Music Gap Year Programs

I wanted a gap year that actually meant something, not just backpacking. This program gave me structure and purpose. I studied at Fudan University in Shanghai while interning at a finance firm. My Mandarin improved so much I could hold business meetings by month four. The support team was incredible — always there when I needed help. Now I'm working in international trade, and this experience is on every interview list. Worth every penny.

While on my Dragons program, I learned not only about the world around me and new places and people, but I also gained confidence in myself. My program had a focus on cultural immersion and understanding how Morocco and Spain are connected. This was very interesting to learn about, and we did this via language lessons, homestays, and meeting local people. Overall, I realized that the world is much more interconnected than I thought, and I have been inspired to continue traveling and to immerse myself in different cultures intentionally. Luckily, I have also found a global community that is like-minded through Where There Be Dragons, and I feel that after my program, I have a whole new world of opportunities available to me.

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program right after high school, and it was truly transformational. I split my time between learning Mandarin, interning at a local startup, and participating in cultural activities like calligraphy and martial arts. The homestay experience gave me real insight into Chinese family life, and my language skills improved faster than I ever expected. It wasn’t just educational — it was fun, challenging, and eye-opening. If you’re a high school grad looking for something meaningful before college, this program is 100% worth it.

I joined the GAC Gap Year program hoping to make my year off productive, and it ended up exceeding all expectations. The Chinese language classes were intense but super rewarding — I went from barely knowing anything to having real conversations with locals. My internship placement in an international marketing firm gave me hands-on experience and boosted my resume. What made it special was the balance: mornings in class, afternoons at the office, evenings exploring Beijing with new friends. I came back home more independent, culturally aware, and with a clearer career path. Highly recommended if you're serious about making your gap year count.

I joined the GAC Gap Year program hoping to make my year off productive, and it ended up exceeding all expectations. The Chinese language classes were intense but super rewarding — I went from barely knowing anything to having real conversations with locals. My internship placement in an international marketing firm gave me hands-on experience and boosted my resume. What made it special was the balance: mornings in class, afternoons at the office, evenings exploring Beijing with new friends. I came back home more independent, culturally aware, and with a clearer career path. Highly recommended if you're serious about making your gap year count.

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the perfect way to step out of my comfort zone and explore something meaningful before college. I split my time between immersive Chinese language classes and a professional internship, which made every day feel productive and exciting. The homestay experience helped me truly connect with Chinese culture and improve my language skills in real-life situations. I’ve come out of this program more mature, globally aware, and motivated than ever. If you’re on the fence about what to do after high school or during a break, this program is 100% worth it.

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the best decision I made after graduation. I joined hoping to improve my Mandarin and gain some internship experience, but I walked away with so much more. The language classes at a top university were both challenging and fun, and the internship placement helped me discover a career path I genuinely enjoy. Living in China gave me a real appreciation for the culture and people, and I became more independent and open-minded through it all. This program truly helped me grow both personally and professionally.

GoAbroadChina truly perfect . They perfectly matched me with a program that allowed me to excel in my chosen field. The hands-on experience I gained was invaluable, and I developed skills I never thought possible. My homestay family was incredibly welcoming and comfortable and enriching environment. They patiently guided me in improving my Chinese language skills, which was a major highlight of the program. I returned home feeling more confident, knowledgeable, and culturally aware. I highly recommend GoAbroadChina to anyone seeking a transformative gap year experience."

Costa Rica's Turtle Conservation Project was one thing I will never forget! Such an eye opening and amazing experience. The IHQV program is an amazing way to explore the world in a feasible way. Not only is it affordable but I would have never experienced anything like it! IHQV Brings so much more, more ham any guided tour, more than a resort, and more than anything you could experience on your own. They have demonstrated such strong dedication to make sure every part of the trip is a great learning exprenice while keeping it fun. One of my most memeroble moments would be seeing the indangered leather back turtle lay her eggs. Because the leather back is in such danger it is critical that her eggs are gathered and re-nested in the hatchery where they can be taken care of and monitered to keep them safe from predators. I was lucky enough to be able to personally collect her eggs and dig a new nest to place each egg carfully. It was truley an amazing experience. I wish I could go back to see them hatch! Not only was this such an amazing experience, but every single person I met on this trip through the program m, I will dearly miss. IHQV brings everyone with similar ambitions together and from all over the world. I loved to meet people from the UK, Australia and Italy. Never could I go anywhere and meet such amazing people in one single place. I would recommend this program a million times. Leaving was hard, I'll miss my friends I have made and most importantly all the work that was done everyday to help such a wonderful project!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewMay 21, 2018

Hi Drew, thank you for sharing your incredible experience on the Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica! It's amazing that you were able to help in the protection of the leatherback turtles eggs as this is such an important task in the conservation of the turtles. We would love to have you join us again in the future! ^Rachel - IVHQ Costa Rica Program Manager

My time volunteering in Portugal was the most amazing experience. It gave me the comfort and growth to travel and experience new adventures on my own. The staff, locals and coordinators ensured my stay was the best possible experience.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewApril 09, 2018

Hi Andy - It's awesome to hear about your time on the program, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience in Ghana. Our local team is awesome and I'm thrilled to hear you felt supported by them in every capacity during your time on the program. I wish you all the best! ^Caroline - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager