A number of vocational schools in Huai'an, Jiangsu province, have required students to do internships at Foxconn Technology Group, making USB data lines for the new iPhone handset as its release date draws near.

A student named Song from the Open University of Huai'an said she could not get the credit needed for graduation if she refused.

"The university told us it's a good way to experience corporate culture," the 19-year-old said. "Even though many of my classmates are reluctant to go to Foxconn, our teachers still asked us to work there starting in August."