Gap Year Programs in Australia & Oceania

With glittering harbors, world-famous beaches, and a buzzing downtown full of innovation, Sydney feels both relaxed and ambitious. In this semester-long program, you’ll discover Australia's 'Emerald City' through an internship placement, cultural immersion, and incredible friendships within your cohort. Intern 15–20 hours per week at a placement matched to your interests, whether in finance, technology, or the creative industries that drive Sydney’s economy. An optional 15-hour course helps you reflect on your experience and build career-ready skills, and optional U.S. college credit is available through online courses through ASU Online. Embark on a guided excursion to the majestic Blue Mountains National Park to hike through rain forests, marvel at the Three Sisters rock formation, and learn about Aboriginal history. Experience the thrill of live Australian sports, from rugby to Aussie rules football, surrounded by passionate fans in iconic stadiums like the SCG and Accor Stadium. You’ll return home with real-world work experience, global connections, and a clearer vision of your goals and direction.

Jumpstart your career with Australia’s top internships! Partnering with leading companies and impactful NGOs, our Australia internship program is your gateway to unlocking your full potential. Featured by global media giants like CNN International, we’re recognized for delivering transformative opportunities. Apply now to intern in Melbourne—the world’s most livable city—and watch your career take flight! Known for its vibrant business scene, exceptional quality of life, and rich cultural landscape, Melbourne is the ultimate destination for ambitious interns looking to shine. If you are looking to travel abroad while also gaining invaluable experience for your CV, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

This Gapforce program is an action-packed, six-week tour combining travel and adventure with volunteering on Australia's famed East Coast. Your journey begins in the awesome city of Sydney before heading north to Brisbane via the legendary Byron Bay. You will spend two weeks volunteering on an environmental conservation project, a great way to give back to this amazing country, before continuing north into Queensland. Sailing on the Whitsunday islands, 4x4 jeep rides on Fraser Island, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef are just some of the highlights. Your epic adventure ends with a week in Cape Tribulation, a stunning paradise where the reef meets the rainforest.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

EA Ski and Snowboard Training is looking for skiers to join us in New Zealand on a winter gap year. If you love the outdoors, travel, and have a passion for skiing, then this ski instructor internship program is for you. What is the ski instructor internship program? The internship is a course designed to set you up as a ski instructor within a single season. You'll train, qualify, and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. Afterward, you are guaranteed a paid job offer after qualifying as a ski instructor. Choose from 5 world-class ski resorts across New Zealand to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain an internationally recognized instructor qualification, and get work experience for your CV. The courses are open to any intermediate to advanced skier eligible to work in New Zealand, including working holiday visa holders! Apply today to see if you qualify!

Work and live in some of Australia's epic tourism locations and have it all arranged before you arrive. You could be working on islands on the Great Barrier Reef, in bustling tourism towns, in wilderness lodges, or in unique luxury outback lodges. We have partners throughout Australia offering work experiences to those with a "can-do" attitude and a passion for tourism and hospitality. Jobs are available in areas like guest services, F&B, resort operations, kitchen, and more. Seasonal positions tend to start in April/May or September/October. If you can't stay a full season, we also have some excellent internship opportunities for those wanting to gain some meaningful experiences in a range of departments for a shorter period. The program is only open to those who have or are eligible to obtain a Working Holiday visa or have a work visa in Australia. Most of our participants are from the USA, UK, NZ, Europe, and Canada. Receive full support with visas, insurance, accommodation, transfers, bank accounts, tax numbers, and everything else you need for the perfect gap year. We also have similar programs in Canada and New Zealand!

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition with the opportunity to truly embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, you'll hike, rock climb, pack raft, camp, and explore the backcountry in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Our favorite handpicked locations will provide you with a well-rounded learning experience and genuine connection with the diverse environment within the South Island. From iconic destinations like Milford Sound to hidden local gems that aren't on generic travel itineraries, you'll explore the diverse landscapes surrounding you as you embrace the Kiwi culture. If you're looking for a gateway to living, working, and exploring New Zealand, look no further. The industry connections and networking opportunities created through this program will unlock endless value for your future. This small group tour through New Zealand is perfect for those looking to take a gap year, change their careers, or simply look for a deeper connection to nature.

