Wilderness Gap Year Programs

Are you passionate about supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Africa? Join International Volunteer HQ, the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad organization in Africa. IVHQ offers a special Wildlife Conservation project in Africa, where volunteers have the opportunity to live and work within in the midst of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Located within a private game reserve that's home to Africa's 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in conservation management practices, all of which are vital for the successful operation of the game reserve and the ecosystems of surrounding areas. Volunteers work in conjunction with members of the game reserve team and anti-poaching unit, working on the game reserve and supplementing their work with local community development projects, including education, nutrition, and small-scale vegetable gardening. Living and working within the game reserve, volunteers stay in a purpose-built facility with an open-air entertainment area, complete with a swimming pool overlooking the reserve riverbed.

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.

Situated in a lush tropical rainforest overlooking Honolulu is a unique and reputable Nature Center, whose goal is to connect Hawai'i's children and adolescents to island nature in a hands-on and tactile way. With a staff of professional educators, the Center offers a broad selection of activities that aids their goal to encourage appreciation through experience. The Center hosts local classes as well as private parties visiting the area. The project matches interns with Center staff members to serve as both Teacher's Assistants and Lead Naturalists, depending on the age of the groups that visit.

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and animal shelters. All of our programs are vetted and are in line with our ethical values - only ethical and supervised interactions are allowed. A few examples of our offers include working with rescued sloths in Costa Rica, rehabilitating vervet monkeys in Malawi, observing and collecting data on Africa's Big Five species and doing survey dives with whale sharks in Mozambique, just to name a few.

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.

Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's most ecologically and culturally diverse places by joining a Raleigh Expedition to Borneo. If you're passionate about ecology and wildlife, eager for an unforgettable adventure, and interested in truly immersive travel, then Raleigh Borneo is a must-visit for you. This island harbors 6% of the planet’s biodiversity and is one of the last natural habitats of the orangutan. However, this ecological treasure is increasingly under threat. As a Raleigh Venturer, you'll work toward sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing Borneo's ecosystems and communities. Whether you’re actively participating in habitat renewal projects in one of the most logged areas in Asia or collaborating with local communities and NGOs to improve access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation, your efforts will contribute to a brighter future for Borneo. Through impactful community and environmental projects, combined with an exhilarating adventure phase, a Raleigh Borneo Expedition offers an experience that will leave a lasting impact on both you and the island.

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!

Join our Wildlife and Research Conservation Project and immerse yourself in the captivating wilderness of South Africa’s Greater Kruger area. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring conservationist, this enriching volunteer experience will unveil the many wonders of the African bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals. Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring, and data collection initiatives during daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

Our exciting Endurance Training Programme based at Moolmanshoek, with over 240 horses, is waiting for you! Ideal for those passionate to learn about the sport, whether you are a seasoned professional, or you’ve never experienced an endurance race – this is a great adventure for intermediate plus and advanced riders. You'll train intensively across breathtaking landscapes, testing both mind and body. Under the mentorship of Wiesman Nel, an internationally acclaimed endurance rider, you'll learn the intricacies of the sport and prepare for competitions. Whether you aim to compete internationally or simply wish to experience endurance riding in South Africa, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, adventure, and bonding with exceptional Arab Endurance horses. Intermediate plus and advanced riding abilities accepted.

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

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.

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.

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!

Work, live, and play in Canada's tourism playgrounds. We work with hundreds of hotels, summer and winter resorts, restaurants, activity providers, retail outlets, and other hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the country. Get a job and accommodation before you depart and help with your visas, insurance, and travel plans. Turn up sorted and work for a season or longer. We have jobs in guest services, food and beverage, kitchen, back of the house, and resort operations. We even have jobs for participants who specialize in construction and aesthetics. Start dates are available all year round, although you need to allow 10–14 weeks for visa processing depending on the time of the year and country of origin. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to stay updated with securing a resort job in Canada, please feel free to get in touch or visit our website for more info. Visas are now open to all IEC partner countries including the UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, Japan, and others. Learn more about this on our website. Let your dream work in Canada become a reality today! Contact us now!

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.

This is not a pause. It is a complete reset. The Quest Men's Core is our flagship 7-month journey for young men ready to answer the question, "What am I truly capable of?" This is a profound, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to forge the character, skills, and unshakeable self-belief that will define the rest of your life. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood. Together, you will face real challenges that push you far beyond your comfort zone, and you will emerge stronger for it. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 7 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate not just as a more capable man, but as a leader. You will return with a toolkit of timeless skills, a powerful sense of purpose, and a global brotherhood that will last a lifetime. This is the foundation that sets you apart.

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life forever? Then look no further! This Ultimate Gap Year Experience is unique; you will be transported to four different projects across southern Africa, working on the front lines of conservation and connecting with local and expert professionals who are just as passionate about conservation work as you are. One day, you could be releasing pangolins rescued from poachers back into the wild, and then learning bush skills from a master tracker and tracking a herd of elephants the next. You will be part of the conservation community, listening to stories of the land from the locals. Completely immersed, you will see what it’s like to live and breathe meaningful African conservation. It’s not always easy to nurse injured animals back to health, but the reintroduction, monitoring, and seeing them thrive afterward is a memory that will last a lifetime. This is a hands-on experience where your efforts will be rewarded—many of these wildlife projects wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you. This program is also tailored to how much time you have, your skills, and what you would like to achieve.

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition with the opportunity to truly embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, you'll hike, rock climb, pack raft, camp, and explore the backcountry in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Our favorite handpicked locations will provide you with a well-rounded learning experience and genuine connection with the diverse environment within the South Island. From iconic destinations like Milford Sound to hidden local gems that aren't on generic travel itineraries, you'll explore the diverse landscapes surrounding you as you embrace the Kiwi culture. If you're looking for a gateway to living, working, and exploring New Zealand, look no further. The industry connections and networking opportunities created through this program will unlock endless value for your future. This small group tour through New Zealand is perfect for those looking to take a gap year, change their careers, or simply look for a deeper connection to nature.