
Lilas Hampe
RealStep
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by the idea of experiencing something completely different from my everyday routine. The thought of waking up just steps a...
Read Full Interview

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
26
From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to trekking through lush rainforests to analyzing blood test results, GoEco has you covered for your biological research volunteer opportunity or internship abroad! Join us in any destination to be a part of the solution. Adding photo ide
See All 5 ProgramsPacific Discovery
31
Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands
See All 4 ProgramsGapforce
31
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
Travel For Teens
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Fiji, the Land of Smiles, is an unbelievable island destination you never knew you needed to explore. Earn up to 20 hours of service credit when you help improve the facilities of a local island school. Your hard work has a direct positive impact on the lives of the school children you’ll see as lit
InterExchange
1
Explore the best of Australia with a 12-month visa. You'll have the ability to choose where you live, travel, and work; receiving support in the background during your adventure! Earn money to fund your travels, make a million friends and memories, and maybe take a side trip or two (Fiji anyone?).
Go Abroad China Ltd.
23
Go Abroad China’s High School Chinese Language Immersion Program is designed for international students aged 13–18 who want to learn Chinese in China while experiencing authentic Chinese culture in a safe and supportive environment. Students can choose from University Chinese Language Programs, Sm
Westcoast Connection
0
Join Westcoast Connection on a teen Global Adventure this summer in the Czech Republic, a fascinating country that breathes the history of Europe through the walls of its historic castles, on the banks of its rivers, and behind the gates of its fortresses. Perched on the banks of the legendary Vltav
See All 5 ProgramsGlobal Work & Travel
0
See every side of Thailand on one unforgettable 15-day small-group adventure from Bangkok and the mountain towns of the north to the tropical beaches and islands of the south. Explore Bangkok by tuk tuk and canal boat, visit ancient temples in Chiang Mai, meet rescued elephants at an ethical sanctua
Spanish Gap Year
0
Meaningful, curriculum-aligned travel brings Spanish language and culture to life for your students. Our fully guided School Tours are tailored to each group’s needs, with round-trip airport transfers, full-board homestay or dorm accommodations, and Spanish lessons matched to proficiency levels. A
Intercultura Costa Rica
6
Ready for the ultimate summer in Costa Rica? Our Teen Summer Adventure Camp is a chance to improve your Spanish while exploring tropical beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and some of the most incredible places on the planet. After your fun, active Spanish classes (both in the city and at our amaz
Gama Travel and Tour Agency
0
30-Day Rwanda Academic & Professional Tour: The 30-Day Rwanda Academic & Professional Tour, organized by Gama Travel & Tour Agency in Rwanda – the Land of a Thousand Hills – offers international students, professors, and university staff an immersive academic and experiential learning program. This
Warriors Academy
121
Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quest
Loop Abroad
26
This 10-day program is open to Loop Abroad alumni (students and staff) and their partners, family, and friends. We are so excited to show you our favorite people, places, foods, and activities in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We first offered this trip for our 15th anniversary, and it was such a hit that we
See All 2 ProgramsPure Exploration
38
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
See All 2 ProgramsOutward Bound Costa Rica
26
We believe that the best things in life are personalized; so we’ve launched our custom courses for 5 or more people. Tell us your dates, duration, and activities—we’ll do the rest! Step by step, we’ll create an unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica or Panama. Bring 7 others on your custom course and
Kyosei Foundation
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Discover Tanzania while making a real difference. Join the Kyosei Foundation and support education and farming at Kyosei Pre & Primary School. Work on an organic farm project that provides food for students and teaches sustainable agriculture. Engage with children through education, sports, and life
See All 2 ProgramsCanyoning Korea
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Experience the thrill of canyoning with Canyoning Korea, the pioneers of commercial canyoning in South Korea. Offering private tours tailored to your schedule, Canyoning Korea provides a range of adventures suitable for beginners and experienced canyoneers alike. Explore the pristine wilderness, rap
Orangutan Sumatra Tours
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Orangutan Sumatra Tours is a premier Bukit Lawang orangutan trekking and jungle adventure tour operator in North Sumatra, Indonesia, offering unforgettable wildlife experiences in the heart of the world-famous Gunung Leuser National Park. Specializing in Sumatra orangutan tours, jungle trekking, an
Trips adventure
0
Challenge yourself to climb the highest peak in North Africa in 2 days. The tour starts and finishes in the vibrant city of Marrakech, and includes transport to and from Imlil. You will trek with a local English-speaking guide, a local cook, and mules to carry your luggage. After the first day spen
Fountain of Grace rescue centre Kenya
0
The Teaching & Mentorship Program at Fountain of Grace Rescue Centre supports vulnerable children through education, guidance, and life skills development. Volunteers and partners help improve learning outcomes and build confidence through classroom support, homework assistance, reading activities,
Pick any country and there are likely caves hidden among the trees, along coastlines, or within thick ice sheets. While caves are everywhere, chances are, you’re a novice spelunker and for safety reasons, it’s best to go where man has gone before. Some countries are considered superstars on the caving scene, because of their magnificent caverns, reflective pools, and varied speleothems, so these destinations are guaranteed to please.
