GoAbroad.com

Description

LEAPYEAR is a cutting-edge experiential program for 17-23 year-olds who want to make a graceful and powerful passage into independent, creative adulthood. It is meant to replace the final year of high school or the first year of college, or function as a 'year on' between high school and college. Live, work and travel for 9 months between August and May. Program components include: a three-month experiential group semester of language, service and cultural immersion in Latin America or India, a solo internship of your choice for three-months anywhere in the world, a formal Rite of Passage that involves your parents, career and job-readiness counseling, a curriculum of Life Skills Learning held at a retreat center in the U.S., and one year of post-program counsel, job and internship leads. The focus of the curriculum is on multiple experiences and challenges that assist you in finding meaning and purpose, and gaining varied real life experience before going on to college. Each successful program participant earns two full semesters of college credit for the year. A truly amazing and unforgettable year of growth and exploration of your inner world and our planet.

Highlights

* a year of life-path counseling, resources, internships upon completion of the program.

* In South America, work with local non-profit organizations in Ecuador, horse trek in Patagonia, hike the ancient trail to Machu Picchu, study Spanish, and live with families in Ecuador and Peru.

* In India, volunteer at a community orphanage and tutor children, study Hindi, learn traditional arts through experiential internships, and explore meditation and yoga during retreats.

* Explore possible careers with a 10-week individual internship or volunteer placement anywhere in the world.

* Learn the rudiments of carpentry, gardening/landscaping, and cooking.

* Learn and practice useful skills such as meditation, breathwork, and yoga.

* Become fluent in Spanish - through a month of intensive one-on-one study, and the possibility of interning in Latin America or Spain.

* Earn three full quarters of college credit.

* Mini courses on African dance, Sufi teachings, sweat lodge, and more taught by master teachers.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• BackPacking Abroad
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Climbing
• Cooking
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Horseback Riding
• Kayaking (Sea)
• Native Culture Studies
• Overland Tours
• Photography
• Rafting
• RainForest Tours
• Scuba
• Snorkeling
• Caving/Spelunking
• Surfing
• Tours
• Trekking

Qualifications

Must be between 17 and 23 years old at start of the program.

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• Hindi
• Quechua
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

31,900

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Living stipend
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Cost Include Description:

Costs include everything except personal spending money, personal health insurance, and national and international airfares. All other costs are inclusive, including a year of post-program internship placements.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants come from all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and occasionally from other countries. All share a desire to explore the world, and expand their personal understanding of themselves and other cultures and peoples.

Age Range

17-23

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

LEAPYEAR is fully accredited and Federal Financial Aid is available through the regular FAFSA process. Need based scholarships are also available through LEAPNOW.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application
• In-Person Interview Required

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement

Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded

1993