and industrial materials. He spent one day with the CEO of the company.

"During the day of work with the CEO, I saw how the management dealt with various business issues and how they made decisions," he said. "They are busy and effective.

"Shanghai is a city that is full of potential and opportunities. I hope I can work here in the future, after my graduation."

Under a special arrangement, the students also went to the Huaxing Primary School in Shanghai's Minhang district, where most of the students are children of migrant workers.

"In addition to having an expertise in commerce and management, an outstanding leader should also know how to care for others," Yao said. "That's why we arranged this part of the program.

"The program gives students a good opportunity to get close to work and life on the mainland," said Albert Chau, dean of student affairs and director of general education at the University of Hong Kong.

"More and more Hong Kong graduates are seeking job opportunities and hoping to further their careers on the mainland," Chau said. "But they don't have a very good understanding of the mainland. Many of them have never even been there."