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 49 - 56 of 103 reviews
Casey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I joined this gap year program

I joined this gap year program unsure of what I wanted from life after high school — but I left with clarity, confidence, and unforgettable memories. I spent part of my time interning with a startup in Beijing, which gave me real-world skills and global insight. The rest of the time, I took Chinese classes and volunteered with local communities.

What made it special was the balance — professional experience, language immersion, travel, cultural exploration, and personal growth. I met people from all over the world and got to see China beyond the tourist spots. Whether we were hiking in the countryside or sharing hotpot with new friends, it always felt meaningful.

This program gave me more than a gap year — it gave me direction.

48 people found this review helpful.
Wesley
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Adventure

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I chose a mix of language learning and volunteering, and every part of the experience felt meaningful. The Chinese classes were interactive, and the teachers really cared about our progress. Volunteering gave me a chance to connect with local communities in a way tourists never can. From making dumplings with my host family to hiking along the Great Wall, it was the perfect blend of purpose and adventure. I returned home with better language skills, new friends, and a clearer direction for my future.

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

My China Gap Year Adventure

Taking a gap year in China was the best decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t just travel — I grew. From improving my Mandarin in engaging classes to gaining work experience through a professional internship, every part of the program pushed me outside my comfort zone in the best way. I explored ancient temples, joined local festivals, and even learned how to make handmade dumplings from a local grandma! The support team helped every step of the way, and I made lifelong friends from all over the world. I came back more confident, skilled, and inspired to take on my next chapter.

53 people found this review helpful.
Sloan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Year in China That I’ll Never Forget

Taking a gap year with GAC was honestly the best decision I’ve ever made. I split my time between studying Mandarin, doing a short-term internship, and volunteering at a local youth center. Every experience gave me something unique—from professional growth to cultural insights to deep personal development. I wasn’t just a tourist—I lived, worked, and learned in China. The support team was super helpful, and I felt safe and inspired the entire time. This program opened my eyes to a new world and helped me figure out what I want in life.

Pros
  • Good support
40 people found this review helpful.
Griffin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

a wonderful gap year

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the most meaningful decision I’ve made. I split my time between learning Chinese, interning at a local startup, and volunteering with youth programs — each experience opened my eyes in different ways. The program struck a perfect balance between structure and freedom, and the support team was always just a message away. I discovered a new culture, a new language, and honestly, a new version of myself. It wasn’t just a break from school — it was the beginning of something bigger.

47 people found this review helpful.
Martin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Real Adventure in China—Not Just a Tourist Trip!

If you're looking for a meaningful experience in China that combines fun, cultural immersion, and personal growth, this program is it. I spent my gap year doing a bit of everything — I studied Mandarin, volunteered at a local education center, and interned with a startup focused on sustainability. Every week was a new adventure, from hiking the Great Wall to trying traditional Chinese calligraphy. I wasn’t just visiting China; I became part of it. This program gave me memories, skills, and friendships that will stay with me for life.

47 people found this review helpful.
Sabrina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Eye-Opening Adventure I’ll Never Forget

Joining this gap year program was one of the best choices I’ve made. I split my time between interning at a local NGO and studying Chinese in the afternoons — and both parts were incredibly rewarding. The cultural activities and weekend trips helped me see a side of China that most tourists never experience.
The support from Go Abroad China was great, and the friendships I made with other international participants are still going strong. I came back more confident, more independent, and with a whole new perspective on life. If you're considering a gap year, this program is honestly life-changing.

75 people found this review helpful.
Sky
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Gap Year Adventure Was More Than I Ever Expected

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the best decision I made before starting college. I got to live in China, learn Mandarin from real university professors, intern with a local company, and experience Chinese culture in a way no classroom could ever offer.

Every week was something new—language classes, trying amazing food, exploring cities like Beijing and Xi’an, and building real friendships from around the world. My internship helped me figure out what I want to study later, and my confidence in traveling, working, and even speaking Chinese skyrocketed.

It wasn’t just a program—it was a life chapter I’ll never forget.

67 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers