Gap Year Programs in China

Study Mandarin in China’s most Westernized city. Live and learn in bustling Shanghai, the fast-paced global hub known for its futuristic skyscrapers and fascinating mix of multicultural influences. Spend class time in intensive, college-level Mandarin classes, studying the language with native-speaking instructors. Practice your language skills in your dorm, while shopping, relaxing, and learning local customs as you learn to live like a local. Outside the classroom, you’ll participate in organized activities with other students, like calligraphy, dumpling-making, and Chinese trivia nights. Your group excursions include visits to historic sites like Zhujiajiao, a preserved water town, and the peaceful Chongming Island. Foster new friendships and improve your Mandarin in an authentic setting, creating a life-changing experience you’ll remember forever!

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

The Au Pair Program in China gives young foreigners the chance to live with a local host family, assist with childcare or light housework, and experience Chinese culture firsthand. Benefits include: • Learn Mandarin through daily immersion in a native-speaking environment • Cultural exchange by joining in festivals, trying local foods, and experiencing daily traditions • Free accommodation and meals, plus a monthly stipend of 1,000–3,000 RMB • Travel opportunities during free time to explore different parts of China • Skill development in childcare, communication, and cross-cultural understanding This program is ideal for: • Students • Gap-year travelers • Anyone curious about life in China It’s a rewarding, immersive way to experience China while building real-life skills and global awareness.

Dream of living in China? Make it a reality with LoPair Au Pair China, an award-winning agency that connects you with a welcoming host family. Spend a transformative 3-12 months on a cultural adventure! You'll become a part of a Chinese family, assisting with educational childcare for up to 30 hours a week. In return, you’ll receive: - Your own private room & meals - A monthly stipend - Flight reimbursement - Full agency support and more... This is your chance to explore China's majestic beauty, gain independence, and create lifelong memories—all while sharing your language and culture.

LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to improve their Mandarin quickly. Our comprehensive Chinese programs allow students maximum flexibility. You can study at LTL for a week up to a full year. We offer Mandarin language lessons in 11 cities across Asia including Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Singapore, and the jewel in the LTL crown—Chengde, home of our incredible immersion program. We have 1-on-1 and group classes available and accommodation with carefully selected Chinese host families is encouraged to maximize each participant's exposure to the language and culture. Here at LTL, we have welcomed thousands of students since 2007 and are one of Asia's most trusted and premier language schools.

Taking a long break from school? Use this period to travel the world and boost your résumé with international experience. At That’s Mandarin, we have a range of programs you can incorporate into your gap year in China! No matter the Chinese language course you choose, we make sure it caters to your individual needs. Studying Chinese with us is generally easy! Pick from any of our schools in Shanghai or Beijing, or study online. Enroll in a program that suits your learning needs and interests: Part-Time, Intensive, Small Group, 1-to-1, etc. Choose a course and we’ll tailor it to your specifications. While on a Chinese Gap Year, you will stay in a comfortable home environment in homestays or Western-style apartments. Plus, you will take part in activities and events that immerse you in China’s cultural and social aspects. Throughout the program, you will get to know other gappers and That’s Mandarin students as well as staff. You will also gain new insights into the Eastern world.

Enjoy the combination of unique work experience and travel in this international internship in Shanghai. Explore the vibrant epicenter of China's growth whilst gaining valuable professional skills undertaking a full-time placement in your industry of choice. Work in one of 30 industry options, including Business, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Non-Profit, and Marketing/PR. Our company visits, career workshops, and career speaker events are designed to improve your professional profile. Discover Shanghai and China through a selection of cultural activities, day trips, and weekend excursions. This is an all-inclusive program, including high-quality housing centrally located near the French Concession, cultural activities, group dinners, visa application assistance, and 24/7 on-site support. Absolute Internship has been featured in the New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg, and Forbes Magazine. We have placed 4000+ interns at over 800 companies worldwide.

Choose our Intensive Course in Shanghai to immerse yourself deeply in Chinese learning and start speaking! This program also includes visa support. 1. Types of Groups: a) Small: Intensive 30 (6 lessons/day - 5 times/week) Intensive 20 (4 lessons/day - 5 times/week) Flexible 12 (4 lessons/day - 3 times/week) b) Private: Private 12 (12 lessons/week)* 2. Program Duration: a) Standard Semester duration - 20 weeks b) Flexible: Minimum 2 weeks Maximum 1 year 3. 2025 Semester Dates for Group Classes: - March 24, 2025 – August 8, 2025 - April 7, 2025 – August 29, 2025 - June 9, 2025 – October 24, 2025 - July 14, 2025 – November 28, 2025 - September 8, 2025 – January 23, 2026 - November 3, 2025 – March 20, 2026 - December 15, 2025 – April 30, 2026 - March 9, 2026 – July 24, 2026 *Private Program students can join at any time. *Non-beginners can join any Monday, except holidays, if there is a group of similar level.

Gain essential travel skills, cross-cultural competencies, and broad exposure to pressing contemporary topics while traveling across Southeast Asia and southern China. The 80-day gap semester, China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive By Land & Water, is for students interested in a comprehensive travel experience that strengthens leadership skills, travel savvy, and understanding of the region. From ancient trade routes to shared waterways, China and Southeast Asia's intertwined histories and natural resources shape the region’s future and play a vital role in a rapidly changing global context. This travel-intensive semester offers students comprehensive exposure to a globally critical region while loosely following the course of the Mekong River across borders. Participants journey through diverse landscapes and cultures while acquiring essential travel skills and a deeper awareness of contemporary topics.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Lingoinn offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Chinese language while experiencing authentic local culture through our homestay program. This is open to adult learners of all backgrounds and language levels, with no prior knowledge of Chinese required. You will stay at a teacher’s home, where lessons are customized to your needs and can take place indoors or in real-world settings like parks or markets. The program's flexibility means you can choose the city, course intensity, and number of cultural activities or tours you'd like to join, creating a truly personalized learning experience. Our Homestay with Professional Teachers in China programs last one to four weeks or longer, depending on your schedule and goals. Lessons begin on Mondays, with arrivals scheduled for the weekend before. This tailored homestay setup accelerates your language skills while providing a comfortable, engaging environment where you can experience Chinese culture first-hand.

CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Beijing and in Shanghai to carefully screen and interview host families. Once your application is received, our partners work hard to find a family that is the right fit for your personality. You will have a local coordinator that you can contact for support when you are a World Explorer in China. You don’t need to speak the local language – but if you are interested in signing up for Mandarin classes, we can help you do so at an affordable price. Beijing and Shanghai are two of the biggest and most exciting cities in the world. While Beijing offers more historical sights, Shanghai offers a coastal environment. Both cities have excellent public transportation. Our host families are extremely hospitable and are great guides. Chinese people are very proud of their culture and enjoy sharing it with foreigners. If you are thinking about getting certified to be an ESL teacher, World Explorers is for you. You will gain hands on experience teaching English in China, while making long-lasting friendships with your hosts.

Before and beyond college, Baret Scholars explores 7 regions of the world, their passions, and their purpose. Baret Scholars is a global gap year program that brings together a cohort of 180 high school students from around the world to journey across 7 regions (North/South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, India, and China/Asia), over 180 days, in a semi-structured and self-guided gap year experience. This will be their best year yet. Named after Jeanne Baret, the first woman to circumnavigate the globe, Baret Scholars provides students with a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the world, paving the way for years of fulfillment and achievement. The program serves as a foundation for their future, fostering cultural literacy, a global perspective, and a desire to create a better world.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.