Camping Programs Abroad

The ultimate adventure travel experience, gain high-quality training in Jungle Survival, Expedition Management, Wilderness Medicine, and Expedition Leadership on this unique and challenging personal development course! Since the first course in 2008, our Adventure Guide Training program has led the way in transforming aspiring and enthusiastic trainees from raw recruits in the jungles of Central America into highly competent Adventure Guides armed with the skills needed to plan, organize, and lead expeditions across the globe. A genuine once-in-a-lifetime adventure, kick-start your career and join the next generation of Gapforce Adventure Guides!

Saddle up for Africa's most exhilarating horse-riding safaris, set against the backdrop of Namibia's magnificent and hauntingly beautiful landscapes. With over two decades of expertise in guiding equestrian expeditions across these rugged terrains, this program promises the ultimate experience for those seeking the thrill of the wild and the freedom of the open plains. Your possessions are transported by truck which sets up camp, allowing you to sleep beneath the African night sky, making memories that last a lifetime. Each day starts with the sunrise, departing around 8 am. You'll spend 4-5 hours in the saddle before lunch, followed by a 1-3 hour break, then another 2-3 hours of afternoon riding across diverse terrains, including tough stretches that test your spirit. Step into a world where the desert becomes your playground and the vast horizons of Namibia's Damaraland. These true adventures take you through ancient craters and prehistoric remnants, revealing the delicate yet intricate tapestry of colors that paint these extraordinary landscapes. Create meaningful connections with other riders and the horse you'll be riding throughout the adventure.

Trusted by over 147,000 travelers, International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) offers the world’s most popular volunteer programs in Nepal and 50+ other destinations around the globe. With affordable Program Fees and highly rated projects, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Nepal. Choose from 11 meaningful volunteer projects year-round, including Childcare, Teaching, Medical, Construction, Women’s Education, NGO Support, and Sustainable Agriculture. Volunteer placements are based in the stunning regions of Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara—giving you the opportunity to experience Nepal’s unique cultures and breathtaking landscapes. Projects start at just $285 for one week and include everything you need for a smooth and rewarding volunteer experience. Your fully-hosted trip features airport pick-up, orientation, comfortable homestay accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, and 24/7 in-country support. You’ll be living in local homestays alongside like-minded volunteers from around the world, forming real connections and contributing to initiatives that make a lasting impact.

The incredible attraction of the famous migration over the Masai Mara has brought with it some conflict in competition for resources such as predator's praying on local livestock, and the Masai people not being as involved in the tourism project as would be hoped. The aims of this project are to ensure that the Mara remains a valuable source of income for the country and to increase local community involvement in the tourism process. Additionally, the project aims to monitor and research some of Africa's most endangered wildlife, and in partner with a Big Cat Monitoring project volunteers will help monitor the movement of prides of lions, leopards and cheetahs within the conservancy, as well as the interaction between lions and the local communities.

IMA Safaris Africa and South America, an initiative of International Medical Aid, offers student travel programs, treks, and educational tours across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Peru, Ecuador and beyond. Blending learning with adventure, these experiences build cross-cultural competency and a global perspective while encouraging meaningful engagement with local communities. In Africa, highlights include the Masai Mara, Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro, Victoria Falls, and Watamu Marine Park. In South America, signature experiences include the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Trek, Rainbow Mountain, the Sacred Valley, and other Andean cultural and outdoor excursions that highlight natural beauty and regional history. Many programs are offered in collaboration with colleges and universities and are often led by faculty, creating a structured, supportive learning environment. Participants benefit from 24/7 US-based and in-country support, plus comprehensive accident and travel medical insurance—ensuring a safe, ethical, and memorable experience that supports personal growth, strengthens your resume, and inspires a lasting commitment to global citizenship.

This 7-day Kenya Masai Mara Amboseli safari includes all the classic safari highlights as well as a few lesser-known encounters. Tailoring a tour to coincide with the spectacular wildebeest migration, during July and October, is one such way to ensure your experience gets off to the best possible start. Witnessing a whole host of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River and fending off crocodiles in the process is simply a phenomenal sight and certainly not to be missed during peak season. Elsewhere in Kenya, you’ll discover the Great Rift Valley, where volcanic landscapes and hot thermal springs visit the shores, an unforgettable highlight. Of course, finding Lake Nakuru fringed by thousands of pink flamingos can take some beating alongside the chance to spot Africa’s Big Five easing their thirst around the water’s edge from views of Kilimanjaro during a couple of nights in Amboseli National Park to organic encounters with local Masai communities, who’ve lived and worked in Kenya all their life, this is your chance to tailor a tour of Africa most excitingly and authentically possible.

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.

Embark on an adventurous journey across Mongolia, from the central lowlands to the rugged west, immersing yourself in an ancient nomadic way of life—traveling from ger to ger, experiencing Kazakh eagle hunting, and Tuva throat singing. Embrace the challenges of untamed regions, where nomadic herders maintain age-old traditions. In the remote west, assist a local NGO in supporting herding families with nutritional guidance, education, and improved infrastructure. The Mongolia Off the Map program is open to students ages 15-18 and requires an adventurous spirit, a positive attitude, and a keen sense of exploration!

Our Work & Travel Canada program gives U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 a chance to experience the beauty of our northern neighbor while earning money throughout the year. Start with an arrival orientation in Vancouver or Toronto and continue with job support throughout your program. If you already have a job in mind we can also help you organize your 12-month working holiday visa! A Working Holiday is an opportunity to travel and explore a new country while taking on short-term jobs at places like ski resorts, restaurants and hotels or in manual labor positions. We offer pre-departure support, including visa application information and general advice, as well as job search and travel support throughout your time in Canada.

ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West and partner with local conservationists to understand threats to native species, ecological systems, and our waterways. Building upon our 40-year history of running domestic programs in the U.S., this semester provides hands-on opportunities and access to areas usually unavailable to the everyday traveler. The newfound insights gained from this in-depth look at some of the most famous landmarks of the American West leave our perspectives and appreciation for our own backyard changed forever.

Alaska is known as the last frontier, the land of the midnight sun, and the place where your life will change! This program combines the breathtaking beauty of Alaska, meaningful service work, and adventures that will have the whole family wishing they could come! You’ll visit Homer, one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets near Kenai Fjords National Park. Our Older Teen programs are carefully crafted with 11th and 12th graders in mind. We do not just take our standard programs and open certain dates to an older age group without changing the itineraries. Instead, we understand that older teens require a different type of program, and need itineraries with more challenges and independence to help them grow and encourage even more confidence in traveling. These programs are designed to nurture older teens and teach them to be more savvy travelers. Because as you grow, your interests and needs do too. So get ready to explore the very best the 49th State has to offer, connect with nature and local communities, and learn how to be an independent traveler!

Join this hands-on internship and help low-income Indigenous communities revive ancestral building techniques to create sustainable housing for all. THE CHALLENGE Before the construction of industrialization, Andean communities built with rich clay soils. Globalization shifted practices to single-skin concrete buildings—faster and “modern,” but colder, costlier, less ecological, and more earthquake-prone. Hundreds of adobe homes now lie in ruin, and as these traditional methods vanish, so does their cultural and architectural heritage. THE SOLUTION We’re helping restore these buildings to preserve heritage and provide future benefits, from dignified homes to income through tourism. With support from our experienced team, join a design or build project to learn how adobe houses are made in the Andes and help restore those that might otherwise collapse. 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. On weekends—or before and after your stay—you can explore Ecuador, from the Amazon to the Galápagos.

Designed specifically for ambitious high school students (ages 13-18), Go Abroad China’s Cultural Immersion Program offers a structured and safe gateway to mastering Mandarin and understanding China. Since 2003, we have crafted immersive experiences that blend intensive language instruction at leading schools with authentic cultural engagement. Our curriculum is balanced: mornings focus on classroom learning and one-on-one tutoring, while afternoons are dedicated to cultural workshops, tours, and exchanges with local Chinese high school students. Students live the language through carefully vetted homestays, shared apartments, or campus dormitories, ensuring daily practice and a deep connection to local life. With round-the-clock supervision and support from our dedicated coordinators, safety and guidance are paramount. This transformative journey builds more than language skills—it fosters global citizenship, enhances university applications, and creates lifelong international friendships. Choose from flexible short-term summer camps or semester-long programs, all tailored to fit individual academic goals.

