My first professional overseas experience

I never imagined my first professional overseas experience would unfold on the 38th floor of a Shanghai skyscraper, brainstorming with colleagues who'd soon become lifelong friends. My internship through GAC placed me in a dynamic fintech startup where I wasn't just observing—I was actively developing solutions for clients across Asia. The GAC team provided seamless support that went beyond logistics: they helped me understand unspoken workplace customs, connected me with mentors in my field, and even organized weekend trips that transformed strangers into family. Between coding sessions, I discovered hole-in-the-wall noodle shops with other interns, practiced Mandarin with taxi drivers who became my unofficial tutors, and learned that professional growth and personal adventure aren't just compatible—they're inseparable. This experience didn't just give me career skills; it taught me how to build a life across cultures.