Costa Rica is a mecca for outdoor adventures, so it’s no surprise that this Central American country is hiding stunning caves beneath its rainforest exterior. This small country of 4.5 million people is big on conservation and has received praise for protecting 25 percent of its land; this protection extends to its underground wonders, too. The Venado caves near Volcán Arenal boast stalagmites and stalactites in excess, marine fossils from ancient sea beds, and four different species of bats. Barra Honda National Park has over 40 caverns to explore, all accessed by vertical tunnels requiring climbing equipment. Sea caves are also ripe for exploration via kayak at Ballena National Marine Park.
On the other side of the world, New Zealand is the perfect location for cavers of all levels. This group of islands in the South Pacific has a distinct topography and rich biodiversity that makes underground explorations all the more exciting. The Waitomo caves on the North Island entice visitors with limestone karst formations and the famous Glowworm Grotto, where you can peer up at millions of glowworms, twinkling like stars in the night sky. The South Island also has several notable caves, including the deepest sinkhole in the Southern Hemisphere. At almost 600 feet deep, that’s one hole you don’t want to fall into!
For those more interested in history, Belize offers up geologic wonders alongside ancient artifacts. This Caribbean country highly values the environment, so both its forests and coastal reefs enjoy a large degree of protection. Belize is also brimming with archeological history dating back to the Mayan civilizations of 2500 BC. The country has the biggest cave in Central America, the Chiquibul Cave System, as well as the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, which houses stoneware relics and fossilized skeletons. Other caves in the country, such as the Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, allow visitors to view Mayan paintings and search for eyeless cave fish.
As cool as caving tours sound, you probably don’t want to spend your entire vacation underground. Let’s face it, the dripping water, creepy crawlies, and freeze-dried meals would get old quickly. The beauty of exploring caves is that it’s easy to integrate your experience into a well-rounded, adventure-filled trip in whatever country you choose.
Many caving adventures are part of a predetermined itinerary, which you’ll experience with a group of fellow travelers. Programs especially for teenagers, gap year students, and college students, all incorporate caving as a way to explore the outdoors, get to know the country, and promote team-building. These caving adventures can last from ten days up to a whole semester and are usually highly-structured, with accommodations, transportation, and activities pre-arranged for you. In addition to caving during your time abroad, you’ll likely get to try out rafting, hiking, or climbing, among other outdoor adventures.
In other cases, caving tours can be arranged independently. If you’re studying in Spain or volunteering in China, for example, there are many opportunities to arrange a caving tour in your spare time. In situations such as these, be sure that you have researched the company or guide and trust that they are reputable. Caving can be serious business, and safety should be your number one priority.
Caving is an outdoor activity that you can do in any type of weather; nothing blocks wind, rain, or sun better than stone walls! Often times, caves are cooler than surface temperatures, which can be a relief in tropical climates, but may necessitate a jacket in cooler regions. In some cases, rivers flow through caves and rain can create dangerous flood conditions, so be sure to check in with your guide before departure.
Exploring caves isn’t for everyone, but luckily there are different caves for various comfort levels. Some caving tours involve walking on paved pathways through large caverns with handrails and spotlights installed for ease of movement. Other caves can only be accessed by rappelling down into narrow tunnels, where flashlights and helmets are required. Whatever you choose to do, there are some key things to consider to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Do your research. Learn about the cave, how its tours work, and consider what is involved. Some people can feel claustrophobic when entering small spaces, and if you do too, an extreme spelunking tour probably isn’t the right choice. Ensure that your caving adventure is the right match for your physical and mental ability, and that the guide is dependable and safety-conscious.
Once you’ve assessed what kind of spelunking is best for you, determine what gear you’ll need. For a short stroll on easy terrain, you may only need a light jacket and tennis shoes. If you’ll be crawling around or using ropes and harnesses, you may need more substantial clothing that can withstand abrasion, as well as sturdy shoes. For caving adventures involving water, make sure everything you bring is waterproof, including your camera! Always check in with the tour operator to ensure you’re fully prepared for your spelunking experience.
Participating in a caving adventure overseas is an excellent opportunity to explore parts of the world that are rarely seen. Many caves have only been explored in recent centuries and contain remarkable geological and biological diversity. Others have been used by people for millennia and are a significant part of human history. Exploring caves is a way to learn more about our planet and its people.
More adventurous caving tours are not for the faint of heart and involve a lot of preparation. You’ll need to be well-versed in ascending and descending ropes, tying various knots, and self-rescue techniques, as well as cave conservation methods. For those up to the challenge, completing an intense caving experience provides a huge confidence boost and a well-deserved sense of accomplishment.
That being said, remember that caving can be dangerous. You’re entering spaces that are difficult to access and accidents, such as rockfall, can happen. Most cave tours are perfectly safe, but always be aware of your surroundings and follow your guide’s instructions to minimize the chances of something going wrong.
Ready to explore the world from underground? Whether you’re snapping photos of rare cave salamanders, learning the difference between helictites and flowstones, or viewing the traces of ancient civilizations, caves are unique environments that are as varied as the countries in which they’re found. As you travel and explore the world, check out the caves around you. You’ll learn more about the land on which you’re standing and gain an appreciation for what’s hidden deep below its surface, too.
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and would recommend to anyone! So much fun and could take part in an array or activities including sky diving and hiking. I’ve learnt so much and met so many amazing people!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
I had an amazing time and I Genuinly had the best time ever ! All the staff were so kind and fun and they made the trip so much fun for all of us! Every day we did such cool activities and we were never bored - all the places we stayed were so nice and South Africa is such an amazing country, if I could do it again I would !



Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
What an amazing adventure trip! Rowena, Divan and Brett were all fantastic and made the experience so special. Full of excitement, fun and unforgettable memories, it was truly an incredible adventure!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors was really great and i had an amazing week where i met amazing people, pushed myself and had the best time. My favorite activities included volounteering at a crèche, meeting elephants, skydiving and hiking. Thank you!

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Best week of my life instructors were incredible every moment was so special would do it all over again if I had the option. Never a dull moment, the whole team was so special and kind. The activities made the experience insane !
