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

Starting Price
1980
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
Jun 11, 2026
82 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

This program offers a well-supported gap year combining internships, Mandarin classes, and cultural immersion in China.

Video and Photos

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.

Program Reviews

4.88 Rating
based on 103 reviews
  • 5 rating 88.35%
  • 4 rating 11.65%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.9
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.85
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 25 - 32 of 103 reviews
Daniel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I chose to spend my gap year in China with GAC

I chose to spend my gap year in China with GAC, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. The program gave me a chance to study Chinese intensively while also gaining work experience through a short internship. What stood out most was the flexibility—I had time to travel to different cities, meet other international students, and still feel deeply connected to local culture. By the end of the year, I wasn’t just more fluent in Mandarin; I was more independent, adaptable, and confident about my future. A gap year abroad isn’t just a break—it’s an education in itself.

36 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Daniel,

We're so inspired by how you made your gap year a true journey of growth and discovery! It’s wonderful to hear how you balanced language study, professional experience, and cultural exploration—and that you returned with not just fluency, but also greater independence and clarity for your future.

We’re proud to have been part of your adventure and can’t wait to see where these experiences take you next.

—GAC Team

Logan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Taking a gap year with GAC

Taking a gap year with GAC in Beijing was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Splitting my time between learning Mandarin and traveling across China gave me both academic progress and unforgettable memories. I built strong friendships with other international students, and the program staff were always there to guide us. From the Great Wall hikes to evenings in small tea houses, every moment felt unique. I came home with a new language, greater independence, and a broader worldview. Yummy Yummy Chinese food.

Pros
  • yummy food
  • interesting and hard language but made it easy
  • unforgettable team support
36 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Logan,

We're thrilled to hear how your gap year in Beijing provided the perfect blend of learning, adventure, and personal growth! It’s wonderful that you embraced everything from Mandarin classes to tea house evenings—and that you returned with not just language skills, but lasting memories and friendships.

We’re proud to have been part of your journey and wish you continued success as you carry these experiences forward! (And we totally agree—the food is yummy!)

—GAC Team

Sienna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gap year in China

I decided to take a gap year in China, and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful choices I’ve ever made. The program allowed me to combine Mandarin classes with travel and volunteer opportunities. I learned how to adapt quickly, step out of my comfort zone, and connect with people from different backgrounds. Spending weekends exploring cities like Xi’an and Chengdu gave me a deep appreciation for China’s culture. By the end of the year, I not only improved my language skills but also discovered a lot about myself and my future goals.

35 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Sienna,

We're so inspired by how you embraced your gap year in China! It’s wonderful to hear how you balanced language learning, volunteering, and exploration—and that you returned with not just stronger Mandarin skills, but also greater self-awareness and clarity for your future.

We’re proud to have been part of your journey and can’t wait to see where your newfound confidence and global perspective take you next.

—GAC Team

Taryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I took a gap year in China with GAC

I took a gap year in China with Go Abroad China, and it honestly changed how I see myself and the world. I split my year between studying Mandarin and interning in Beijing, and that balance was exactly what I needed. The Chinese lessons were intensive but fun, and being able to use the language during my internship made everything click. I also traveled to different cities, met people from around the world, and gained independence I didn’t have before. Instead of just a break before university, my gap year became a year of growth and self-discovery.

34 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Taryn,

We're thrilled to hear how your gap year in China became such a meaningful journey of growth and self-discovery! Balancing language study, professional experience, and cultural exploration is no small feat, and it’s wonderful that you embraced every part of the adventure. We’re so proud of the independence and confidence you gained and are excited to see how this experience continues to inspire your path forward.

Wishing you all the best in your next chapter!

—GAC Team

Travis
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wanted to take a year off after

I wanted to take a year off after high school to explore, learn, and challenge myself, and Go Abroad China’s Gap Year Program gave me exactly that. I spent six months studying Mandarin at a top university, followed by three months of volunteering and cultural exploration. Living in China gave me a deep understanding of the culture beyond textbooks — from street food adventures to hiking in rural provinces. It was the perfect mix of structured learning and personal freedom, and I returned home more independent, confident, and globally minded.

Pros
  • wonderfiulll journey
  • yummy chinese food
  • interesting language
35 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Travis,

Your gap year journey—from intensive language study to rural explorations—sounds like the perfect balance of growth and adventure. We're thrilled you returned with not just skills, but a deeper understanding of China's culture and newfound confidence. Wishing you continued success as you take this global perspective forward!

—GAC Team

Ella
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Taking a gap year in China through

Taking a gap year in China through this program was the best decision I could have made. The combination of language study, cultural immersion, and travel gave me a completely different perspective on life. I spent my mornings in intensive Mandarin classes, and afternoons exploring markets, parks, and cultural landmarks. The friendships I made with both local and international students were unforgettable. I returned home not just with better language skills, but with a deeper sense of independence and curiosity about the world.

Pros
  • yummy food
  • supportive team
39 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Ella,

Your gap year sounds like the perfect adventure—from classroom breakthroughs to market explorations! We’re thrilled you returned home not just with language skills, but with a newfound sense of independence and global curiosity. Keep chasing those horizons!

—GAC Team
P.S. Those market haggling skills probably impressed everyone back home!

Finn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One Year, Lifelong Lessons

I joined the gap year program after high school, hoping to explore something new — and I got way more than I imagined. From studying Mandarin to interning at a local nonprofit, every part of my year was eye-opening. Living in China made me more independent, adaptable, and curious about the world. It was the kind of experience that changes how you see everything, including yourself. The cultural exchange with my host family made it even more meaningful. GAC was all there from 0-100 and the team was truly supportive.

Pros
  • yummy food
  • supportive team
  • good advisors
45 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Finn,

Your gap year journey—from classroom breakthroughs to nonprofit impact—sounds like the ultimate adventure in growth! We’re thrilled you returned home not just with skills, but with a transformed worldview. Keep that curiosity alive as you take on your next chapter!

—GAC Team
P.S. That host family probably still shares stories of your Mandarin progress!

Lina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Productive Gap Year in China

I chose to take a gap year before starting university and didn’t want to waste time. Go Abroad China gave me a structured and enriching experience. I studied Chinese intensively, interned with a startup, and traveled across the country. I gained fluency, work experience, and a broader worldview. The cultural exchange with my host family made it even more meaningful. This year helped me mature, figure out my future goals, and stand out when applying to universities. My Productive Gap Year in China was truly amazing.

45 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Lina,

Your gap year sounds like the ultimate trifecta—language mastery, professional experience, and cultural adventure! We’re thrilled it helped you grow into a more confident, globally-minded student. Wishing you continued success as you bring these skills to university!

—GAC Team
P.S. That startup team probably still misses your innovative ideas!

Questions & Answers