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. In the stunning Kruger region, you have the chance to take action on some of the world's most pertinent issues through immersive Community projects, and impactful Environmental work. Through our life-changing Adventure Leadership Trek you will develop skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. What are you waiting for? The Greater Kruger area is located between Mozambique, Eswatini, and the world-famous Kruger National Park itself. In comparison to Cape Town, this area encapsulates Africa at its heart, not to mention boasting year-round sunshine. It is a wildlife haven with natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world. You'll most likely spot plenty of wildlife while you're on our environmental project and trek. You'll be with experienced guides if you're in areas with any of the big 5. Whether you are taking a gap year or want to do something meaningful in your summer, join young volunteers from across the world and a community of thousands of Raleigh Alumni.

Step into the wild and learn to lead on Canada’s remote rivers with MHO Adventures, a renowned canoe tripping company based in Huntsville, Ontario. The River Roots program is a 42-day immersive wilderness experience designed for those seeking challenge, purpose, and connection during their gap year or personal journey. Over six adventure-filled weeks, you’ll learn to paddle whitewater, live in the backcountry, and build leadership skills that last a lifetime. Earn up to 5+ certifications, including Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician, while developing teamwork, risk management, and facilitation skills that extend far beyond the trail. The program culminates in a 21-day whitewater canoe expedition, fully planned and led by participants under the mentorship of experienced instructors. It’s the ultimate opportunity to test your skills, grow your confidence, and experience the freedom of true wilderness travel. Whether you’re taking time between studies or exploring your next step, River Roots offers an unforgettable journey of adventure, skill-building, and self-discovery in the heart of Canada’s wilderness.

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Immerse yourself in local life in northern Tanzania on this high school service program. Collaborate with local residents on construction, agriculture, and education projects, learning firsthand about Tanzanian culture and community life. Play soccer with local children, practice Swahili, and explore your host village on hikes and craft workshops. Conclude your journey with a guided safari through Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, and visit a traditional Maasai boma to connect with pastoralist life in this iconic East African landscape.

"Breathtaking" perfectly captures the natural splendor of this teen travel adventure, which features the majestic Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and Banff and Jasper National Parks. "Adrenaline-pumping" describes the thrilling activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, downhill karting, professional surfing lessons, and an exhilarating dune buggy experience. "Awesome" best reflects the laid-back charm of Seattle and the relaxing beach time in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Our experienced and caring summer program leaders accompany participants throughout this 17-day journey through the USA and Canada, creating a close-knit, inclusive group atmosphere. Teens on this tour explore unforgettable destinations while forming lifelong connections. They join in the first 17 days of the extended 25-day Northwestern Odyssey program.

In a country where the phrase "gross national happiness" appears on a list of key development metrics, Bhutan encourages us to ask what we can learn about notions of "happiness" as contributors to our own quality of life. Our journey into the Himalayan region gives us rare access to the sacredness of the vast and wild landscapes, challenging us to reevaluate commonly held notions of our role in the natural world. Since the arrival of television in 1999 and a cascade of global influences, Bhutan has experienced a steady increase in foreign tourism, which contradicts long-held traditions. How can we understand the pressures and adaptations of Bhutanese culture in the face of a globalizing world? In our questioning and exploration of Bhutan in this summer abroad program, we hope to understand better the worldviews and assumptions that shape our lives and happiness back home.

Experience an unforgettable adventure with fellow Girl Scouts from across the United States! Our GSUSA Destinations courses in Costa Rica and Panama will give you an opportunity to visit remote rainforest villages with family homestays, serve local communities, scuba dive among the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean Ocean, protect the region’s fragile ecosystem, catch waves on famous warm water breaks and offers many other adventure opportunities with each course. Immerse yourself in a new language and culture while discovering your inner strengths and leadership skills. Create life-long friendships along the way. Our GSUSA Destinations courses are open to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA. Girl Scouts must apply to participate through the GSUSA Destinations program and be between 13-18 years old at the time of course. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*