Study Abroad Gap Year Programs

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.

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.

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.

Argentina is gaining traction among IGS students. We landed there in 2015 for a site visit and found a fertile market with companies eager for English-speaking interns. One of our students graduated in hospitality management and requested a boutique hotel to learn the trade. We placed her at a coastal property where she worked directly with the owner. She quickly demonstrated her competence and was given a high level of responsibility within a week of arriving. Buenos Aires is the most popular city for our students and offers the greatest diversity of placements and things to do. Excursions include flying to nearby Peru for a glimpse of the Amazon Rainforest. And for those seeking the bottom of the world, a trip to Ushuaia is in order.

Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immersive semester blends cultural discovery, new adventures, and light language learning with a supportive travel community. In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Weeks 1–4), surf warm Pacific waves, join a sea turtle conservation project, hike rainforest trails to Rio Celeste, and explore the Arenal volcano region. In Rome, Italy (Weeks 5–8), step into history at the Colosseum and Vatican, roll pasta and make gelato with local chefs, and take a day trip to Pompeii. In Tokyo, Japan (Weeks 9–12), experience the city’s neon energy, stroll through serene shrines and gardens, try karaoke with friends, and ride the bullet train to Kyoto to explore temples and traditional tea houses. Throughout your journey, you’ll live in EF student residences, travel with your cohort, and join weekly cultural activities plus weekend or overnight excursions. With flights, housing, EF’s global support, and optional U.S. college credit all included, The Globetrotter is more than study abroad; it’s your chance to grow, connect, and experience the world like never before.

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

A unique blend of wildlife biology and ecology, this 8-week course gives you the theoretical and practical training needed to become a qualified Field Guide. The program is run at a renowned Big Five game reserve covering around 6,000 hectares. It aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the natural world and cover geology, astronomy, weather, climate, and basic ecology. Completing the course will result in your FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification. This qualification is ideal for aspiring game rangers, conservationists, and those seeking insight into Field Guiding and a deeper understanding of wildlife and the African bush.

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that will prepare you for the world that awaits after you finish high school. Our program will help you identify your personal goals, values, and passions and incorporate them into your career and life plan. You will gain real-world work experience, make new friends from all over the globe, and have the time of your life as you explore the most beautiful city in the world. As a participant of our program, you will join a community that feels like a family. When you arrive in South Africa, we make it incredibly easy for you to adjust to life in Cape Town and call this city your home. From your very first day in the country, we will guide you through a comprehensive orientation that ensures you will take full advantage of every moment in South Africa. You'll be immediately networked with other participants, forming a peer group to relate to as you quickly adapt to life in a new city that you'll soon call home. Gap year students live together in the Gap Year House, which is another highlight of the VACorps Gap Year Program experience.

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, steep-sided mountains, and extended coastlines. Embrace the spirit of "pura vida" and learn from the unique crossover of individuals who call these nations home. Living alongside Indigenous communities and their contemporaries, explore opportunities to delve into social justice, sustainability, and the influence of colonization. From the Sierra Madre mountains of interior Guatemala to the sea turtle havens on the coast, from the tranquility and splendor of Lago Atitlán and its surrounding volcanoes to the breathtaking coral reefs offshore, Carpe Diem Education explores the merging complexities of socio-political realities with the hope of a more sustainable future. Cap your new knowledge with improved Spanish, honed during your homestay experience, and outdoor skills learned from the many treks, hikes, and adventure activities available in the region. Spring 2025: Closed Fall 2025: September 25 - December 04

Are you looking for meaningful activities to fill the all-too-important gap year? Join our program at Go Abroad China, we have solid experience in helping students make informed decisions and research about the next step in their career, as well as providing exciting opportunities for them to explore! We support international candidates seeking valuable and practical ways to spend a gap year by providing a selection of the following programs: 1) Internships in China 2) Mandarin language study 3) Volunteering in Beijing 4) Study & Tour program Our programs have a fee starting at $1,980 USD. This investment covers our all-inclusive support package to ensure a seamless experience: -Guaranteed Program Placement -Visa Application Support -Accommodation Arrangements -Airport Pickup & Orientation -24/7 Local Support & Assistance All packages are customizable to fit your specific needs and budget. Contact us for a personalized quote.

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.

The International School is an integral part of the University of Haifa. As a student at the International School, you will be joining students from all over the world who have come to Israel to enhance their education. You will also be studying and living with Israeli students. The International School offers Honors Programs for highly motivated students in Psychology and Peace and Conflict Studies as well as track programs specializing in Global Law, and Arabic Language and Culture. All of the courses in the International School are taught in English and are fully accredited. Students who are proficient in Hebrew are welcome to take courses in all other departments of the university. The professors and lecturers teaching in the International School are members of the university faculty who have distinguished careers in their respective fields. The academic Internship Program features credit-bearing work-study experiences related to the academic or vocational interests of the student. Internships are mostly focused in the fields of social services, health services, social sciences, and humanities.

