History Gap Year Programs

Volunteer in Peru’s Sacred Valley and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Inca Empire through archaeology. This program offers hands-on experience at archaeological sites, helping with excavation, preservation, and research. Volunteers work alongside local archaeologists to uncover ancient artifacts, map ruins, and contribute to ongoing excavation projects. As you explore these iconic sites, you'll also have the chance to learn about Andean culture and Inca civilization. This unique opportunity allows you to gain practical archaeological skills, while also experiencing the natural beauty of Peru and its ancient heritage. Ideal for history enthusiasts and aspiring archaeologists, this program combines learning, exploration, and meaningful work.

Spend a gap semester exploring rich traditions and modern cultural identity in Italy and Greece. These two nations significantly influence how the Western world thinks about philosophy, art, religion, economics, and politics. Throughout their histories, they have shown resilience in adapting to social, political, and environmental change, and today, they continue to maintain a connection with traditional ways of living while also proactively addressing modern challenges associated with climate change's environmental and economic consequences. Italy and Greece provide rich historical context as to how societies have evolved to meet the demands of the modern era while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity, tradition, and heritage. Carpe Diem Education takes you to Italy and Greece to engage with communities proactively addressing climate change through the lens of resilience and regeneration.

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

Craving adventure beyond the classroom this summer? Immerse yourself in the magic of Hawaii with our 4-week program for participants ages 17-22! Hike volcanic landscapes, surf legendary waves, and witness a breathtaking starry sky from Mauna Kea's summit. Learn the art of hula, savor an Imu feast, and connect with Hawaiian culture. But our exploration goes deeper. Roll up your sleeves with a local non-profit, master permaculture farming, and participate in a marine conservation project to protect Hawaii's natural wonders actively. Earn a Certificate of Environmental Conservation for your 40 hours of service learning and leave Hawaii empowered, connected, and with memories that will last a lifetime.

Experience the westernmost outpost of the Arab world. Travel from forested mountains to the Sahara Desert while studying different languages, faiths, and cultures across the Straits of Gibraltar. From the rise and fall of empires to the cross-cultural exchanges that have left an indelible mark on both nations, this program emphasizes migration patterns, international relations, and religious influence across continents. By following the path of conquests, intellectual growth, and artistic achievements, we will gain a profound understanding of how history has shaped the present-day connections between Morocco and Spain.

Immerse yourself in French culture and the way of life in Paris, France! Whether it is gastronomic greatness, artistic endeavor, or cultural cachet you are looking for, there is no doubt that the City of Light still sits right at the top of the European heap. Visit wondrous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre! Are you interested in Art? Study art, design, or fashion with some of the greatest modern artists and professors at Parsons Paris. Take excursions all across France, from Bordeaux to Champagne! The cultural hub of Europe is at your fingertips when you study abroad in Paris, France! New for 2024: Study at one of Europe's top business schools, Grenoble École de Management, with our Semester International Business Studies program in Paris. Here, you can hone your business skills and expand your network amidst a vibrant international student community. Learn more on our website! We also have new internship opportunities in Paris! Design and Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral to working with Luxury Fashion Brand Management, you will select an internship with an international organization that meets your professional, academic, and personal goals.

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds who are excited about immersing themselves in Italian culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program offers various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Architecture, Italian language, and Tuscan Cuisine. Students can choose a major course for daily focus (Monday to Friday) in the mornings for three hours. Then, they attend elective classes, each lasting two hours, three times a week in the afternoons. On weekends, they go on day trips around Italy to explore cultural differences from city to city. Locations vary yearly; previous participants have visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, and Venice!

ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West and partner with local conservationists to understand threats to native species, ecological systems, and our waterways. Building upon our 40-year history of running domestic programs in the U.S., this semester provides hands-on opportunities and access to areas usually unavailable to the everyday traveler. The newfound insights gained from this in-depth look at some of the most famous landmarks of the American West leave our perspectives and appreciation for our own backyard changed forever.

What makes a great gap year in Spain? Adventure, new culture, exploring new places, making amazing friends, and knowing you're in a safe environment. If you want to boost your Spanish and improve your academic standing before university, our gap year program in Sevilla is perfect for you! Spain has everything for the ideal gap year, with Centro MundoLengua’s program and our partner EUSA (associated with the University of Seville). Our gap year in Spain immerses you in Spanish life with cultural activities, semester seminars (up to 5), language classes (4h/week), community work, and the chance to live authentically in one of Europe’s most magical cities. In Sevilla, you'll be surrounded by beauty, culture, and history. Our activity program includes trips to other cities in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. There’s never been a better time for a gap year in Spain, and with Centro MundoLengua, it’s never been easier. You'll also develop new life skills and give your college application a boost with international experience, including language study, educational travel, volunteer service, and full cultural immersion! Program dates | January 21st - May 16th, 2026 Price | $12,100

Are you interested in learning Spanish? Study at our school/hostel in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take morning language lessons from Monday to Friday. In the afternoons, enjoy dance classes and cultural excursions. We also have weekend trips to the beach and a two-night/three-day road trip to Viñales. This is a busy program and offers the possibility of immersion into Cuban life—past and present—and the opportunity to understand what makes this amazing country so special. Our programs are for participants 18+, but we also welcome minors accompanied by an adult. Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, where you’ll share a dorm room with other students. You could also stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom for an extra fee. Couples, friends, and family who book a program together are automatically upgraded to a private room. Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as activities such as group discussion/planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings. Airport transfers can be arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens. Feel free to contact us for more information!

Ireland is known for dark beers in cozy pubs. Its dramatic scenery, ancient culture, and friendly Irish people will make you never want to leave. The Irish are known for their hospitality. The locals embrace foreigners on their shores, showing you around and helping you immerse in Irish life. A Working Holiday in Ireland allows you to work casual jobs across the country while helping fund your travels. When you book with Global Work & Travel, we handle all the logistics for you. This means a guaranteed job interview before arrival. And to keep you employed and happy, you get unlimited extra interviews when you need a new job. You also get a range of activities in Dublin within your first few days—on us. To help you explore further, we’ve included two nights at Oktoberfest in Germany or two nights on the famous party island of Ibiza. This is the stress-free way to live and work in Ireland! Our Working Holiday in Ireland is designed to make you more than a tourist. Spend time truly immersing yourself and becoming a local in no time!

Join this gap year program designed for your adventurous soul and the part of you that craves out-of-the-box experiences alongside a group of fun-loving friends. We offer the chance to be seen and accepted for who you already are as well as see the world for what it is and what it could be. We inspire rather than coerce. We challenge you to be real. We get dirty. We think big. We work on organic farms, build using sustainable materials, make our own bread, and hike our brains out. As a group, we go on a road trip through the southwest down to Oaxaca, Mexico, looking for adventure and learning about what makes these areas rich and interesting. In the process, you learn the skills of self-sufficiency, community, and quality living. At the end of the program, you will possess new options for living the good life and experiencing the richness of the world. Fall '25 Where: Colorado, Mexico, and the Southwest When: 8/06 – 11/17 Spring '26 Where: Colorado; Utah; Arizona; Bordercountry When: 3/10 – 5/17

Discover the wonders of India on an enriching 6-week journey through captivating cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kochi, Madurai, Hampi, Mumbai, Jaipur, New Delhi, and Varanasi. No young person of ambition can afford to ignore India. As it bursts into the top five economies worldwide, there is every chance that India will dominate world events for future generations. We travel from the lush south to the arid north through varied landscapes and cities with significant cultural differences. Like all our courses, the Spring India Course tuition is delivered on-site, not in a classroom. Our course aims to broaden your intellectual horizons by exploring the country through various lenses, with theoretical and hands-on experiences. Explore themes such as art, architecture, history, politics, religion, sustainability, agriculture, fauna and flora, medicine, technology, nature, Bollywood, and more. Expert, impassioned, and engaging tutors encourage discourse in seminars of 9 or fewer. The course is limited to 16 attendees and led by a minimum of 4 tutors, backed up by office staff in the UK and Indian partners on the ground.

Experience Spain and its people in a program like no other! This 12-week adventure takes you from North to South and from East to West on different types of trains: single track covering 190 km in 5 hours and high speed covering 680 km in 5 hours! Our upcoming programs: Spring 2025 March 1st - May 24th Fall 2025 September 6th - November 29th Spain by Train is divided into three trips and three base cities: San Sebastian, Salamanca, and Granada, where you can spend a longer time. The group also stays in Camino, Madrid, and Barcelona for a week each. This program aims to help you experience Spain at a deeper level and from a different perspective. Thus, we organize activities, workshops, and projects centered around various aspects of Spanish language and culture. Examples include a weekly cooking class or activity, discussions about history and politics, fitness routines, and complete immersion through homestays. Most of our gappers come from English-speaking countries, but we welcome participants from around the globe. To be eligible for the Spain by Train program, you must be 18 or older and passionate about Spain.

