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 33 - 40 of 103 reviews
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Gap Year Full of Discovery

Taking a gap year with GAC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I spent the first half in intensive Chinese classes and the second half interning at a non-profit. The balance between structured learning and practical experience helped me mature and clarify my career interests. From exploring the Great Wall to enjoying dumplings with my host family, every day was filled with learning. I returned home more independent, focused, and culturally aware. An Unforgettable Gap Year Full of Discovery

43 people found this review helpful.
Maya
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Gap Year Full of Discovery

Taking a gap year with GAC was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I spent the first half in intensive Chinese classes and the second half interning at a non-profit. The balance between structured learning and practical experience helped me mature and clarify my career interests. From exploring the Great Wall to enjoying dumplings with my host family, every day was filled with learning. I returned home more independent, focused, and culturally aware. An Unforgettable Gap Year Full of Discovery

Pros
  • wonderfiulll journey
  • supportive team
  • interesting language
42 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Maya,

Your gap year sounds like the perfect adventure—from classroom breakthroughs to dumpling-making masterclasses! We’re thrilled you found both direction and global perspective. Keep chasing those dreams with the same fearless spirit!

—GAC Team
P.S. That nonprofit team probably still talks about their superstar intern!

Mendez
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wanted my gap year to be meaningful,

I wanted my gap year to be meaningful, and GAC delivered. I started with six months of Mandarin classes in Suzhou, then moved on to a three-month internship at a finance company in Beijing. The balance between studying and working gave me perspective on my future. The language immersion helped me become semi-fluent, and the work experience taught me to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment. I returned home more mature, focused, and ready for university. A Productive Gap Year Full of Discovery

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

Dear Noah,

Your gap year journey—from Suzhou’s classrooms to Beijing’s finance world—sounds like the perfect blend of growth and discovery! Thrilled you found both direction and fluency while embracing China’s dynamic energy. Wishing you continued success as you take these skills to university and beyond!

—GAC Team
P.S. Those boardroom Mandarin skills will surely impress your future classmates!

Sophia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My gap year with GAC

My gap year with GAC in China was unforgettable. I split my time between studying Mandarin at a top university and interning with a marketing firm in Shanghai. The combination of cultural immersion and professional development gave me a huge advantage before starting college. Living with a host family and exploring different cities through GAC’s organized trips made the experience even more authentic. I returned home more mature, confident, and focused on my goals. This program didn’t just fill a year — it shaped my future.

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

Dear Sophia,

Your gap year journey—blending Mandarin mastery with real-world marketing experience—sounds like the perfect launchpad for your future! We’re thrilled you returned home not just with skills, but with clarity and confidence. Here’s to your next adventure—may it be just as transformative!

—GAC Team
P.S. Shanghai’s marketing scene (and your host family!) surely miss your energy!

Sienna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My gap year in China through Go Abroad China

My gap year in China through Go Abroad China gave me a fresh sense of direction. I split my time between studying Chinese and volunteering at a community center in Xi’an. Living in a shared apartment with locals helped me speak Mandarin more confidently. I was nervous about the culture shock, but the support system made settling in easy. I returned home with a stronger resume, better communication skills, and friends from around the world. I learned how to live independently, adapt to new cultures, and become more confident in myself. This program shaped my future in a way that no classroom alone ever could.

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

Dear Sienna,
Thrilled your gap year gave you direction, language skills, and lifelong connections! Nothing makes us happier than seeing students like you grow through real-world experiences. Keep shining!

—GAC Team

Drew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wasn’t sure what to expect

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my gap year, but Go Abroad China delivered beyond my expectations. From intensive Mandarin lessons to hands-on work experience in a Chinese startup, every part of this journey helped me grow. I traveled, made friends from around the world, and returned more independent and globally aware. This gap year changed how I see the world and my place in it. The support team was responsive and kind, and every part of the program felt thoughtfully designed. China you're the best for a GAP

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
OMG, every Chinese food was unfamiliar for me. I loved every food like literally every food
Pros
  • yummy food
  • good housing
39 people found this review helpful.
Response from Go Abroad China

Dear Drew,
Thank you for sharing your incredible gap year journey with us!
We're absolutely thrilled that your experience—from Mandarin immersion to startup work—helped you grow in ways you never expected. Nothing makes us happier than hearing how our participants leave with new skills, lifelong friendships, and a fresh perspective on the world.
Our team takes great pride in crafting meaningful experiences, and your kind words about our support mean everything. China clearly left its mark on you, just as you left your mark here!
Wishing you continued adventures ahead, and remember—you'll always have a home with GAC in China.

—The GAC Team

P.S. That "China you're the best for a GAP" line just made our day!

Rowan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Taking a gap year through GAC

Taking a gap year through GAC was the best decision I made after high school. I spent time improving my Mandarin at a top university while also interning at a local startup. The balance between language learning and real-world work was perfect. I learned about myself, Chinese culture, and made lifelong friends. The GAC team was always there, whether I had questions about classes or weekend travel. I returned home ready for university and life with a much broader perspective. Overall supportive, amazing and specially yummy yummy Chinese food.

Pros
  • wow omg i won't forget the experience of yummy food
  • good housing
  • specially visa done
40 people found this review helpful.
Ber
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program hoping to learn Chinese and explore a new culture, but I ended up gaining so much more. The program was a perfect combination of language immersion and professional development. I studied Mandarin at a respected university and interned with a startup in Beijing focused on green tech—something I never imagined doing at my age.

Living with a Chinese host family helped me understand the culture on a deeper level, and I felt truly welcomed. I also made friends from all over the world, and we explored everything from the Great Wall to hidden street markets together.

This gap year helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. I now feel more prepared for university and inspired to pursue international opportunities in the future. I’d recommend this program to anyone ready for a real adventure with real impact.

37 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers