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 57 - 64 of 103 reviews
Sage
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Year That Changed Everything”

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the best decision I’ve ever made. I joined to improve my Chinese and get work experience—but what I got was so much more. I lived in Beijing, studied Mandarin at a top university, and interned at a startup where I was treated like a real team member, not just an assistant.

From language immersion and cultural excursions to the friendships I made with locals and other international students, every moment was rich with learning. I feel more independent, worldly, and ready for what’s next. If you're considering a gap year, don’t think twice—this program gives you real growth in every sense.

63 people found this review helpful.
Samantha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Not Just a Gap Year — A Personal Transformation

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was one of the most rewarding choices I’ve made. The mix of language classes, real work experience, and cultural immersion helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally. I interned at a local company where I learned real-world skills and built great connections. The Mandarin lessons were well-paced, and living in China gave me a deeper understanding of the culture and people. This program gave me clarity about my future and confidence in myself. I recommend it to anyone looking to make their gap year meaningful.

66 people found this review helpful.
Dakota
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Year of Growth and Adventure

My gap year with Go Abroad China was an incredible experience that blended learning, travel, and personal development. I chose a mix of language study and interning, which allowed me to improve my Mandarin while gaining real-world work experience. Living in Beijing gave me daily opportunities to explore Chinese culture—from traditional festivals to modern city life. The support team was always there to help, and I met people from around the world. This program helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I returned home more confident, independent, and globally minded.

60 people found this review helpful.
Monica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Explore the real China with a Fun Gap Year - Intern, Learn Chinese or Volunteer in China

I joined the gap year program hoping for a break from routine—and what I got was so much more. From interning with a local startup in Shanghai to learning Mandarin in small, engaging classes and volunteering with a youth education initiative, every part of the experience pushed me to grow. I made friends from around the world, gained confidence, and developed skills I never imagined. This wasn’t just travel or study—it was a deep dive into Chinese culture and a journey of self-development. Highly recommended to anyone craving something meaningful and exciting!

Pros
  • Explore culture and language
  • Learn Chinese language for daily conversation
  • much more to explore
68 people found this review helpful.
Cory
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Most Rewarding Year of My Life!

My gap year in China through GAC was truly unforgettable. I interned with a local company, took part in Mandarin lessons, and even had the chance to volunteer on meaningful community projects. Every week brought something new—cultural excursions, language breakthroughs, and friendships that I’ll cherish forever. The support from the GAC team made everything smooth, from airport pickup to adjusting to life in a new country. If you’re looking for a fun and enriching way to explore China while building real-world skills, this program is perfect!

68 people found this review helpful.
Justin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Decision of My Gap Year

This program was everything I hoped for and more. I spent my gap year learning Chinese, interning at a local company, and volunteering on weekends. Each experience helped me grow—personally and professionally. I made friends from around the world, improved my Mandarin, and gained confidence living independently in a completely new environment. Go Abroad China made everything seamless, from accommodation to cultural trips. It truly felt like I got to see and live the real China. I would love to highly recommend GAC to every student wants to explore China..

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
Chinese food yummmy
67 people found this review helpful.
Megan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Life-Changing Gap Year Experience in China!

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I got to intern, learn Chinese, and volunteer — all in one program! The structure was flexible, the activities were well-organized, and the cultural immersion was authentic and eye-opening.

I especially loved the language classes combined with the homestay option, which helped me pick up Mandarin faster than I expected. The team was always available to support us, from airport pickup to weekend excursions. It didn’t just feel like a program — it felt like joining a community.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore China in a meaningful and rewarding way!

65 people found this review helpful.
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Journey in China

Taking a gap year with GoAbroadChina was the break I needed. I studied Chinese and also had the chance to intern part-time. This mix helped me learn the language while gaining work experience. I met people from many countries and made close friends. The program included cultural trips that helped me understand China beyond the classroom. I learned to cook dumplings and even joined a tea ceremony. My teachers were patient, and my internship supervisor gave me useful feedback. Living in China for a year changed how I see the world. It made me more independent and curious. I’m glad I chose this path before college.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Frog Hotpot
Pros
  • Flexible Program Structure
  • Personal Growth Opportunity
  • Cultural Deep Dive
58 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers