Program Reviews

I went to China for the summer and it was my first time traveling alone, but I wasn't even scared because the staff was super nice and helpful. I took Mandarin classes every morning, and it was actually fun because the teachers made it really interesting. In the afternoons, we did awesome stuff like visiting a Chinese high school and learning kung fu. I stayed with a host family, and they were the best--we made dumplings and they helped me practice my Chinese. I made friends from all over the world and definitely want to go back next summer!

My gap year in China was absolutly unreal! I wasn't sure what to expect but it turned out to be the best year of my life. I got to explore so many cool places, try amazing food, and meet people from all over. The local GAC team was super helpful whenever I needed anything and they made sure I felt safe the whole time. I didn't do an internship or volunteer, just traveled and took it all in, and it was perfect. If you want a real adventure and to see the true China, this is the way to do it! GAC

I did the paid internship in Shanghai with a Fortune 500 company and it was awesome! The work was real and I learned so much about international business. The company was big and professional, and I got to work on actual projects. The GAC team helped me a lot with the visa and finding a nice apartment to stay in. My Mandarin got better just from being there everyday and hanging out with other interns. It was a great experience and I made friends from all over. Definitely worth it for anyone who wants to boost their resume and see what working in China is like!

The classes were really good, and the teachers were so helpful. I learned way more than I thought I would. Staying with a homestay family was the best part tho, they were so nice and we practiced Chinese every day together. The university campus was really nice, and I met lots of other students from all over. Sometimes it was a little challenging, but the staff was always there to help. I would totally recommend this if you want to learn Chinese and have a real experience!

I wanted a gap year that was about genuine connection and adventure, not just sightseeing. Go Abroad China delivered that in ways I never expected. This program is the definition of immersion. From learning to bargain in bustling markets using my new Mandarin phrases to sharing endless meals with newfound friends from every corner of the globe, every day was an authentic experience.

The support from the local team was incredible. They were our cultural translators, our guides to hidden gems, and our safety net, which gave me the confidence to fully embrace the chaos and beauty of China. A standout memory was a spontaneous weekend trip with the GAC group to a remote village, something I would have never had the courage or knowledge to arrange on my own.

It was the perfect blend of structured activities and free time to explore. I learned more about myself, resilience, and the world in those months than I thought possible. This gap year wasn't a break from life; it was a deep dive into it.

I would recommend this to any traveler who wants to truly disconnect from their routine and connect with a culture on a deeper level. It was the most challenging and rewarding year of my life.

I joined the summer program in Beijing right after my GCSEs, and it was the most incredible and empowering experience of my life. I was a bit nervous to travel alone, but from the moment I was met at the airport, the Go Abroad China coordinators were so kind and supportive. I always felt safe and looked after.

The mornings spent learning Mandarin were actually really fun! The teachers made the classes interactive and we learned useful phrases we could practice straight away. But the best part was the afternoons. Visiting a local Chinese high school and getting to meet students my age was amazing. We bonded over music and sports, and I even have a few Chinese friends I still message on WeChat!

Staying with a homestay family was a highlight. They were so welcoming and included me in everything, from cooking dumplings to watching Chinese game shows. It felt like a home away from home. The coordinators were always nearby, and the scheduled activities like seeing the Forbidden City and learning Kung Fu were so cool.

This program is perfect for any teenager who is curious about the world, wants to step out of their comfort zone, and make friends from all over. It’s not just a trip; it’s an adventure that makes you grow up in the best way possible. Thank you for an unforgettable summer!

I spent three months in the Mandarin immersion program at Peking University, and the progress I made still astonishes me. I arrived with only knowing "ni hao," and by the end, I was confidently having conversations with my homestay family and navigating the city entirely in Chinese.

The quality of instruction at the university was exceptional. The teachers were engaging and focused on practical, usable language skills. The small class sizes meant everyone got personal attention. Combining the group classes with one-on-one tutoring sessions was the perfect formula for rapid improvement.

The cultural immersion was just as valuable as the classes. My homestay family was incredibly kind and patient, and our nightly dinners were where my Chinese truly came to life. The program activities—like calligraphy workshops and trips to the Great Wall—were fantastic and built a great sense of community among the students.

The all-inclusive aspect made everything seamless. From being picked up at the airport to getting help setting up my phone and transit card, Go Abroad China handled every detail. Their 24/7 support made me feel safe and supported the entire time.

I highly recommend this program to anyone at any level who is serious about learning Mandarin and wants to truly understand Chinese culture. It's more than a language course; it's a life-changing experience. 谢谢, GAC!

I just finished my 6-month marketing internship with a Fortune 500 tech firm in Shanghai, arranged by Go Abroad China, and it was nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, the personalized placement process was impressive—they really took the time to match my skills and career goals with the right company.

The internship itself was substantive. I wasn't just getting coffee; I was entrusted with real projects that impacted our regional strategy. The professional mentorship I received from both my Chinese supervisor and the GAC career coach was invaluable for my CV and interview skills.

Beyond the office, the support system was incredible. A standout memory was the GAC-organized networking event where I connected with executives from three different multinational companies—an opportunity I'd never have had on my own. The 24/7 local team was always a quick message away, whether it was a visa question or a recommendation for the best dumplings in town.

This program is a complete package. The paid placement, comfortable accommodation, and included Mandarin classes removed all the usual stressors of moving abroad. I feel infinitely more confident and globally-minded.

I would 100% recommend this to any student or recent graduate who is serious about gaining a competitive edge and wants to experience the fast-paced professional world of China. An absolute 10/10 experience.

Spending part of my high school years abroad in China was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. The program was designed with teenagers in mind, so the classes were interactive, fun, and not overly strict. We had daily language lessons, cultural workshops, and weekend trips to famous landmarks, which kept everything exciting. What I loved most was making friends from both China and around the world—it opened my eyes to new perspectives and gave me so much confidence. I came home with better Chinese skills and memories I’ll never forget.

Studying at a Chinese university was an incredible experience. The professors were supportive and encouraged us to use Mandarin as much as possible, even outside of class. I met students from all over the world, which made it both academically enriching and socially exciting. The campus itself was lively, with cultural clubs and activities that helped us integrate with local students. Living and learning in China gave me a deeper appreciation for both the language and the culture, and I left feeling prepared for a more global career path.