Political Science & Politics Internships in Beijing

Finished uni in Sydney and had no idea what to do next. I didn't want a normal gap year of just backpacking — I wanted something that would actually help my future. GAC's gap year program was perfect. I spent 6 months in Beijing: interned at a marketing agency in the mornings, studied Mandarin at BLCU in the afternoons, and explored China on weekends. The team arranged everything — my internship, classes, shared apartment with other interns, even weekend trips to the Great Wall and Xi'an. My Mandarin went from zero to holding conversations. My internship gave me real experience I still use in interviews. And the friends I made are from all over the world. If you're Australian and thinking about a gap year, skip the usual backpacking route. Do something that builds your future. This was the best decision I ever made.

Finished uni in Swiss and had no clue what to do next. Found GAC's gap year program and figured why not. Spent 4 months in Beijing—interned at a marketing startup in the mornings, took Mandarin classes in the afternoons, and explored the city on weekends. The team found me a shared apartment with other international interns, so I never felt alone. Made friends from all over the world. My Mandarin went from zero to ordering food, bargaining at markets, and actually having conversations. Came back with real work experience, a global network, and way more confidence. Now applying for jobs in international business. If you're stuck after graduation, do this.