GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

My gap year was a masterclass in balancing ambition and adaptation. Interning at a green tech startup in Chengdu by day and studying Mandarin by night, I learned to pivot between boardroom polish and bustling street markets with ease. The program’s structure gave me just enough guidance to feel secure while leaving room for spontaneous adventures—like hitchhiking to remote villages or joining a local hiking club. I returned home not just with language skills and work experience, but with the quiet confidence that comes from building a life from scratch in a new world.

My gap year in China unfolded like a carefully crafted novel—each chapter brought new adventures, challenges, and growth. Interning at a sustainable architecture firm in Shanghai, I applied classroom Mandarin to real-world projects, collaborating with local experts on eco-friendly designs. Evening language courses at Tongji University turned daunting characters into familiar friends, while weekends were spent wandering ancient water towns or hiking sacred mountains. The GAC team seamlessly wove together professional development and cultural immersion, offering just enough guidance to keep me grounded while encouraging fearless exploration. I returned not only with advanced Mandarin and a robust portfolio, but with a renewed sense of purpose and global citizenship. This program is a masterpiece of experiential learning.

My gap year in Beijing perfectly balanced professional development and cultural immersion. The program placed me in a finance internship with a multinational corporation, where I gained practical skills and built a valuable professional network. Simultaneously, my evening Mandarin classes at a local university dramatically improved my language abilities. Weekend cultural activities and trips to historical sites like the Great Wall enriched my understanding of China's heritage. The GAC team provided outstanding support throughout, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience. This program is ideal for those seeking a well-structured yet adventurous gap year that combines career growth with deep cultural engagement.