International students will have more opportunities for internships, to take part-time jobs and even to start their own businesses in certain regions of Beijing, under a series of new policies released on Jan 12.

Starting on March 1, foreign students can be given short-term internships in Zhongguancun, a science and technology area in Beijing’s Haidian district, while international students studying at Beijing universities can take part-time jobs or become involved in entrepreneurship in the area, the Ministry of Public Security said on its website.

The new policies were applauded by university teachers in charge of international student affairs and by others who help develop employment opportunities for students in China.

Li Yong, director of the student affairs department at the School of International Education at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said teachers at universities have been concerned about their international students’ opportunities for internships, jobs and entrepreneurship since late 2013.

At that time, the ministry released a series of regulations raising employment thresholds for international students, whether through an internship or a regular job.

“Now with the opening of Zhongguancun to international students, we don’t have to worry about the issue that much,” said Li, who serves more than 3,000 international students at UIBE.

Kwon Jae-young, director of a support center for South Korean people who want to start businesses in China, was also glad to hear the news.

“It will provide more possibilities and opportunities for international students who want to find jobs or start businesses in China,” he said.

A survey of more than 300 South Korean students studying in China found that 90 percent wanted to stay in China－by landing a job or starting a business in the country after graduation.

Han Kang-il, chief director of the center, said it had already cooperated with Dongsheng Science Park of Zhongguancun Area. The park has been acting as an incubator for members’ entrepreneurial ideas, Han said.