GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

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.

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.

I left Melbourne with literally zero plans and said why not give this a shot? My host family in Haidian turned out to be amazing—my host mum made me breakfast every morning and always helped me with my Mandarin which i really felt like a home. The PKU campus oh come on it was Huge and honestly beautiful. Classes kept me on my toes, but I actually enjoyed them. On weekends, I'd go to hutongs or head out to the Great Wall with friends I’d just met from all over the world like I was really amazed and By the third month, I could bargain at the markets and even hold real conversations with my host brother. I came back way more confident and now I want to go to China for job.