Gap Year Programs in South America

Your First Year Abroad program in Buenos Aires lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Argentine culture. Live and learn in Buenos Aires! Buenos Aires is Argentina’s lively cultural hub, brimming with passion, art, and history – an unforgettable setting for students with any interests. Spend 12 weeks strolling the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, taking in the grandeur of the Teatro Colón, and sipping rich café con leche in charming neighborhood cafés. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Buenos Aires is the perfect place to study abroad.

The Intern Group is the leading provider of internship programs in the emerging market of Colombia! We provide international students with internships in top private companies, NGOs, and state ministries. Our programs are regularly featured on CNN International and other mainstream media. Develop your Spanish language skills and broaden your perspectives while conducting business through an internship in exhilarating Colombia! Visit The Intern Group's website to get all the details! Apply now for a wonderful experience and propel your professional development!

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.

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will transition to False Bay where you will contribute work in a marine research center helping towards underwater conservation. The third pit stop is in Peru where you will help plant trees, discover sustainable farming methods, and support local communities in protecting their environment. The last stop is an internship in Sri Lanka, where you will help conserve the endangered turtle species’ nesting sites and monitor turtle activities along Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. This program offers diverse experiences, ranging from marine exploration to teaching to professional growth—all while making lasting impacts on diverse communities. Join us on this life-changing journey of learning, cultural immersion, and meaningful contributions across continents.

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.

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru—Maximo Nivel offers its unique Native Spanish Program. Join our "Country Jumper" program and begin your GAP Year in one of our countries and then jump to another and another. Experience different aspects of each country's culture and Spanish dialect. Your program and curriculum follow you as you study across 2, 3 or all 4 of our institutes. EXAMPLE ITINERARY: Start your studies at our institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (on the beach!), then travel to our institute in the beautiful pueblo of Antigua, Guatemala, and then move your program to our institute in historic Cusco, Peru. From Peru, join us again in Costa Rica at our institute in the capital city of San Jose. Study, trek, tour, and eat your way through Latin America—it's a great experience! We recommend at least 3 weeks for a Country Jumper program.

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.

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

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy mountain passes and through mysterious cloud forests to the remains of a fallen civilization. Then, it's time to explore Ecuador's natural beauty. From surfing and whitewater rafting to hiking and exploring volcanoes, Ecuador has it all! For your second project, you will spend three weeks deep in the Ecuadorian rainforest and complete vital conservation work. Get face-to-face and hand-to-paw with rainforest inhabitants while volunteering at a rescue center for wild animals. And learn the secrets of life in the rainforest directly from an Indigenous community while staying at an eco-lodge. Finish your epic journey with a visit to one of the most famous national parks on Earth, the Galapagos Islands! Hike, sail, and snorkel your way around the islands made famous by Charles Darwin. You will then return to Quito for the final trek to the center of the world!

The Mente Argentina Ultra Intensive Spanish Program is designed for participants to learn Spanish quickly while experiencing the enigmatic city of Buenos Aires. Spanish classes are taught in an innovative and creative way by integrating class coursework with cultural activities and excursions. Any level of Spanish speaker, beginner, intermediate, or advanced, is welcome to participate in this amazing program. Over 500 million people in the world speak Spanish as their native language or second language. Now is the time to become a Spanish speaker, too! It is helpful in many fields and shines on a resume. Looking for a more specific intensive Spanish course in Buenos Aires? Mente Argentina offers the following courses: - Legal Language and Terminology - Medical Language and Terminology - Spanish Literature - Advanced Conversation - Advanced Composition - Latin American History

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rules and regulations and other necessary tasks at the center, depending on individual skillset. Requirements for this program are: - Basic to intermediate level of Spanish - A genuine passion for animal conservation - An ability to openly communicate rules and regulations to tourists and follow instructions - Ability to work independently as well as in a team - Physical ability to work outdoors with a potentially high allergen, sun, and temperature exposure IOI encourages all volunteers to stay as long as possible to maximize local and personal benefits. We encourage longer commitments by heavily discounting each additional week. The minimum stay is two weeks, with a maximum stay of three months. All volunteers must arrive in Isabela on Mondays.

Intern abroad with Linguistic Horizons in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru! We are located at the foot of the Andes mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu! This program is ideal for those who want to go off the beaten path to have a truly immersive experience. You'll improve your Spanish, experience local life, and learn about the Peruvian and Andean cultures. You will intern with a local Peruvian company or organization. This internship program allows you to gain valuable experience in your field of study. We arrange customized voluntary internship placements for each candidate. You can stay for as little as 2 weeks or up to 6 months. Visit our website for more details!

