GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

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.

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.