Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I combined Chinese language classes with a short internship and some volunteering—all in different cities like Shanghai and Xi’an. Every experience added a new layer to how I saw the world and myself.

The language immersion was intense but rewarding, and living with a host family really helped me improve fast. The internship gave me hands-on experience and looked great on my resume. Volunteering with local students was eye-opening and made me feel like I was giving back too.

I left China more independent, more curious, and with memories and friendships that will stay with me forever. If you're thinking about a gap year, this is a program that truly lets you explore the real China in every way.