Take a life-changing gap year abroad with Linguistic Horizons! We offer internships in various fields, volunteer, study abroad programs, foreign language immersion, nutrition, and alternative medicine programs. Our program destinations include South America, Europe, and Oceania. Choose from Spain, the UK, Peru, or New Zealand! You may also combine destinations or add side trips to other countries. Our programs range in length from 2 weeks to 1 year. Choose the duration that works best for you!

On this extended version of our 13-day Fiji program to the land of smiles, you get a little more of everything with a full 40 hours of community service and more sensational days to really savor Fiji time in paradise. See the direct positive impact of your hard work and earn service credits as you spend time with the locals and help improve the facilities of a local island school. Discover what it feels like to make a difference in the lives of the friendly school children who you’ll come to see as little brothers and sisters over the course of our project. Combine this enriching experience with an amazing adventure that showcases all the best parts of this idyllic Pacific island nation. During our time exploring two spectacular island chains, dive into the crystal clear blue waters as you swim with manta rays, reef sharks, exotic fish and vibrant corals. Feel like a local as you explore limestone caves, cook a lovo, sample kava and visit several villages. Join us for a mix of cultural immersion, fun, adventure, and relaxation that you’re sure to never forget!

Sydney is the oldest and largest city and the economic and financial hub of Australia. Located on the southeastern coast, it is home to over 4.6 million people and is known worldwide for its stunning landmarks, such as the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Opera House, amazing cuisine, and diverse populace. Students can study at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, one of the world's top 50 universities. With the full curriculum at UNSW available, you can be sure your classes will fit in with your degree plan and allow you to graduate on time at home! API students who study abroad in Sydney, Australia, will have the chance to study at Macquarie University! A large school of over 4,000 people, its campus is located 15 kilometers from the central business district of Sydney, making the school very accessible by public transportation. Students can go on excursions and enjoy adventures around the city, including snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and heading to the Blue Mountains to meet some of the natural wildlife of Australia!

Sign up for one of our Rustic Pathways Gap programs, which run for a semester. No matter what you join, we guarantee incredible opportunities for travel, service, non-cognitive skills development, and cultural immersion. Our gap programs integrate several options and activities. You can immerse yourself in Latin American culture, intern and gain practical experience with a partner organization, or become involved with marine conservation in the South Pacific. It all depends on what you wish to experience. Participate in our Service and Exploration, our most popular and longest-­running programs. Get the chance to travel to multiple countries in one semester and contribute to meaningful service projects along the way! Choose Spanish Language Immersion, wherein you learn Spanish through structured classroom time and practice with locals through community interaction and homestay. You will travel to Costa Rica, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Enjoy the flexibility to design the perfect program as well! Join several other Rustic Pathways students who choose this exciting option to combine programs.

Journey to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean where we immerse ourselves in the island lifestyles of Sumatra, Bali, and Fiji. Students will have the opportunity to assist in native mangrove and coral reef restoration, help restore age-old Bataknese houses in a Sumatran village, and gain insight into environmental sustainability and natural disaster relief. We also explore the unique challenges of local health care and dive deep into local island culture and tradition. Before you will have finished the semester, you will have gained your SCUBA certification and challenged yourself on the waves with several surf classes.

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and well-being. We blend thrilling adventure, immersive travel, cultural exploration, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and communal living with essential life skills to ensure a holistic growth experience. Picture yourself mastering independence, learning to run a household, and becoming an exceptional roommate and housemate. Our program stands out by featuring a live-in therapeutic coach who provides 24/7 in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a gap year—it’s a journey to self-discovery in the world's most awe-inspiring playground. Join us in New Zealand and redefine what it means to explore, learn, grow, and thrive. This is your chance to experience unparalleled adventure and personal well-being.

Launch your marketing career with confidence through Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable and top-rated provider of Sales & Marketing internships. Designed to provide practical, real-world experience and boost your resume, these internships help you build creative, analytical, and communication skills while exploring how marketing strategies are developed and applied across diverse cultural and consumer scenarios. Choose from exciting destinations including Australia, Bali, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, USA, and Zanzibar. Whether you're focused on digital marketing, brand strategy, market research, or sales, we offer placements tailored to your goals. Programs run from 2 to 24 weeks and include a guaranteed internship, quality housing, airport pickup, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support. You can potentially earn up to 16 US academic credits through our School of Record or receive personalized support to earn credit through your home university. Take the first step toward a global career in business. Apply today and gain the experience to stand out in the world of Sales & Marketing.

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volunteers has provided safe, affordable and ethical volunteering and gap year projects. Join a program today for a life-changing experience.