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
The staff were all so friendly and encouraging, I loved meeting lots of new people and i loved all the activities especially the sky diving. The food was all delicious especially the traditional south african ones
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This program is extremely well organized in terms of activities and trips, all accommodations are of high quality and safe. Activities are extremely safe, and promote self growth, as well as give a thrilling experience. The base camp is beautiful and nature filled. 10/10.👍

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Doing MAI is so worth it I learnt even more this year than I did last year. Being in a leading position taught me patients and how to deal with many different people and personalities. Each adventure made me closer with each person whether they were facilitators or students
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
My experience at Warriors Academy has been one of the best experiences of my life. When I first arrived, I knew I was going to do a lot of activities and meet new people, but I never expected to leave with so many memories, friendships, and lessons that would change the way I look at life. Warriors has taught me so much about myself. I have learned to push myself out of my comfort zone, face my fears, and try things I never thought I would be able to do. From hiking mountains and rafting rivers to abseiling, swimming, and taking part in different challenges, every activity taught me something new. There were times when things were difficult, but those moments helped me realise that I am capable of more than I sometimes believe. One of the biggest things I will take away from Warriors is the people I have met. The friendships I have made mean more to me than words can explain. The people on the farm have become like a family to me, and I will always be grateful for the role they have played in my life. I have met people I look up to, people who have challenged me to become better, and people who have made me laugh even when things were tough. The memories we have made together are something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The staff and instructors have also played a massive role in my journey. They have helped me learn new skills, overcome challenges, and understand the importance of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership. They have shown me that growth does not always happen when things are easy, but often when we are uncomfortable and have to push through challenges. Warriors has also helped me appreciate the small things in life. Spending time around the fire, having conversations with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and laughing together are moments I will miss more than I can explain. Sometimes, it is the simplest moments that become the best memories. Looking back, I can honestly say that I did not leave Warriors as the same person who arrived. I have grown in confidence, learned more about who I am, and gained a better understanding of the person I want to become. I still have a lot to learn, but Warriors has given me a strong foundation to keep growing. Leaving is not easy because I am leaving behind people and a place that have become such a big part of my life. However, I know that the purpose of this journey was never to stay comfortable forever, but to grow and take what I have learned into the world. I will forever be thankful for my time at Warriors Academy. The experiences, friendships, lessons, and memories will always have a special place in my heart. Warriors was more than just a gap year. It was a chapter of my life that helped shape the man I am becoming, and I will never forget it.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
The MAI program at Warriors Academy was an incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I gained valuable qualifications, developed my leadership and guiding skills, and discovered just how much I’m capable of. The program challenged me in ways I never expected, while giving me the opportunity to learn, grow, and experience amazing adventures. I’m so grateful for the skills, friendships, and memories I’ve gained, and I would highly recommend MAI to anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to challenge themselves!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Completing the Fourth Quest at Warriors Academy was the ultimate capstone to my journey. As the final quest, it focused heavily on bringing everything we had learned together—stepping up into true leadership, taking ownership, and pushing past mental limits. From high-adrenaline outdoor adventures to deep personal reflection, every single day challenged me to move far beyond my comfort zone
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors changed my life in so many ways. it gives you opportunities that you never thought would come your way, and connections with people you never thought could be so special. I absolutely recommend this program for everyone.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
When i first arrived i had no clue what to expect since i signed up very late. I began the first week thinking the quest would never and but every day i started to enjoy the things more and i made a lot of new friends. I had the tike of my life with amazing activities!! Today is my last day here and honestly, i wished it would last longer. I had an amazing time and i would definitely reccomend it!!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
It is an amazing program the people and the staff are amazing they will always make sure that you are safe and if there is a problem they are always there to help What i learned while at Warriors i insane i learned about myself and how to work with others
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors Academy has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. Through exciting outdoor challenges and unforgettable experiences, I’ve developed valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, resilience, and adventure activities. Every day has pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone while doing what I love most. The incredible people, the breathtaking experiences, and the constant opportunities to learn have made my time at Warriors Academy the time of my life.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors is one of the best experiences of my life. I have done things I thought I would never do. If you are an adventurous person and love taking on a challenge, I recommend taking a quest at Warriors Academy. The location is incredibly beautiful, and every place you visit is even more beautiful than the last. The guides and everyone at Warriors are so kind and help you with everything needed. The things you learn and do here are things you can't just do anywhere; that is what makes it so incredibly special.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Summer Quest at Warriors Academy was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. The environment was welcoming from day one, and the instructors really took time to help everyone improve while still keeping things fun. I built confidence, made great friends, and learned a lot both on and off the court. The energy, structure, and support made it unforgettable. Definitely a 5-star experience I’d recommend to anyone looking to grow and enjoy the game.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
My experience at Warriors has been both challenging and rewarding. From the very beginning, I was welcomed into an environment that encouraged growth, discipline, and teamwork. The atmosphere was energetic, and every day brought a new opportunity to learn something valuable. Whether it was improving my skills, building confidence, or working with others, I constantly felt motivated to push myself further. One of the most memorable aspects of my time at Warriors was the strong sense of community. Everyone supported each other, and there was always a feeling that we were working toward a common goal. This made even the toughest moments easier to handle, as I knew I was not alone in my journey. There were also moments of difficulty, where I had to overcome challenges and step outside of my comfort zone. However, these experiences helped me grow stronger and more resilient. I learned the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
I have nothing but good reviews for this program. The instructors are amazing and they do a great job of pushing you out of your comfort zone while still making you feel supported. They genuinely care about your growth, not just physically but mentally as well. The environment can be challenging at times, but that’s what makes it so impactful. I’ve learned a lot about discipline, resilience, and myself overall. It’s also such a strong community, and the people really make the experience. I have grown so much this quest and I can’t wait for another.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
The self-mastery session really challenged me and helped me grow. Then we did a cycle safari, followed by a hike that led straight into an exciting rafting experience. An unforgettable gap year adventure.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Lilas Hampe
RealStep
AlumniI was inspired to go abroad by the idea of experiencing something completely different from my everyday routine. The thought of waking up just steps a...
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Olivia Haan 2018
Travel For Teens
AlumniI have been abroad a few times now but I was very drawn to China based on its history and culture. I have been to Thailand before but wanted to explor...
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Carmen Ruiz Ricca
Worldwide Friends Iceland
AlumniI have always loved travelling around, so when I came across this program I thought it was such a great way to get to know this thrilling country.
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Savannah Petrelli
Travel For Teens
AlumniEver since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see an...
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Rachel Lyon
The Real Uganda
AlumniMy passion to work with children in childcare and my desire to travel whilst also volunteering
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Daan de Kraay
Nullarbor Traveller
AlumniI wanted to see the world and explore to see how Australia looked. I've heard many many stories about this country and they were all true!
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Kimberley Maessen
Nullarbor Traveller
AlumniI always enjoyed traveling and exploring new countries, which was also the main reason for choosing to study tourism.
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Blake Powel
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
AlumniI love to travel and, specifically traveling abroad, as a way to broaden my cultural awareness. As I am usually traveling with friends or family, I wa...
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Ashley Allen
Travel For Teens
AlumniUltimately my love for adventure, cultural exploration, and stories. I wanted to experience life abroad before I went to university that would allow m...
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Michaela Rubenstein
University Studies Abroad Consortium
AlumniMy parents really pushed me to go abroad because they knew it would make me a well-rounded individual and they regretted not doing it themselves. I al...
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Ivanya Johnson
Broadreach
AlumniMy Mom found Broadreach for me; she knew that I loved adventure, meeting new people, and learning more about the world we live in. Each year I choose ...
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Dallas Fawson
Discover Corps
AlumniThis contrast can be seen in the beautiful church facade in San Andrés Xecul; though it is a Catholic church, it was constructed by Mayan slaves, and ...
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Matthew Ambrogi
Where There Be Dragons
AlumniFirst off, it wasn't an easy decision. But, for me, it was something I had to do. I was in my freshman year of college, working so hard everyday for a...
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Natalie Craun
Global Leadership Adventures
AlumniI wanted to discover what life was like in a developing country, step outside of my comfort zone, and sharpen my social and leadership skills.
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Sydney Harned 2014
Broadreach
AlumniI’d always had a hunch that I wanted to go on to get my Divemaster certification, and after diving the past two summers with broadreach I knew that Sc...
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Sydney Harned 2011
Broadreach
AlumniI’d always been interested in traveling abroad, especially to study marine science. I thought it would be a great experience for me to learn more abou...
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Sally Short
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre
AlumniI love to Travel and I love to dive, The UK is too cold!!!
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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