Discover Peru: Make an Impact in the Sacred Valley Immerse yourself in life in Urubamba, Peru, and make a real difference through a meaningful community-based internship. Working alongside the FutureSense Foundation, you’ll support local education initiatives and contribute to long-term, sustainable development in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Choose your Impact Area and deliver engaging activities that inspire and empower young learners. Throughout your journey, you’ll gain valuable experience, build leadership and cross-cultural skills, and grow in confidence, with full support from our in-country team. This is more than just travel - it’s a chance to live, learn, and give back. You’ll also earn an International Impact Diploma, helping your CV and university application stand out as you take your first steps toward becoming a global changemaker. Join us in Peru and turn your gap year into an experience that truly matters.

Based in El Chaltén for 12 weeks, participants will embrace the endless glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park and the towering peaks, including Fitz Roy, while advancing their hiking and rock climbing skills. With a unique structure of alternating weeks between rock climbing and hiking and a comprehensive outdoor first aid course, this program offers a well-rounded adventure travel and outdoor education experience. Expert in-country IFMGA program instructors will guide you as you travel through remote landscapes in Patagonia and navigate new challenges. Experience amazing rock climbing routes and world-famous hiking trails while participating in cultural activities like horse riding and traditional Argentine BBQs. Enjoy a small group tour in Patagonia with highly skilled local guides.

Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities access clean drinking water through education and infrastructure projects. THE CHALLENGE Safe drinking water is a human right, yet nearby communities face contamination, deforestation, and poor storage and filtration. Many rely on open streams carrying soil and chemicals from uphill farming. With no filtration and little storage, gastrointestinal issues are common, and water shut-offs occur during summer or pipe breaks. THE SOLUTION Addressing this water crisis requires a comprehensive approach—from public health initiatives to domestic filtration, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements. With the guidance of our experienced team, you’ll engage with the local community to identify and implement sustainable solutions that ensure long-term access to clean, secure drinking water. OUR METHODOLOGY Our internships use Design Thinking to co-create solutions with local partners. You’ll learn to observe, ideate, and prototype in real contexts, building skills while driving sustainable change. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Global dental healthcare with International Medical Aid's (IMA) Dental Internships for pre-dental undergraduates, dental students, dentists, and dental hygienists, offers an extraordinary chance to work in some of the world's most underserved regions—East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Under the mentorship of professionals, interns delve into the complexities of dental care, from public health education to community hygiene clinics, addressing dire needs where dental services are scarce. IMA, founded at Johns Hopkins University, is a not-for-profit dedicated to not just providing care but enhancing the communities we serve. We forge ethical, sustainable initiatives focused on preventing disease at its source, going beyond the conventional internship. With comprehensive support, local guidance, extensive safety training, and structured housing, interns enjoy a secure environment to grow and learn. Our program includes everything from AADSAS statement reviews to personalized admissions counseling, aiding your journey to dental school. Experience an internship and become a part of a global movement towards better dental health with IMA.

Caring for children and adults with disabilities is one of the most rewarding and impactful forms of volunteering abroad. Through Volunteering Journeys’ Disabled Care & Special Needs Volunteer Programs, you can make a meaningful difference by offering care, compassion, and support to individuals who need it most — while gaining valuable hands-on experience in healthcare, therapy, and community engagement. Whether you’re a student pursuing psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, education, or nursing — or simply someone with a big heart — this program provides an incredible opportunity to learn, serve, and grow. Volunteering Journeys runs disabled care and special needs projects across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, giving you the flexibility to choose a destination that inspires you. You can join programs in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal, Cambodia, Peru, or South Africa, each offering unique community experiences and learning opportunities.

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is located on the shore of the Río de la Plata. It is one of Latin America's most important ports and populous cities. This grand city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is seen as more European than Latin American. Its energy and bustle are most evident in the city's center, an epicenter of entertainment, shopping, and café culture. It is built on the original colonial foundations of the Spanish people. This center serves as the location for many and most financial institutions and corporate headquarters. New for Spring 2024: Come study in Argentina's vibrant and exciting capital city, Buenos Aires! Students will enroll in coursework at Universidad de Belgrano, with a concentration on Spanish language and Latin American studies. This program is especially good for Spanish minors and majors, as most courses offered are the building blocks of those degrees. Enjoy excursions to Tigre, La Plata, and Estancia!

Greenheart Travel's high school abroad program in Argentina offers you a great opportunity to spend your summer, trimester, semester, or academic year as an exchange student while living with a local Argentinian host family. It promises full cultural immersion, allowing you to practice your Spanish fluency, learn about a new culture, and gain valuable skills to help meet your personal and academic goals. Program at a glance: - Host family accommodation provides full language and cultural immersion - 2 years of Spanish experience required - Choose a trimester, semester, or academic year program - Start dates are available in the fall or come for 2 months during the U.S. summer (Argentina's winter is North America's summer!) - Online application process