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) is recognized as Sri Lanka’s largest and one of the most prestigious non-state degree-awarding Institutes, offering world-class education in information technology, engineering, business, and other disciplines. Over the past two decades, SLIIT has been rooted in its commitment to supporting educational excellence, creating an environment for students to gain vital skills and thus contribute to shaping the national economy. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on practical learning, SLIIT prepares students for global careers through innovative teaching methods and industry partnerships. Your Study Destination Colombo is a dynamic city combining a cosmopolitan lifestyle with access to pristine beaches and lush landscapes. Its friendly atmosphere and affordable living costs make it an ideal student destination. Why wait? Start your journey today! Send us a message with your questions and take the first step toward an unforgettable academic and cultural adventure at SLIIT with Asia Exchange.

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.

Crawford & Corry offers immersive professional placements in Vietnam for ambitious students and young professionals. Gain hands-on experience in high-growth sectors such as finance, law, tech, healthcare, and more — all while exploring a dynamic and culturally rich country. Each placement is personalised and designed to provide real-world insight, boost your CV, and help you stand out in university and job applications. Whether you're preparing for university, exploring career options, or looking to sharpen your direction, our programmes offer practical experience with trusted organisations. Beyond the placement, we provide full support: visa guidance, accommodation, 24/7 in-country support, and optional add-ons such as university admissions consulting and career coaching. Join Crawford & Corry to discover your path — with purpose, professionalism, and unforgettable experience in Vietnam.

Considering postponing your plans for college? You may decide to delay starting a degree program, but you don't need to postpone achieving your academic goals! The Gap Year Program at The American College of Greece offers you the opportunity to earn college credit while immersing yourself in Greek history, language, culture and cuisine. Discover the historic city of Athens, the beauty of the Mediterranean, and the famous hospitality of the Greek people, while studying at The American College of Greece, the oldest American-accredited College in Europe, and the largest private, independent, not-for-profit, nonsectarian, co-educational academic institution in Greece. There are over 1,000 courses offered each year in a wide variety of subjects including: business, fine & performing arts, humanities, social sciences, communications, environmental studies and more. Our Comprehensive Fee covers tuition fees for up to 15 credits, housing fees, three excursions within Greece, and more. All enrolled students enjoy full access to ACG campus facilities, and we assist students with visa processing, airport pick-up, and provides support with travel planning within Greece and Europe.

The 21C Venetian Workshop celebrates the future—and your role in it—by unlocking insight, connection, and vision through immersive experiences. Set in the vibrant and historic city of Venice, the 21C Venetian Workshop offers a six-week program designed to cultivate the deeply human capabilities essential for today’s world. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty, rich cultural heritage, and the rhythm of life shaped by water and tides, participants explore new ways of thinking, imagining, and feeling—through the transformative power of the arts. Venice is undergoing a bold regeneration, emerging as a global hub of innovation and sustainability. Just steps from Italy’s leading incubator, it attracts forward-thinking organizations shaping the future. This setting, infused with thousands of years of culture and a way of life where food, family, and ritual matter, inspires deep reflection and imagination and helps galvanise personal priorities.

Participate in a leadership learning program, which is a combination of travel and cultural immersion. Throughout the course, you’ll join motivated explorers from around the globe to explore remote savannah and forests in Tanzania. A big part of the semester will be spent camping out and incorporated with a 10-day homestay with a Tanzanian family. Take on a physical challenge on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro! Step back in time through human history while exploring the valleys of Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. Learn about the current way of life in Tanzania by engaging in service and meeting the Maasai, Chaga, Bushmen, and Meru people in rural villages. Hike with your group’s Maasai cultural liaison and observe wildlife, including elephants and giraffes. The semester focuses on leadership, wherein you will navigate challenging terrain to enhance your problem solving skills. The ability to change your climbing route due to weather changes practices decision-making and judgment. Cultural interactions give you the chance to develop your respect for different cultures, as well as communication skills.