Teach Abroad Gap Year Programs Career Break / Mid-Career

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.

GoEco offers a wide variety of social work volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide. These programs provide support to children and adults in need, especially those facing one or more layers of disadvantage in society. Our programs aim to support these children and adults, as well as the local communities overall. A few examples of our social work programs include our Girl Empowerment in Cape Town, South Africa, our Community Aid in Rajasthan program in India and our Social Work Internships program in San Jose, Costa Rica. We also offer programs that help those with special needs, in both Israel and Chile. No matter which program you choose, your social work will make a difference both to these individuals and in these communities.

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.

Make a difference in Zambia by stepping into classrooms where every helping hand counts. Based in the vibrant town of Livingstone—near the world-famous Victoria Falls—this volunteer teaching program places you at the heart of rural schools filled with eager students and passionate local teachers. You’ll support learners who benefit immensely from extra time, attention, and encouragement. Teaching here goes beyond the classroom. From guiding a phonics lesson to helping with math clubs or organizing outdoor reading games, your impact will be direct and lasting. Afternoons are filled with community outreach projects, offering a rewarding balance of classroom support and hands-on involvement. No prior teaching experience is needed—just strong English skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in education. This is a chance to support future generations while learning more about yourself along the way.

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 Au Pair Program in China gives young foreigners the chance to live with a local host family, assist with childcare or light housework, and experience Chinese culture firsthand. Benefits include: • Learn Mandarin through daily immersion in a native-speaking environment • Cultural exchange by joining in festivals, trying local foods, and experiencing daily traditions • Free accommodation and meals, plus a monthly stipend of 1,000–3,000 RMB • Travel opportunities during free time to explore different parts of China • Skill development in childcare, communication, and cross-cultural understanding This program is ideal for: • Students • Gap-year travelers • Anyone curious about life in China It’s a rewarding, immersive way to experience China while building real-life skills and global awareness.

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.

Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? Whether you are a soccer fanatic, a Flamenco aficionado or a foodie in search of the best paella – you will surely fall in love with the deeply rooted Spanish culture. Join World Explorers to teach English in Spain. You will live with a local host family where you will be considered part of the familia for one to three months. You will have the opportunity to exchange your language and culture with the locals. We want you to come back from your trip with a Spanish lisp! In exchange for a clean and comfortable room and full board, all you have to do is share your native language with your hosts for 15 hours per week. The goal for your family is to practice their conversational English. This is not about teaching them reading, writing and grammar. To them, this program is about engaging in conversation and feeling comfortable communicating in English with you. No prior teaching experience is necessary! CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville to find the best host families possible. You will have a local coordinator throughout your stay in Spain and make new friends that will last a lifetime!

Children in the Philippines begin learning English in grade one, so it is not surprising that most of the population can speak and understand English. The benefits of learning English from a native speaker are inspiring for young children. Volunteer for the Visayans places volunteers in rural elementary schools an hour outside Tacloban City to assist local teachers with their English classes and other subjects. These volunteers can experience living in rural villages and will observe the true meaning of "community." An alternative to teaching in the rural setting is to teach non-formal education classes in Tacloban. These classes work with out-of-school youth and unemployed adults interested in learning the basic subjects taught in public schools and skills training. Volunteers can be role models for these struggling teenagers and adults. The non-formal education sector lacks teachers who can conduct regular classes. Volunteers can organize and schedule classes daily and have a profound effect on these students' lives. Teaching English experience or TEFL certification is preferred but not mandatory.

Join this hands-on, personalized internship and help provide low-income Indigenous communities with greater opportunities through teaching English. THE CHALLENGE In rural Ecuador, limited resources lead to poor education: 1 in 10 are illiterate, and only 24% finish middle school. Few speak English. With 40% of the population in poverty, English can open opportunities such as tourism. We’ve seen strong demand for our weekly classes—some walk over an hour to attend—but a lasting solution must be more regular and accessible. THE SOLUTION We’re seeking interns eager to apply their English teaching, TEFL, or TESOL skills in five nearby communities. You’ll get support from our team to visit schools, meet teachers, design programs, and deliver engaging lessons mainly for children. Gain hands-on experience while making a real difference and creating a brighter future. 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. During, before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands.

Begin your international teaching journey with an accredited 120-hour TEFL course, now available for teachers heading to Japan. This program is designed for anyone eager to gain a globally recognized qualification and explore one of Asia’s most fascinating countries. The course covers key teaching skills including lesson planning, classroom management, and practical teaching methodologies, with flexible online study and full tutor support. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate respected by schools and employers across Japan and worldwide. Japan is a top TEFL destination, blending rich traditions with cutting-edge modern life. With this qualification, you can secure teaching positions in leading cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. Whether you dream of exploring temples, experiencing world-famous cuisine, or enjoying vibrant city life, Japan offers the perfect backdrop for your teaching career. Benefit from international accreditation, flexible study options, and lifelong resources. Join a global network of graduates and take your first step towards teaching English in Japan — and beyond.

