Peking University, Apr. 4, 2015: On March 19, 2015, the launching ceremony of China Gap Year Foundation and China Gap Year Plan was held at Yingjie Overseas Exchange Center at PKU. This activity was hosted by China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) and co-organized by the Office of Student Financial Aid (SFAO) of PKU. Tu Meng, secretary general of CYDF, Yao Wen, deputy secretary-general of CYDF and Yang Aimin, director of SFAO attended this ceremony.

Entrepreneur Qiao Xinyu together with Chang Lei and Cheng Ming set up China Gap Year Foundation at the end of 2014 to help spread the idea of “Gap Year”. It is the first domestic fund specially providing financial support for 18 to 28-year-old students all over Chinese universities to attend domestic and international activities lasting from three months to one year. The plan aims at helping young people find their interests and enhance their ability by exploring the world.

China Gap Year Plan will choose 10 young people to join the plan in 2015. The fund will give students awards of 50000RMB, 30000RMB, 10000RMB and 5000RMB to help them accomplish their gap year dream based on their performances. From March 20 applicants can log in http://www.china-gapyear.com/ to sign up and submit their gap year plans designed by themselves.

"Gap Year” is very popular in western countries. During their gap year, young people choose to experience another kind of lifestyle before they enter the next stage of life, usually before college enrollment or after college graduation. Travelling and volunteering are some of the most popular alternatives during their gap year.

Written by: Zhang Yuyao
Edited by: Yan Shengnan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)