Program Reviews

As a business graduate from Austria, I wanted international experience before starting my career. GAC placed me with a trading company in Shanghai's Pudong district. From day one, I was working on real projects – market research, supplier negotiations, and client presentations. My mentor taught me how Chinese business culture works, which is completely different from Europe. The team handled my visa, found me a great apartment, and checked in weekly. Three months later, I landed a job in international trade back home. My China experience was the main topic in every interview. Worth every euro.

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.

I was nervous sending my 15-year-old daughter to China alone, but GAC made everything safe and easy. Her homestay family sent us photos every day – cooking dumplings, visiting the Great Wall, practicing calligraphy. She went from knowing zero Mandarin to ordering food and making friends with local students. She came back more independent, confident, and with a second family in Beijing. Thank you GAC for an unforgettable summer. it was incredible and I would be more than happy to do it again with Go Abroad China.

As a business graduate from Belgium, I wanted international experience before starting my career. GAC placed me with a trading company in Shanghai's Pudong district. I worked on real projects – market research, supplier negotiations, and client presentations. My mentor taught me how Chinese business culture works, which is completely different from Europe. The team handled my visa, found me a great apartment, and checked in weekly. Three months later, I landed a job in international trade back home – and my China experience was the main topic in every interview. Worth every euro.

I studied Mandarin at Peking University for 4 months through GAC. I arrived knowing nothing – not even how to say hello properly. My homestay family was incredibly patient and made me feel like part of their family. My teacher was fantastic, making class both challenging and fun. By month three, I could order food, take taxis, and have real conversations with locals. The GAC team organized weekend trips to the Great Wall and Summer Palace. I came back to Sweden speaking more Chinese than friends who studied for years. Highly recommend.

I studied Mandarin at BLCU for 8 weeks through GAC. I arrived knowing maybe 10 words. My homestay family was incredible – they only spoke Chinese, so I had to practice every single night at dinner. My teacher was patient and made class fun. We learned through games, real conversations, and even Chinese songs. By week 6, I could order food, bargain at the Silk Market, and take the subway without getting lost. The GAC team organized weekend trips to the Great Wall and Summer Palace. I came back to Belgium speaking more Chinese than friends who studied for 2 years. Highly recommend.

I graduated in International Business and wanted real experience in Asia. GAC placed me with a trading company in Shanghai's Huangpu district. Within my first week, I was helping negotiate supplier contracts and analyzing market trends. My mentor taught me how Chinese business culture works – completely different from Europe. The team handled my visa, found me a great apartment near Jing'an Temple, and even helped me set up Alipay. The weekly Mandarin lessons were super practical. Three months later, I landed a job in global trade back in the Netherlands – and my China experience was the main topic in every interview. Worth every euro.

As a mechanical engineering graduate from Sweden, I wanted hands-on experience in renewable energy. GAC placed me with a clean tech company in Shenzhen working on EV battery systems. I wasn't just observing – I was in the lab, running tests, analyzing data, and presenting findings to senior engineers. My mentor taught me how Chinese manufacturing works at scale. The team handled my visa, found me a modern apartment, and checked in weekly. Three months later, I landed a job in green tech back in Stockholm. My China experience made my CV stand out. Worth every krona.

I'm 17 and was nervous about spending 4 weeks in China without my parents. But honestly, it was incredible. My homestay family was so welcoming – my host mum packed me lunch every day. Mandarin classes were actually fun, not boring. We learned phrases we could use right away. Weekends we visited the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. I made friends from France, Germany, and Brazil. Came home speaking basic Mandarin and feeling way more confident. Already saving up to go back for a gap year. Highly recommend.

As an economics graduate from Malaysia, I wanted international experience but didn't know where to start. GAC matched me with a consulting firm in Beijing's central business district. Within two weeks, I was helping analyze market entry strategies for Southeast Asian clients. My colleagues were welcoming, and my mentor still checks in on LinkedIn. The team arranged my visa, apartment near the subway, and even taught me how to use WeChat like a local. The weekly Mandarin lessons were basic but super helpful for daily life. Three months later, I landed a role in international trade back in Kuala Lumpur — and my China experience was the deciding factor. Highly recommend for any Southeast Asian student wanting to stand out.