
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



ActionQuest Summer Adventure Programs
47
Living aboard sailing yachts in small groups of 11 to 13 teenagers of similar ages, ActionQuest students discover the British Virgin Islands, lea...
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
842
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 Conservatio
See All 10 ProgramsGoEco - 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 25 ProgramsPacific Discovery
40
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. Jo
See All 8 ProgramsTravel For Teens
20
We will explore the historical city of Chiang Mai, basking in the down-to-earth charm of this northern gem, shopping at local markets, enjoying a traditional Thai massage, and seeing lavish historic temples. Get ready to spend a day white water rafting down the mighty Pai River, taking in the scenic
See All 9 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
51
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 out
See All 11 ProgramsARCC Programs
5
Join us for a transformative 21-day cultural immersion in Australia and Fiji. We start in Fiji with a warm welcome ceremony, engaging in hands-on cooking classes to explore the diverse flavors of Fijian cuisine. Our community service focuses on a meaningful meal program that empowers Fijian women an
See All 7 ProgramsInterExchange
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?).
MAXIMO NIVEL
48
Work, study, and travel in Latin America with Maximo Nivel. Join our diverse teams in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru for an immersive experience like no other! Maximo Nivel has been the leading educational travel and study abroad provider in Latin America since 2003. Across 4 modern campuses, ever
See All 4 ProgramsGoBeyond Student Travel
4
Discover Australia, one of the most environmentally and socially diverse places on earth. Beginning with a thrilling surf session in Sydney, you’ll be riding a wave of excitement until the very last minute. Whether you’re living aboard a yacht sailing the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, visiting the
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
Penda Photo Tours
0
Spend 28 days exploring the underwater world through photography on South Africa’s vibrant KwaZulu-Natal coast. This hands-on program is designed for students and emerging photographers who want to build their skills in a real-world setting. With guidance from professional underwater photographers,
Marine Conservation Philippines
12
Discover the wonders of marine life in the Philippines while helping to save its oceans with Marine Conservation Philippines (MCP). As a volunteer, you'll get hands-on experience in protecting coral reefs, from building artificial reefs to surveying underwater ecosystems. These surveys help scientis
Gapforce
6
Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao’s abundant and diverse coral reefs offer some of the finest scuba diving found anywhere on the planet! The perfect location to maximize your diving and reef ecology experience, this exciting and in-depth program has been spe
See All 3 ProgramsLuderitz Blue School
2
Do you love the ocean — and want to share that passion with the next generation? At Luderitz Blue School, Namibia's only IOC-UNESCO Blue School, ocean literacy isn't a subject — it's a way of life. As an intern, you'll become part of a unique school community where every week brings beach clean-ups,
See All 2 ProgramsKaya Responsible Travel
1
Volunteer abroad in Mozambique on this research and conservation project in Tofo, a beach town on the eastern shores of Inhambane Peninsula. This project collaborates with a few international marine research bodies, including the Ecocean global whale shark database. The Marine Research and Whale
See All 2 ProgramsWestcoast Connection
15
Join us this summer on an amazing Greece and Italy adventure travel program for teens. Explore ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes, and savour the freshest, most incredible food in this program that takes you off the beaten path. See breathtaking views from the seaside villages of Cinq
See All 6 ProgramsOceans Research Institute
1
Oceans Research’s field course offers aspiring researchers and conservationists the opportunity to gain practical field research experience alongside leading marine biologists. Participants actively contribute to marine research, studying the diverse marine fauna of southern Africa, including great
Love Volunteers
0
This program aims to bring a lasting, positive impact on the lives of some of Cape Town’s most impoverished children and youth ages 6 - 13. Volunteers are placed in a physical education program that runs in conjunction with the local public primary school curriculum. They help deliver a sports progr
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
From the crystal clear waters of Iceland’s silfra fissure to the colorful expanse known as the Great Barrier Reef, when it comes to scuba diving, the world is your oyster. Scuba diving can be found anywhere there is coastline, but no two scuba adventures will be the same.
Southeast Asia is practically the capital of overseas adventure travel. It is also a region that boasts a splendor of reefs and wreckages that will be leave you breathless (the good kind of breathless). You can glide through the 26 Japanese naval ships sunk by U.S. air raids during WWII within the Calamian Islands of the Philippines. If history really isn’t your thing, try Sipadan Island in Malaysia; it has been voted one of “The Top Dive Destination in the World”, so you can’t go wrong, right? ARound Sipadan Island you can enjoy some of the greatest biodiversity found on Earth. No matter where you decide to scuba dive in Southeast Asia, your underwater selfies will have everyone talking.
The Caribbean is home to warm, turquoise waters and some of the ocean’s largest characters. Dive deep inside the iconic Great Blue Hole in Belize, where a shallow marine playground meets a sudden 400 foot abyss. Alternatively, the Cayman Islands offer over 160 popular dive sites including a city of stingrays and the Bahamas are known for letting you get up close and personal to all your favorite shark species. How many of your friends can say they’ve high fived a shark? So, leave your fears on the white, sandy shores and plunge into the Caribbean’s vibrant waters though scuba diving ASAP.
Whether you wish to dip beneath the waves for only a day or give Jacques Cousteau a run for his money, there are scuba diving lessons perfect for your next adventure.
You’ll find that day trips are the most popular option for scuba diving abroad, especially among travelers who like to go with the flow. Dive shops around popular scuba diving locations usually allow for short-notice reservations and equipment rentals for two tank boat dives. These scuba diving lessons are commonly in larger groups, less technical, and perfect for those wishing to escape gravity for an afternoon then move on to the next adventure.
Many of these dive shops offer multi-day excursions, where you’ll return ashore in the evenings. These are great options for those who want to hone their scuba diving skills and get comfortable in the water, without missing out on those unforgettable seaside sunsets.
Private scuba diving tours are always an option too, offering tailored scuba diving lessons for you and your fellow travelers. Just be prepared to hand over any buried treasure chests you find if you go this route.
For the adventurers who wish to swim against the current then stay there for awhile, liveaboard programs will take you to the world’s most remote dive sites, in style. Lasting anywhere from one to three weeks, you’ll rack up the nautical miles by living aboard a vessel with other divers who share your seafaring nerve. It’s like the aquatic equivalent of the road less traveled. You’ll spend your days exploring the open water and all its wonders, then spend your evenings swapping stories before the ocean sways you to sleep. You don’t have to be a master diver to embark on a liveaboard scuba diving program, just know you’ll be earning those sea legs.
The beauty of scuba diving is that you can splash around the seven seas (although we don’t particularly recommend the Arctic) during any season. Well, that and you won’t receive any work emails underwater! Weather does play an integral role in the ocean and its behavior, so do yourself a favor and don’t flounder about during any storms and never enter the water without a master diver.
Scuba diving abroad will leave you smiling for hours, even after you dry off. It’s difficult putting in words the sheer awe of scuba diving adventures that few get to experience, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself.
Unlike ziplining, you can’t just show up: a scuba diving certification is a must, as most dive shops around the world will require an open water diving certification. This will teach you the basic principles and skills of scuba diving, either in a classroom or online. Did you know you can even receive college credit for earning your scuba diving certification? See ya later, underwater basket weaving.
Scuba diving certification is important as it teaches you how to relax, communicate, and navigate the water safely. You’ll also learn that scuba is an acronym, for you trivia buffs out there. Scuba diving certification costs about $200 to $250, but don’t worry, no one has ever regretted it.
When embarking on your first scuba adventure, choose a location that matches your interests. If you would rather dance with marine life in the sunny tropics, then it’s okay to forego that nighttime wreck dive. Even though you’ll never get bored of swimming in your niche, the best adventure travelers aren’t afraid to mix it up. Oh, and don’t forget an underwater camera; it’ll help during those times when the ocean leaves you absolutely speechless.
Being underwater is an unmatched experience of serenity. Scuba diving provide a quiet exploration of a world where your surface problems simply don’t exist. That being said, scuba diving can be adrenaline-filled, even in those peaceful moments. Learning how to stay calm and collected despite the constant excitements is a balance you’ll have to embrace during your scuba diving lessons.
Scuba diving may appear daunting, even for the most seasoned thrill seekers. Before you opt out and trade in the wetsuit for a snorkel, know that scuba diving is actually pretty easy. With the right instruction, anyone over the age of 10 can do it! All it takes is some deep breaths and knowing where to go next. If only life on land was that easy...
Most scuba diving certification requirements include several open water dives to apply the skills from your coursework. For those who live far away from large bodies of water, this may require some travel prior to receiving your certification. Open water dive training can be found all over the world. From the crystal lakes of the Rocky Mountains to the inland quarries of the United Kingdom, we trust you can turn finalizing your scuba diving certification into one epic weekend.
Arguably the most challenging thing about scuba diving is that you’ll never want to stop. The salty kiss of sapphire waters, the bond between animal and sea, and the friends you’ll make along the way make scuba diving a lifelong activity.
To see the world but ignore the seas is downright irresponsible. Scuba diving is a change of pace, the experience of a lifetime, and a chance to one-up all those engagement photos on your timeline. The ocean is wild, free, and everything a true traveler strives to be so go explore it.
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: Caribbean Scuba and Sailing Voyage
Broadreach is the best thing to do during your summer. I think that my biggest concern when going on my trip was that I might not have any friends on my boat and that was not the case at ALL. The diving is insane and every day is just nonstop fun. By being away from the world with just a couple of kids your age you will be best friends with everyone on that boat. You dive together, you sail together, you cook together, eat together, clean together, and you become a family. I had the best time of my life and there is really nothing like it.
Program: St. Martin & the Leeward Islands: Advanced Scuba & Sailing
This 12-day Broadreach voyage was hands-down the most elective, life-changing adventure I’ve ever had. From the second you step onto the catamaran in St. Martin, you aren't treated like a tourist—you are part of a real crew, hoisting sails and navigating the Leeward Islands. The diving is absolutely world-class; dropping into the deep blue at Saba to explore legendary underwater pinnacles like Diamond Rock felt like entering another planet. Over just 12 days, the growth you experience is wild, taking you all the way through your PADI Advanced and Rescue Diver certifications with instructors who are incredibly professional, encouraging, and safe. But what really makes this trip unbeatable is the liveaboard lifestyle—waking up to Caribbean sunrises, cooking together on deck, and stargazing every night with a group of strangers who instantly become your lifelong best friends. If you want cool summer that gets action packed this trip is for you.
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: St. Lucia: Advanced Scuba Voyage
Oh man, where do I begin? Broadreach has given me some of the most incredible experiences, memories, and skills in my life while being able to explore so many new places across the world! I got to try a whole lot of new food, give back to the communities across the world with service projects, see new life, gain new skills diving and sailing, and make lots of new friends and memories along the way! I remember one memory fondly where one of our instructors was able to make a lemon float mid-air using an air tank during some downtime, and its still one of the most bizarre but fun memories I have! I hope I can go back to sail with Broadreach again some day!
Program: Caribbean Scuba and Sailing Voyage
EXTREMELY FUN EXPERIENCE!! In summer of 2024, I did the 12 day Snorkeling + Sailing trip and it was an incredibly unforgettable experience. I especially enjoyed visiting the various islands included in my itinerary, cooking meals for the rest of the crew, and just having a fun, relaxing time! Highly recommend this for anyone looking for a fun time for their teen! I’m going next summer too! Edit 1: In summer of 2025, I attended the 12 day Scuba Diving and Sailing trip and it was (once again) spectacular. I was skeptical about scuba diving at first, but the instructors on my boat made sure myself and all of my other crew mates feel properly prepared and accommodated for the activity. I really enjoyed everything from the previous trip and ESPECIALLY recommend doing the scuba route which is truly unforgettable (we literally had a shark swim with us in Saba!). Yes, of course I still highly recommend Broadreach. To Broadreach: sorry, you're stuck with me (I'm gonna keep coming back :) Edit 2: Summer 2026 I attended the 17 day sailing and scuba adventures as part of the first program from June 14 to July 1st. When I tell you, this was my favorite Broadreach trip (so far) I mean it!!!!!!! 17 days was a much more laid-back experience and now that I am in high school it was so nice to have more chill, laid back students and instructors. We scuba dive so much and the certifications we got were well worthwhile. We did community service on Statia and Saba and overall had the time of our lives!! Don’t worry, Broadreach, I will be coming back :).
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.
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...
Read Full Interview
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...
Read Full Interview
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.
Read Full Interview
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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