
Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
Read Full Interview

with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
VAC Internships Cape Town
73
The VAC GAP Year Internship Program offers the perfect blend of professional skill-building, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures, all set in the stunning city of Cape Town. This unique, college-level experience is designed specifically for pre-college students, with no prior experience
Seamester 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 9 ProgramsInternational 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 41 ProgramsSemester at Sea
47
Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective t
See All 6 ProgramsInternational TEFL Academy
0
A job teaching English in Senegal is a fantastic way to live overseas and get paid to travel the world! Armed with an International TEFL Academy TEFL/TESOL certification, you will be able to work abroad teaching English while getting paid. After taking our course, you can quickly begin working in ma
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
77
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, wildli
See All 47 ProgramsQuest
14
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-belie
See All 4 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
168
International Medical Aid’s Pre-Med and Global Health Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and healthcare professionals interested in learning from local teams. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to their age and pr
See All 15 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 3 ProgramsGapforce
25
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 m
See All 4 ProgramsAfrican Conservation Experience
9
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 prof
Cultural Homestay International
5
Our host families volunteer to open their homes to you and welcome you in as a member of their families. This means they truly want to share their language and culture with you while learning about your language and culture. Instead of paying for language courses, our host families believe that hos
Carpe Diem Education
13
A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challe
See All 2 ProgramsWhere There Be Dragons
1
Experience the westernmost outpost of the Arab world. Travel from forested mountains to the Sahara Desert while studying different languages, faiths, and cultures across the Straits of Gibraltar. From the rise and fall of empires to the cross-cultural exchanges that have left an indelible mark on b
See All 2 ProgramsRaleigh International
1
If you want a gap year or travel experience where you’ll see some incredible wildlife in their natural environment and get to work in communities with some of the most positive people you’ll ever meet – South Africa is the one. The Greater Kruger is one of Africa's great wilderness areas, in the s
Volunteer Safari Initiative
3
Join us in Kenya for an unforgettable wildlife conservation project that combines your passion for protecting nature with hands-on action to preserve our planet’s incredible biodiversity. Make a lasting impact on Kenya’s precious wildlife and ecosystems as you immerse yourself in conservation work.
Intern Abroad HQ
89
Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations ac
See All 7 ProgramsLuderitz Blue School
3
Looking for a teaching internship abroad with real classroom responsibility — not just observation? At Lüderitz Blue School, Southern Namibia's only international Cambridge IGCSE school, you'll teach or tutor motivated students in a small, close-knit environment where your subject expertise genuinel
See All 9 ProgramsAfrican Impact
520
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
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
1
Volunteer in Asia and combine your travels with our exciting program which takes you through Kerala in South India, Sri Lanka and Nepal. We believe that travel should be responsible and we also believe that you should see as many new places as possible so that you can expand your mind, broaden your
See All 3 ProgramsWith so many countries to choose from for Africa gap years, how can you possibly narrow it down? Rest assured, Africa has something for everyone.
South Africa. Called the Rainbow Nation, South Africa boasts stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife, and a complicated past. Watch a Springboks game, visit the Garden Route, camp under the stars, wander around Cape Town, or go on safari. Don’t forget to talk to the locals! They’ll be able to give you the inside scoop on the lesser-known places to visit or activities to do.
Rwanda. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is the place to be for those looking for an experience off the well-worn path. It is not only home to some of the world’s only remaining mountain gorillas, but also to the newly formalized 141 mile Congo-Nile Trail that runs along Lake Kivu. Hikers and bikers make their way down the trail through local villages and coffee farms.
Morocco. For those interested in exploring northern Africa and learning more about its fusion of African and Arab cultures, Morocco is a vibrant place that has it all: cities, mountains, deserts, the ocean. Be prepared to drink tea. Lots of delicious mint tea.
Taking a gap year in Africa will provide you with a chance to fill your experience with a variety of unique activities, from travel and adventure, to volunteering and interning.
Intern. There is no shortage of internship opportunities in Africa for those looking to get more hands-on experience in the field of their interest, from media studies and entrepreneurship to public health and wildlife conservation. With gap year programs in Africa, you can give yourself the chance to gain valuable skills that will set you apart professionally once you return home.
Volunteer. There’s nothing quite like giving back while you’re abroad during a gap year in Africa. Not only do you get to develop your professional skills, but you get to live with and learn from a community that will welcome you warmly.
Language Immersion. Experience the blending of African, Arabic, and European cultures as you take language lessons, sample the cuisine, shop the artisan markets, and get to know the locals. You’ll even learn to cook some of the most popular traditional meals, and dance to local music with gap year programs in Africa.
There’s a lot to consider before committing to a gap year in Africa, so be sure to do your research on things like...
Cost. It’s common for gap year programs in Africa to charge a fee that includes lodging, food, basic training, and in-country support, but the fees don’t include flights, insurance, visa costs, or spending money. Be sure to budget, plan, and save. Crowdfund your experience with FundMyTravel.
Accommodations. Your options for housing will vary wildly during Africa gap years. With an organized program, you’ll likely stay in shared accommodation with other participants or a homestay with a local family. For when you’re traveling solo, consider camping, hostel stays, or organizing your own homestay!
Visas. Your visa ultimately depends on trip duration, location, and activity type. For example, South Africa has both a tourist and a volunteer visa option. Be diligent and contact your local embassy to find out which one is appropriate for you.
Safety. No matter where you go during gap year programs in Africa, you’ll need to be vigilant of your surroundings and play it smart. Traveling solo can be a fun and safe option but do your research first.
TIA—this is Africa. You’ll hear that a lot. Things will go wrong, but it is almost expected. Your train might not run on time (or at all), your meetings might start late (on Africa time), and descriptions of tours or activities won’t always be as advertised. However, that’s part of the experience—be flexible and roll with it!
Africa is rapidly changing. Africa is so much more than the media portrays. It is a continent of contrasts, from deserts to beaches, and rural villages to cosmopolitan cities. You’ll meet people who live traditional pastoral lifestyles and others who are burgeoning entrepreneurs living in the heart of their cities. Be open to challenging your assumptions of the continent and be sure to visit as many different destinations as you can to get a true sense of Africa’s diversity.
Taking a gap year in Africa isn’t for everyone, but it will surely set you apart when you’re ready to apply to college or to your first job. Gappers are by nature curious, globally-minded citizens, and by immersing yourself in other cultures, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of us all—a rare yet valuable quality in this ever-increasingly globalized world.
There’s a lot to consider when thinking about a gap year, like whether or not you’ll go at it alone or as part of some larger organized program. Unsure which path is best for you? Keep reading to learn more about their pros and cons!
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This past quest has been two of the most significant months of my life. Because of Warriors, I have learned to be grateful for every little thing I have in life, and understand how everything has shaped me as a person. I feel so alive and so present. As someone who struggles with mental health, coming to Warriors was an experience that both changed and saved my life. The people are absolutely incredible and will love you to bits. The memories you make and the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. The program, on a surface level, might just look like a ton of cool, extreme activities to invigorate and inspire you, but it's so much more than that. It teaches you to live life to the fullest and builds your confidence in a way you have never seen before. I unlocked my potential this quest, and I hope to see a lot more from myself. I owe so much to this program, and I'd honestly recommend it to anyone. You are so much stronger than you think.

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
We did plenty of things like scuba diving skydiving cycling and a whole lot more. Warriors has alot to offer and it is once in a lifetime activities and the important point of warriors is to get uncomfortable intentionally
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
You are doing the most insane and unbelievable adventures with a group of amazing people from your age. You do a lot of activities in a short period of time what makes it so much fun. Beside the adventures you also get lessons, like having a better mindset, that wil help you in the future.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors Academy was an absolutely incredible experience! The staff are amazing, the activities are exciting, and the whole experience pushes you out of your comfort zone while helping you build confidence, teamwork, and new skills. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you leave with unforgettable memories, great experiences, and friendships that last. I would highly recommend Warriors Academy to anyone looking for adventure, personal growth, and an experience they’ll never forget!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
For anyone unsure of a gap year, warriors is the place to be. I met the best people and had the greatest seven weeks of my life and did things I never thought I would be able too. It was truly an extraordinary experience and there is nothing like it.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Everything from the experiences we were doing to the vibes that the MAIs and facilitators gave was incredible, everyone who had already done this before made u feel instantly more relaxed, comfortable and made sure you knew you were in a safe and friendly space. It was an exhilarating experience overall.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
My experience at Warriors Academy Limpopo was absolutely incredible, and I can honestly say I had the time of my life! It was an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences, challenges, laughter, and memories that I will cherish forever. From the moment I started, every day brought something new and exciting. I loved every second of the journey, from the adventures and activities to the incredible people I met along the way. Warriors Academy gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and experience things I never thought I would. Every moment was an opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will stay with me forever. What made the experience so special was the atmosphere, the people, and the incredible adventures we shared. It is so much more than just an adventure programme; it is an experience that leaves you with a full heart, unforgettable memories, and a whole new appreciation for life. I am incredibly grateful for every moment I got to spend there. Warriors Academy Limpopo is truly something special, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. I loved every minute of it, and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
To my warriors family This quest pushed me further than I ever thought possible and showed me that I am capable of facing my greatest fears. What once intimated me became something I was most passionate about. And I loved every moment of it. Whenever I fell, there were always hands reaching out to lift me up! Through every challenge, success and laugh, strangers became family. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but the strength, support and love we shared will stay with me forever. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Program: Gap Year: Experience Life & Improve Your Soccer in Cape Town
In the last 7 months ive been here its been a very great experience especially in the last weeks or so, the level of football is good and some games are quite intense which is good for football development, joining the 7Elite gap year program has been a major step up in getting closer to playing professional football in south Africa😁👍.
Program: Gap Year: Experience Life & Improve Your Soccer in Cape Town
Great opportunity, great coaching stuff, good facilities because there is almost everything a footballer needs, for me this place is a solid 7 out of 10. I've personally had a great time here and a lovely experience from football to life its self, very very good.
Program: Seamester: Transatlantic, South Africa to Caribbean 90 Days
I went into Seamester feeling excited, nervous and worried that my expectations were unrealistically high! I can not stress enough that I was so wrong, Seamester blew my mind, it was more incredible than I could ever have began to imagine. I can not recommend this program enough, you will experience once in a lifetime things and see incredible places. More than that you will learn, learn about the world the ocean and most importantly yourself. You will be challenged in the best way possible and truthfully flourish. I owe this program so much and would do it again in a heartbeat. Go in with a smile and an open mind and it will not disappoint.
Program: South America Explorer with Gapforce
This was the teip of a lifetime.The other people in my group were from all over the world, yet we bonded almost imeadiately. Even though the activities, treks and itinerary were all fantastic, the 7 weeks was made unforgetable by the people. Collin, the group leader, was also extremely kind, funny and energetic the whole trip. He gave the group support whilst giving us the freedom to tailor the trip to our preferences, spend time alone or do other activities which we all really apreciated. This trip not only keeps you very engaged with the nature and culture of South America but also physically active aswell. You will be challenged mentally and physically at some point of the trip in the best way possible. I would highly recomend for any gap year students looking to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. I am truly bonded for life with my group and will never forget the time we shared together.



Program: Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus
SAS as a recent high school graduate was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to sail on the Fall 25 voyage as an international gap year student. The experience as a whole was so unique and I truly do not believe that you can find such a program anywhere else. The accommodation was so surreal because I got to wake up and see the waves as we sailed across the world. The community SAS builds is welcoming and kind because whenever I had a problem on the ship or in port, I never once felt alone or stranded. There will always be someone in your corner, which I appreciated. A massive thank you especially to the crew members on the ship who always make an effort to get to know your name, check in and give you a smile or laugh whenever you're stressed by travel planning, relationships and/or academics. The food does get quite repetitive if I'm being honest but it's truly a blessing to have such skilled crew members who can create delicious and nutritious meals in the middle of nowhere on the ocean. Pro tip: always get your cake first cause everyone loves the cake and it's always the first to go. In terms of academics. there are a variety of courses and I loved how everything always tied back to our in-port experiences, which allowed us to reflect on our SAS journey deeply, which I think was a crucial aid in how I developed and matured as a person. This was a great bridge between high school and university because I feel that I came out more mature, socially aware and ready for adult life. I also never felt that I couldn't make new friends because everyone is so open and you get to interact with a lot of diversity due to the various represented cultures, backgrounds, religions, nationalities etc. Til now, I am so grateful for the friends I made on SAS and we keep in touch almost daily as we plan our reunion trips. If I had one piece of advice for whoever's reading this, is that you will never truly see and understand the world around you until you're interacting with various people on the ship and in port. So do it!!! You will never regret SAS, I can promise you that :p
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Was the best time and experience of my life it is so fun to be apart of the experience you never feel left out you will always feel like you are apart of the group with helping everyone and everyone will always be there for you
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This program taught me a lot about myself and giving up. The river rafting was a bit much but it was a fantastic experience for me to learn from. It gave me a big realisation that life really isn’t easy but we all made it all of the Warriors i loved it so much!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
At warriors Academy I grew mentally, physically, and socially. The facilitators were supportive, the adventurers pushed my limits, and I made lifelong friends. Truly and awesome experience I’d do again.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This only being my first Quest of this Warriors Academy experience has already been amazing every single little thing. The people, activities and the environment all just awesome and breathtaking nothing that would make you feel negative just positive and that overall is amazing!!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Before we went rafting down the olifants River we went on a 3 day hike and after that we got to my fav part the rafting where we went down the river we crossed rapids and saw such beautiful views. I felt amazing while doing the whole activity
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
U will never find an experience like warriors Its filled with talented individuals who provide u with comfort, help u grow, find peace and care about u. There is no other words to describe warriors than the word fenominal
Program: Morocco & Spain Semester: Culture & Borderlands (Gap)
While on my Dragons program, I learned not only about the world around me and new places and people, but I also gained confidence in myself. My program had a focus on cultural immersion and understanding how Morocco and Spain are connected. This was very interesting to learn about, and we did this via language lessons, homestays, and meeting local people. Overall, I realized that the world is much more interconnected than I thought, and I have been inspired to continue traveling and to immerse myself in different cultures intentionally. Luckily, I have also found a global community that is like-minded through Where There Be Dragons, and I feel that after my program, I have a whole new world of opportunities available to me.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
Read Full Interview
Alisa Regassa
Tidelines Institute
AlumniI knew that Alaska was a place I'd wanted to visit—and visit meaningfully. I saw this opportunity, and it seemed like it was the perfect time and plac...
Read Full Interview
Vivianne Kaiwei Zhang Wei
Wanderlust Exchange
AlumniI was looking to take a gap year between my undergraduate and Master’s studies, and going to China just made sense to me.
Read Full Interview
Caoimhe Flood
EF Gap Year
AlumniI have always loved to travel and this opportunity gave me the chance to explore places I have never been before. I also wanted to travel while I was ...
Read Full Interview
Drew Beasley
ARCC Programs
AlumniWhen I was in high school, I never seriously considered taking time off from school. I started college at Chapman University in the fall of 2018. Unfo...
Read Full Interview
Alexander Gagliardo
InnerPathWorks
AlumniI was having trouble succeeding at my engineering school during my first semester. They said, “Hey, if you're having trouble you can leave at anytime ...
Read Full Interview
Charlie Aziz
Where There Be Dragons
AlumniI wanted to go somewhere that was completely unknown to me in order to really know what the world is like. With math and science never being my forte ...
Read Full Interview
Zohaib Qazi
(DEAD URL) Aupairia
AlumniTraveling has always been something on my bucket list, for my own personal development and education. And now that I've finished up with university, i...
Read Full Interview
Ian Davis
Omprakash
AlumniI was raised in a small upstate New York town and felt that being immersed in another culture would be invaluable for my perspective.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
MyGoAbroad Deals
Submit a single application on MyGoAbroad to get exclusive discounts on travel programs!

Everything you need to plan and prepare for your trip
Advice, stories, and tips from the GoAbroad editorial team