Discover the ultimate gap year experience in Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina, the largest and most recognized local organization offering a spectrum of customizable programs. Whether you're looking to improve your Spanish, engage in meaningful volunteer work, gain professional experience through internships, or immerse yourself in Argentine culture through our short courses, we tailor each gap year to your personal aspirations. Tailored Gap Year Adventures: Mente Argentina understands that everyone’s gap year dream is different. That's why we offer the flexibility to combine various programs based on how long you wish to stay. From a few weeks to an entire year, design a gap year that fits your schedule and fulfills your personal and academic goals. Why Choose Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina? Buenos Aires is not just a city but a canvas for your adventures. With Mente Argentina, you embark on a gap year that promises not only learning and personal growth but also an unforgettable cultural immersion. Join us to experience a city famed for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and warm, welcoming culture. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed.

Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you want to earn internationally recognized qualifications and travel the world with the coolest job on the planet? Become a ski instructor in Canada with EA Ski and Snowboard Training this winter and fast-track your career in the ski industry! On a ski instructor internship you'll train, qualify and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. EA Ski and Snowboard Training guarantee a paid job offer once their interns have passed their exams and are qualified ski instructors. Apply today to see if you qualify! Choose from 7 world-class ski resorts in Canada to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain internationally recognized instructor qualifications, and get the best work experience for your CV. You'll gain instructor qualifications recognized by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) - the world body for professional ski instructors. This means you will be able to work at other world-class ski resorts across the globe. Inquire to get in touch with our team and find out more about this great opportunity!

The Glacier Bay Semester offers an unparalleled opportunity for young people aged 18-24 to develop as leaders, community members, and global citizens. Based at our twin campuses, students will explore a mossy old-growth forest, paddle through icy fjords, and climb the rugged alpine summits of Glacier Bay National Park and the Tongass National Forest. The program is built around three central pillars: academic work in the liberal arts and sciences, service labor performed in support of the campus and community, and democratic self-governance. Close-knit community life and wilderness exploration round out the experience. Join us and immerse yourself in the communities and wildlands of Southeast Alaska, home to tidewater glaciers, alpine meadows, humpback whales, and brown bears. All students must be legally permitted to reside in the United States for the entire duration of the program. This means that DACA recipients are eligible for this program. Unfortunately, Tidelines cannot currently sponsor visas for international students.

Dream of living in China? Make it a reality with LoPair Au Pair China, an award-winning agency that connects you with a welcoming host family. Spend a transformative 3-12 months on a cultural adventure! You'll become a part of a Chinese family, assisting with educational childcare for up to 30 hours a week. In return, you’ll receive: - Your own private room & meals - A monthly stipend - Flight reimbursement - Full agency support and more... This is your chance to explore China's majestic beauty, gain independence, and create lifelong memories—all while sharing your language and culture.

Come and join the leading Spanish-language immersion program in Mexico! Iguana Abroad offers you the chance to live in one of the best locations in Mexico and learn Spanish in a fast, authentic, and immersive way. Whether you are a complete beginner or you already speak advanced Spanish, our personalized courses will bring you to the next level! Our trips include 30+ hours of Spanish tuition, a unique program of cultural immersion, and a series of excursions to diverse and exciting locations around Mexico. Iguana Abroad will take care of all the details: Spanish lessons, excursions, activities, and much, much more! Get in touch today to find out more!

The Himalayas. Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, a retreat in a Buddhist monastery, high mountain trekking, service learning, and independent study, Dragons Himalaya students explore this remarkable region and its people, encountering ancient spiritual traditions with deep roots in a mystical land. Our Himalayan Gap Year Semester is based in the Kathmandu Valley, an ancient crossroads and melting pot of Himalayan peoples. While living with host families and studying the Nepali language, students meet with local scholars and activists and learn about Nepal’s history, politics, and culture while pursuing a wide range of independent study and learning service projects. College Credit is optional for an additional fee.

Gain practical experience in holistic health while exploring the Peruvian Andes. The Nutrition & Natural Medicine program in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru, is a unique opportunity. You will learn about Peruvian superfoods, food as medicine, healthy cooking, natural Andean medicine, nutrition, cleansing practices, herbal and plant-based medicine, aromatherapy, organic farming, and more. You will gain an entirely new perspective on health and natural medicine by participating in this life-changing experience. If you want to stay longer in Peru, you may extend your stay by adding an internship, volunteering placement, or taking Spanish classes before or after the program.