Live and teach in Cambodia—one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and affordable destinations—while jumpstarting your global career! This paid internship is perfect for students and recent grads looking for adventure, cultural immersion, and real-world experience. You’ll spend 12 months teaching English in welcoming schools across Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, with guidance from local experts every step of the way. No teaching experience or degree? No problem. Get certified with an accredited TEFL course and arrive ready with orientation, airport pickup, and 24/7 support. Highlights include: • Guaranteed paid teaching job (earn $700+ per month) • In-depth TEFL training and hands-on classroom practice • Accommodation guidance, local language lessons, and a supportive expat community • Up to 40 days off—perfect for exploring Angkor Wat, floating villages, and Cambodia’s legendary street food scene Make lifelong friends, gain skills that look great on a resume, and create memories to last a lifetime. It’s not just a job—it’s your ticket to travel, impact, and personal growth.

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.

Training? Sorted. Support? Always. Flexibility? 100%. Drop the code GOABROAD12 at checkout to grab your exclusive 12% discount—yeah, for GoAbroad peeps only. Don’t sleep on this! Teach English in Thailand: More Than a Gap Year, It’s a Vibe. • Wanna make a real impact and live your best life abroad? Teach English in Thailand and soak up major adventure, epic scenery, and all the street food you can handle. • Thailand = the “Land of Smiles,” and it’s not just a name. Think top-tier salaries, tropical beaches, and a balanced work-life. Why This TEFL Internship is the Move • No stress. We sort everything, job placement, paperwork, you name it. • You’ll smash 120 hours of online TEFL training, then dive straight into four months of living + teaching in paradise. • Touch down in Bangkok for a wild three-day orientation—link up with fellow TEFLers and get the inside scoop from our local crew. • The support is full-send: our Thai team’s got your back from day one ‘til you wrap. • Want to stick around after your placement? Go for it! You’re not just teaching; you’re stacking memories and your bank account. Call us and we'll walk you through the process.

Volunteer in Costa Rica and discover one of the most sustainable countries on earth. Save baby sea turtles or work with Costa Ricas unique wildlife. It is the home of lush jungles and the most exotic animals on earth. Find the best places to see toucans, sloths, capuchin monkeys and even the critically endangered jaguars that live in high trees in the tropical rainforest. Most of the teaching and community projects are typically based in and around the capital city, San Jose. Experience numerous volunteer opportunities while living Costa Rica's 'Pura Vida' - the pure life!

Our Volunteer programs in India are based in Kerala, Southern India. Despite a fast growing economy owing to the Dot Com revolution in the late 90’s, a large portion of the Indian people are impoverished and in need of basic human necessities. Access to clean water, sanitation facilities and quality health facilities still remain a distant dream for many – All this coupled with issues concerning women’s rights and education offers a great volunteer opportunities for you to truly make a difference in the upliftment of the country and its people. Volunteering Journeys Volunteer Programs in India are based in South India’s tropical gem Kerala, famously known as ‘God’s own Country’. The best part is mingling with an eclectic a mix of locals living in harmony mainly Catholics, Muslims and Hindus, giving you a true flavour of the myriad of culture, religion and life in India. Our most popular program is our women's empowerment and teaching children program. If you are pre-med or medical student you can also join our medical work experience. We encourage you to join us in India as this will truly be an experience of a lifetime.

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.

Give in to your urge to explore the world and discover new cultures while immersed in this Australian gap year program with Letz Live! We offer an exciting opportunity for young people worldwide, between 17 and 25 years old, to experience the sun, sand, and friendly locals. As a leading provider of gap year placements, we have quality 12-month (and sometimes 6-month) gap year programs at Australian schools. Our head office is based on the sunny Gold Coast, which means we have a team readily available to offer support and encouragement whenever you need it! The placement is based at a leading Australian boarding school, where you’ll work full-time as an assistant to their excellent teachers. The program includes in-term meals, accommodation, and a weekly allowance throughout the duration. Outside of term, you’re free to explore the length and breadth of the land down under. Visit the stunning tropical delights of the Great Barrier Reef or the bone-dry deserts of Australia’s red center. Let the natural beauty of the island continent take your breath away. And when you catch that breath back, make the switch to a more cosmopolitan setting or travel around Australia.

Working and traveling abroad can be an incredible and positive experience, but it can also generate confusion caused by misunderstood norms or unspoken expectations. This confusion and misunderstanding can lead to difficulty in building relationships with people who are different from you. Even though you have good intentions, you can still make mistakes. These mistakes stem from a lack of understanding of cultural differences and the inability to adapt effectively. Beyond Tourism's individual Pre-Travel intercultural Training will explore common cultural values that can lead to confusion, such as direct versus indirect communication, power distance, and collectivism versus individualism. You will take an assessment that evaluates your cultural values. We will compare our results with those of your host culture to identify potential “friction points”. This will give you the confidence you need to make friends and adjust to your new host country. Schedule the training anytime.