They billed it as a language program,

They billed it as a language program, but it turned out to be my first real adventure. As a 17-year-old from Vancouver, I’d never traveled alone before, but GAC made it feel safe and thrilling from day one. Our Mandarin classes were actually fun—we learned through games, ordering bubble tea, and exploring Beijing’s hutongs with our teachers. My host family treated me like a little brother; we cooked dumplings together, and they patiently helped me with my tones every evening. The best part was bonding with other teens from around the world while visiting places like the Great Wall and local high schools. I came home with better Chinese, yes, but also with more independence, new friends across the globe, and the kind of confidence you only get when you navigate a new world on your own. Perfect for any teen ready to grow while having the summer of a lifetime!