Gap Year Programs in Germany

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

Experience the ultimate European adventure every summer, traveling safely and comfortably between cities via train so you have the maximum time exploring. Get ready to marvel at the history and culture of the Old World, from the art and violence of Renaissance Italian city-states via the high refinement of Viennese coffee houses to the color of Barcelona and the Romantic drama of the French Alps. Join a group of like-minded travelers for this fully escorted four-week adventure of a lifetime. This trip will take you sightseeing across Europe's finest cities.

Unlike other "cookie-cutter" internship programs, we secure customized internship placements for our students. This program is ideal for a mature, autonomous student who is comfortable traveling abroad alone with remote support as opposed to local support. We do all the work that goes into securing you your dream internship. Participants will benefit from getting an internship that fits their interests and requirements. Valuable international experience in your field is priceless! Internships are available in Germany, France, Portugal, Italy, the UK, Greece, and Spain.

Study abroad in Germany with IES Abroad and expand your education to a global context as you experience the country’s heritage of world-class education firsthand. What’s it like studying abroad in Germany? Daily life could mean checking out the street art in Berlin’s famous Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain neighborhood or enjoying mountain views in Freiburg. Whether you choose Berlin or Freiburg, your host city will become your classroom. Our world class faculty, field trips and excursions, and city-unique courses will complete your German study abroad experience, as you order bratwurst from a local vendor or spend weekends visiting world famous sites like the Black Forest, Neuschwanstein Castle, and the Berlin Wall. From studying environmental studies in Freiburg, a smaller city committed to environmental sustainability, to pursuing metropolitan studies or even a full-time internship in Berlin, Germany’s capital and largest city, you can make living and studying in Germany your reality on one of our many programs!

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.

Ready to travel the world, gain independence, and experience life like never before? With Carla’s Au Pairs, you can live with a host family in the USA, Europe, or Asia while caring for children, exploring new cultures, and growing into your future self. Our program places young South Africans and Namibians in exciting countries such as the USA, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Turkey, and China. You’ll receive a stipend, free accommodation, meals, and personal support from our experienced team - every step of the way. No experience abroad? No problem. We’re here to guide you with training, visa help, and prep. As proud IAPA members, we follow global standards to keep you safe and supported. This is more than a job. It’s a life-changing journey. Join our sisterhood of au pairs around the world and start writing your next chapter!

Dreaming of a gap year in Europe? The European Catalyst is the adventure you’ve been waiting for. Designed for 18-22 year olds, this program blends independence, excitement, and culture in some of Europe’s most unforgettable destinations. After beginning your journey in Ireland for 8 weeks, you’ll head across the continent to explore Amsterdam, Berlin, Lyon, and finally Goult in Provence. Each stop brings its own unique flavor, giving you the ultimate European gap year experience. Where? Ireland: Belfast, Derry, North Coast, Dublin, Donegal UK & Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin, Lyon, Provence When? Start dates in February and September. The program has a set starting price of £10,000 for 8 weeks in Ireland, this includes living and working in Portrush with trips to Belfast, Derry and Donegal. The full 11-week program costs £18,000 and includes trips to Amsterdam, Berlin and Lyon and finishes with living in a medical French village in Provence. Every student has access to a £1,500 scholarship and there are payment plans available to suit the needs of each family.

Please only submit an inquiry if you are eligible to obtain a Working Holiday Visa. It is available to citizens of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Uruguay, who are between 18 and 30 years old! Canadians can also participate through a Youth Mobility Visa, obtainable for those aged 18 to 35. Berlin is a bustling metropolis, a hotspot for artists, and a magnet for people from all over the world. Our Working Holiday program is designed to help you gain a foothold in this exciting city, navigate the often-complex bureaucratic system, and even land a job. Maximize your year-long working holiday with our complete support package, which includes: * 30 nights in a high-standard studio apartment * Assistance with your residence registration * English and German-speaking online support team * Farm Stay at no extra cost, including free accommodation and meals * Access to online resources with all the information you need to organize your stay, such as choosing insurance, applying for a visa, packing list, job hunting, preparing your German CV, tips for successful job interviews, booking a German language course, and more!

Travel and still save money! Yes, this is possible when you work as an au pair. And if you’re in Germany, we have the perfect opportunity. Eligibility for this job includes previous experience, a natural fondness for children, and basic proficiency in German. Check out other criteria to see if you’re ready to take on this role. Being an au pair in Germany involves 30 hours of babysitting and other related tasks. Your responsibilities will be to the children you care for. In return, your host family will provide a private room, meals, and support. Plus, you get to stay in a beautiful location. Form a strong bond with the family and join in most of their activities. Exchange cultures with the people you meet along the way. Meet new acquaintances and build lifetime friendships with other au pairs. Create a social and professional network. All these make for an exciting and enriching experience in Germany!