How to prepare for a gap year in China

China has one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world and brings with it some incredible adventures. For these reasons and many other, it become the perfect place gap year travelers who want to understand how the ancient and modern worlds combine to form an entirely unique country. So why to choose to do a gap year in China?

China’s rich heritage has given it a varied food culture, unique arts, amazing natural landscapes and world-famous architecture. China is also an increasingly powerful player on the world’s business and technology stage. A first-hand experience with this culture is a life-changing and self-growing experience that few westerners get to have: indeed, visit this country, which is different to what we’re used to, will teach you to become a more mature, well-rounded and knowledgeable traveler.

If you’re planning to go, here you can find some tips and suggestion on how prepare yourself to a gap year in China

• Before leaving, start learning some basic Chinese: it will help you to get around as soon as you arrive. Today you can find hundreds of different APPs that will help you learn Chinese and prepare for you gap year in China.
• Pick the suitable gap year program. There are plenty of choices and alternatives: from volunteer to study Chinese, from walk all the Great Wall to take care of giant pandas. Try to find the best program for you, and don’t waste your time or money on something you don’t like.
• If you ask help to an agency, they’ll help you with the visa application for your gap year in China. If do all by yourself, just be sure to apply for the right visa. China has some bizarre rules and regulations surrounding visas, so make sure you apply for yours early and clarify any confusion as soon as possible.

Last but not least, we collected for you some of the most popular ways to spend a gap year in China:

• Teaching English – this is one of the most popular jobs for foreigners in China. English teachers are always in demand and usually the contracts are signed for no more than 1 year.
• Volunteer – this is one the best way to work and travel in China. Spend time volunteering with various social and environmental projects. Give yourself rewarding experiences by helping out people in need.
• Study Chinese – this can be great way to use your gap year in China and working on your future at the same time. Learning Chinese can be very challenge experience but it will give you many rewards.
• Start an internship – if you’re looking for some work experience nothing better to gain it in China: it will add a huge to your curriculum

Travel – as last alternative you can choose to travel. Visit new places and culture is never a wasted of time: everything you do and see will make you grow and enrich your person.