Teach Abroad Gap Year Programs

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.

In the developing world, there are more opportunities to work inside traditional classrooms than in Western countries where increased regulations make it prohibitive. Institute for Global Studies has placed teacher’s aides in colorful locations such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, and Fiji. Work as a personal assistant to the assigned classroom teacher. They are most helpful when the class breaks up into small groups, and they can work with students one-on-one or in small groups to facilitate the lesson plan. The ability to speak a native level of English is vital in this placement. It helps interns formulate lesson plans, teach the basics of English, and facilitate conversation and grammar with young students. Overseeing field trips is another fun duty. Taking kids into museums and on local excursions can be a great experience for an intern supervisor. Every day is different and the chance to impact young lives is unsurpassed. IGS provides homestay options to foster authentic immersion into the host country. Participants may also opt to stay in a private apartment.

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.

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.

A job teaching English in Senegal is a fantastic way to live overseas and get paid to travel the world! Armed with an International TEFL Academy TEFL/TESOL certification, you will be able to work abroad teaching English while getting paid. After taking our course, you can quickly begin working in major cities throughout Senegal, Africa, and the rest of the world. Most available English teaching positions are in the major cities of Senegal. Teaching English overseas not just an opportunity to work abroad, it is the chance to truly immerse yourself in a new culture, experience a different way of life, build friendships that will last a lifetime and discover your own potential. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is the industry terms for a professional English language teacher in a foreign country. While teaching English abroad in Senegal, you'll have the opportunity to experience a land, its people, and culture firsthand, see the sights and sample the local cuisine, and make friends you'll have for a lifetime. Whether it's Asia, Latin America, Europe, or somewhere in between - International TEFL Academy can be the gateway to making your travel dreams a reality. Popular English Teaching Countries European Countries Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine Latin American Countries Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras Asian Countries Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand Middle East Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates How does this work? It's as easy as 1-2-3! 1) You become TEFL certified over 1 month full time at an international location or take a part time class over 3 months online 2) You learn how to interview and do your job search with our student affairs office 3) You fly off to a country and start teaching Contact International TEFL Academy for a brochure describing the process, read over the charts of where you can teach, how much money you make and educational requirements. You will also have a real live advisor to help explain the process. Join hundreds of thousands of others who teach abroad each year by starting with a professional TEFL TESOL certification.

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.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in life in Arusha, Tanzania, 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. 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 India and turn your gap year into an experience that truly matters.

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.

From once a military city, Grenoble has become one of the most important research, technology, and innovation centers in Europe. One in five inhabitants of the city work in one of these fields. Grenoble is classified as a global city with the rank of sufficiency by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Grenoble holds the title of European Green Capital in 2022. But enough about the big picture. Through API Abroad, students can expect to study at one of the top universities in Europe and get the chance to see fascinating natural wonders in the French Alps, experience the wine industry in Burgundy, go to the French Riviera, and see the city of lights and love in Paris!

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.

Spend eight weeks in South America protecting wildlife and improving your Spanish. This Gap Project offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru and Ecuador while contributing to conservation efforts and cultural exchange. In Peru, you'll spend two weeks conserving the Amazon Rainforest before visiting the iconic Machu Picchu. Then, you'll engage in community outreach work around Cusco and the Sacred Valley. In Ecuador, you'll spend two weeks conserving giant tortoises and sea lions on the Galapagos Islands, followed by a weekend trip to Santa Cruz. Finally, you'll spend two weeks teaching and working with communities. While most projects focus on volunteering, we can facilitate internships if you need to fulfill university requirements. Whether you're interested in protecting coastal habitats, touring Machu Picchu, living in the Amazon Rainforest, teaching children, playing games with communities, or rehabilitating animals, this Gap Project offers diverse experiences.

If you're seeking international career experience while immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture, Cape Town in South Africa is an ideal internship destination. Intern Abroad HQ offers flexible, affordable, and highly valuable internships in Cape Town, with programs starting from just 4 weeks. Choose from 14 unique internship placements based in Cape Town, across diverse fields such as Business, Tourism, Marketing, Journalism, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work, and more. Each internship is tailored to align with your academic major, course credit requirements, or career goals. Our flexible programs, ranging from 4 to 24 weeks, are designed to help you unlock your potential, build essential professional skills, and form meaningful industry connections. While gaining hands-on experience, you'll also immerse yourself in Cape Town's dynamic culture and develop a global perspective that will set you apart in your field. Earn up to 16 U.S. academic credits through our School of Record, or receive support arranging credit with your home university. Program fees include a guaranteed placement, airport pickup, quality housing, orientation, and 24/7 in-country support.