Chinese Gap Years

From its food to its social conventions to its political system ofgovernance, it will change your perspectives and open your mind to amyriad of possibilities. Whether you are interested in human rights orcultural development, conservational projects in the wild or to do withheritage, China is sure to have a gap year experience to suit you.

For students who decide to take their gap years atthe other end of university, there are an even greater number ofopportunities available. Organisations such as the British Council, forexample, offer successful graduates placements as teaching assistantsin Chinese school, with accommodation and a living allowance provided.

This not only allows successful applicants theopportunity to experience life in a completely different environment,but it also allows them to discover an entirely different educationalsystem – a fascinating reflection on the country’s system ofgovernment. For anyone interested in discovering more about a countrythat had closed its doors to the west for so long and which stillremains intensely mysterious, this could be an invaluable opportunity.

There are many other perks to choosing China as yourgap year destination. If, for example, you stay long enough to mastereven a little of the mandarin language this will be an attractiveaddition to any curriculum vitae as far as future employmentopportunities are concerned. The experience of living within a cultureso vastly different from your own also demonstrates independence andeffective adaptability that will no doubt also impress on any jobapplications you may make.

An experience such as this will also improve yourconfidence in dealing with new and unfamiliar situations throughoutyour life, preparing you for all kinds of challenges you may face inthe future.

There is a great deal of planning involved in a longtrip to China, so if you think this is something you might like to dobe sure to get yourself organised well in advance. There will becertain vaccinations that you require as well as a medical certificateproving your general health before you may apply for a Chinese visa.

When venturing for a longer stretch of time, orworking for a significanly long period, you will need to make sure youobtain the appropriate insurance. So popular are these trips, thatcompanies have been offering a niche insurance for backpackers to caterfor their needs, which should cover all strange, new and exiciting gapyear experiences.