University Chinese Programs & Paid Internships in China

University Chinese Programs & Paid Internships in China

Location
  • China
    • Shanghai
    • Beijing
    • Shenzhen
    • Qingdao
    • Nanjing
    • Dalian
    • Chengdu
    • Guangzhou
Length
52+ weeks

Program Details

Activities
City Exploring Cycling Mountain Climbing
Timeframe
Academic Year Fall Spring Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Host Family Lodge
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
30

Pricing

Price Details
Generally our prices range from $1980 - $9000 USD. Your specific price quotation will depend on how long you stay in China for, the type of program you choose and whether or not you want to include extra language lessons.

The cost includes:

- Choose between an internship placement/volunteer placement/university placement.
- Mandarin lessons.
- Housing (home-stay, shared or private apartment).
- Pre-departure guidance.
- Visa assistance.
- Airport pick up & orientation.
- Outings, tours and cultural activities guided by the Go Abroad China team.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Visa
What's Not Included
Airfare Meals
Apr 21, 2026
Jul 26, 2026
103 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Design a transformative gap year that builds your future while you explore China. Go Abroad China offers a structured, customizable pathway to gain professional experience, achieve language fluency, and make a meaningful impact — all within a single adventure-filled year.

Combine a paid internship in your chosen sector, immersive Mandarin study at a top university, volunteering in Beijing, and cultural discovery on our Study & Tour excursions.

We handle all logistics — from securing your placement to arranging homestays and cultural activities — so you can focus on growth. This comprehensive approach builds global employability, cultural intelligence, and a powerful international network.

Join 4,000+ alumni from 50+ countries. Start your journey today.

COMMUNITY REVIEWS SUMMARY

Participants consistently praise the program for its strong support, well-organized structure, and safe accommodations, which help ease cultural adjustment. Internships are tailored to career goals, providing meaningful work experience alongside immersive Mandarin language classes and cultural activities. Many highlight the balance of professional growth, language learning, and authentic cultural immersion, though some note that mastering Chinese requires significant effort and time.

Program Highlights

  • Build a Custom, Integrated Pathway: Combine a paid internship, university language study, volunteering, and cultural tours into one cohesive, personalized gap year plan.
  • Gain Professional & Academic Credentials: Earn real-world work experience in your chosen industry while achieving Mandarin proficiency and earning potential university credits.
  • Live and Travel Authentically: Immerse yourself in local life through structured housing, language exchange, and guided exploration of China's cities and culture.
  • Make a Tangible Impact: Apply your skills and passion to volunteer with community projects in Beijing, adding purpose and value to your experience.
  • Enjoy Complete End-to-End Support: Focus on your growth while we manage visas, accommodation, internships, placements, and provide 24/7 assistance.

Fall Into Savings: 5% Off!

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 108 reviews
  • 5 rating 87.96%
  • 4 rating 12.04%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.85
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.85
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 108 reviews
Oskar
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Hi,I'm from Sweden

After high school in Sweden, I wanted something more meaningful than just traveling. GAC's gap year program in Shanghai was perfect. I interned at a trading company in the mornings and studied Mandarin at Fudan University in the afternoons. The team handled everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, and weekend trips to Hangzhou. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and a clear direction for my future. Best decision I ever made and I will do it again If i get the chance to do so.

Pros
  • good behaving colleagues
3 people found this review helpful.
Ida
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

From Norway to Beijing a journey i will remember

After finishing high school in Norway, I wanted something more meaningful than just traveling. GAC's gap year program in Shanghai was exactly what I needed. I interned at a trading company in the mornings and studied Mandarin at Fudan University in the afternoons. The team arranged everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, and weekend trips to Hangzhou and Suzhou. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and a clear direction for my future. Best decision I ever made.

Pros
  • very supportive team
  • visa support
8 people found this review helpful.
Emil
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thank you Go Abroad China for the opportunity

After finishing school in Sweden, I didn't want to rush into university. GAC's gap year program in Beijing was perfect. I interned at a marketing agency in the mornings and studied Mandarin at BLCU in the afternoons. The team arranged everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and job offers. Best decision I ever made. A lot to add here but I feel sleepy now, and it has been a truly wonderful experience.

7 people found this review helpful.
Liam
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

China is mine for job offers

After finishing school in Ireland, I didn't want to just travel – I wanted to do something meaningful. GAC's gap year program in Shanghai was perfect. I interned at a marketing agency in the mornings and studied Mandarin at Fudan University in the afternoons. The team arranged everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, and even weekend trips to Hangzhou and Suzhou. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and job offers. If you're thinking about a gap year, skip the backpacking and do something that builds your future.

11 people found this review helpful.
Leon
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

wonderful experience that prepared me

After finishing school in Germany, I wanted something more meaningful than just traveling. GAC's gap year program in Beijing was perfect. I interned at a consulting firm in the mornings, studied Mandarin at BLCU in the afternoons, and explored China on weekends. The team handled everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and job offers. If you're thinking about a gap year, do this.

14 people found this review helpful.
Felix
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision after finishing school

After high school in Switzerland, I didn't want to rush into university. GAC's gap year program in Beijing was exactly what I needed. I interned at a consulting firm in the mornings and studied Mandarin at BLCU in the afternoons. The team arranged everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and clarity on what I want to study. If you're thinking about a gap year, skip the backpacking and do something that builds your future.

18 people found this review helpful.
Felix
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The best decision after my gap year

After finishing school in Germany, I didn't want to just travel – I wanted to do something meaningful. GAC's gap year program in Beijing was perfect. I interned at a marketing agency, studied Mandarin at BLCU, and explored China on weekends. The team arranged everything – my internship, classes, shared apartment, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an. I came back with real work experience, improved Chinese, and job offers. If you're thinking about a gap year, do this and share what you loved.

Pros
  • good behaving colleagues
  • no boss rules
  • yummy food
24 people found this review helpful.
Lucy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Thanks from Sydney

Finished uni in Sydney and had no idea what to do next. I didn't want a normal gap year of just backpacking — I wanted something that would actually help my future. GAC's gap year program was perfect.

I spent 6 months in Beijing: interned at a marketing agency in the mornings, studied Mandarin at BLCU in the afternoons, and explored China on weekends. The team arranged everything — my internship, classes, shared apartment with other interns, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an.

My Mandarin went from zero to holding conversations. My internship gave me real experience I still use in interviews. And the friends I made are from all over the world.

If you're Australian and thinking about a gap year, skip the usual backpacking route. Do something that builds your future. This was the best decision I ever made.

Pros
  • support from applying to departure back to home
43 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers