Gap Year Animal Programs

Work on a private African game reserve dedicated to protecting endangered species and preserving natural habitat. You will support vital conservation and research activities such as removing invasive plants, controlling soil erosion, maintaining waterholes, helping repair reserve infrastructure, and

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru—Maximo Nivel offers its unique Native Spanish Program. Join our "Country Jumper" program and begin your GAP Year in one of our countries and then jump to another and another. Experience different aspects of each countr

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

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

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

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

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 y

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

Experience rural life by living and working with a New Zealand farming family. The Farmstay New Zealand program offers hands-on farming tasks, providing practical skills and insight into New Zealand’s farming culture, from agriculture to animal care. Work enough hours to cover your accommodation, m

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

This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), professional skills through internships or

Equine Summer Study Abroad is now in its 10th year and sold out. Apply now for next year! Limited to just 16 students, it includes daily English-style riding and coursework in Equine Anatomy & Physiology and Equine Fitness. Ideal for animal science or pre-vet majors, but open to all—no riding experi

IPBio is launching a 15-day, all-inclusive expedition that combines biological research and conservation volunteering with a truly immersive experience of Brazilian culture, history, and Amazonian traditions. By exploring the region through both scientific and cultural perspectives, participants gai

Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise. Experience stunning beaches, lush jungles, and exotic wildlife found nowhere else on Earth! On our Sea Turtle Conservation trip, you will spend your days volunteering with one of our project partners in Costa Rica. Most of your volunteer duties happen in th

Are you an aspiring Environmental Conservationist or Marine Biologist? Intern Abroad HQ offers the most flexible, valuable, and affordable Environmental Science internships around South Africa, starting from just 2 weeks duration. Choose from 4 unique internship placements: - GIS Specialization for

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g

With our gap program, you will take the time to get to know yourself and what you enjoy and value so that you can focus on the academic or career path that you really want instead of choosing blindly or based on others’ expectations. This program offers international and intercultural communication

Sea turtle and marine conservation volunteer abroad projects are fun and combine your beach vacations with meaningful work which goes a long way in the concentrated efforts globally to prevent these enchanting marine creatures from going extinct. All seven sea turtle species are endangered today and

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and we

Unsure about your academic or professional future? Take a breather by joining the 7 or 10-week Community and Conservation Gap Year in South Africa. This is a journey of personal development and self-discovery as well as immersion in a new culture and environment. The full program is 10 weeks long a

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportuni

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can br

The East Africa gap year program explores the majesty, cultures, and challenges of three East African nations: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. You will have unparalleled access to the region’s fascinating aspects, helping you gain unique insights and make authentic connections with community members.

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

Kickstart your equine career with Paid Horse Work in Australia – the perfect opportunity for horse lovers aged 18 to 30 with a sense of adventure. Step straight into a guaranteed, pre-arranged paid groom role at a leading Australian stud farm, organised before you leave home. Begin your journey wit

The NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course at Kukama consists of two key components. First, is the FGASA Syllabus, an accredited provider recognised by CATHSSETA, which issues your national qualification. The second component emphasises essential skills and life lessons, including the development of strong i

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will t

Gap at Glen Brook is a place-based semester program for 18-21 year-olds, nestled on a working farm in rural New England. Our eleven weeks of outdoor, experiential learning focus on developing practical skills to create sustainable lives and communities. Live with a close-knit cohort of peers, work o

Experience the adventure of a lifetime through Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable primate encounters. Designed especially for students, solo travelers, and young adventurers, this small-group safari combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee track

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on trainin

Seeking a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or global and public health-related leadership opportunity abroad? Join the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship. We are looking for Team Leaders and Chapter Presidents at your university or within your community! The Team Leader (TL) will have a numb

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

Explore the hidden treasures of Cambodia while creating a real, lasting difference in local communities. Immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and history as you work alongside locals to tackle pressing challenges like poverty and environmental sustainability. Choose your Impact Area and d

Spend eight weeks in South America protecting wildlife and improving your Spanish. This Gap Project offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru and Ecuador while contributing to conservation efforts and cultural exchange. In Peru, you'll spend two weeks conserving the Amazon Rainforest before visit

Our Japan summer program lets students experience the Land of the Rising Sun with hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka, plus day & weekend trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji, Yokohama, and Hiroshima! Students explore Japan from the feudal period to the modern day. Our instructors are experts in J

Cabo Verde is the world’s second most important nesting site for loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta). These endangered turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems by maintaining healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs. In 2025, 16,830 nests were recorded, 1,606 nests were protected in hatcheries,

Spend your Working Holiday in Japan while experiencing everyday life in an authentic Japanese community. Our team helps you settle into life in Japan, providing accommodation, daily life setup, guidance on formal documents, and job search preparation. Typical part-time jobs include: • Cafés, re

We pride ourselves on nurturing the next wave of nature enthusiasts and industry leaders – the MORE Field Guides. Armed with extensive environmental knowledge, a genuine love for guiding, and a commitment to educating others about our remarkable natural heritage, they inspire conservation action.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Namibia, surrounded by stunning Appaloosa horses. Enhance your natural horsemanship skills whilst assisting with looking after over 40 stud horses, miniature ponies, alpacas, and rehabilitated equine rescues. This programme is designed to develop your communication

Join Love The Oceans for an immersive 5 week marine conservation program designed for aspiring ocean professionals. Based in the stunning Mission Blue Hope Spot of Jangamo Bay, this expedition combines hands-on fieldwork with professional development and community engagement. You’ll learn research t

Get the chance to work with a variety of exotic and indigenous animals in this volunteer project in South Africa! Perfect for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, this program is based at an animal and bird sanctuary where you’ll provide hands-on assistance with the care of rescued and non-releasable an