Gap Year Animal Programs

Are you passionate about supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Africa? Join International Volunteer HQ, the world’s most trusted and affordable volunteer abroad organization in Africa. IVHQ offers a special Wildlife Conservation project in Africa, where volunteers have the opportunity to live and work within in the midst of the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Located within a private game reserve that's home to Africa's 'Big Five' (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), volunteers have the opportunity to get involved in conservation management practices, all of which are vital for the successful operation of the game reserve and the ecosystems of surrounding areas. Volunteers work in conjunction with members of the game reserve team and anti-poaching unit, working on the game reserve and supplementing their work with local community development projects, including education, nutrition, and small-scale vegetable gardening. Living and working within the game reserve, volunteers stay in a purpose-built facility with an open-air entertainment area, complete with a swimming pool overlooking the reserve riverbed.

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 country's culture and Spanish dialect. Your program and curriculum follow you as you study across 2, 3 or all 4 of our institutes. EXAMPLE ITINERARY: Start your studies at our institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (on the beach!), then travel to our institute in the beautiful pueblo of Antigua, Guatemala, and then move your program to our institute in historic Cusco, Peru. From Peru, join us again in Costa Rica at our institute in the capital city of San Jose. Study, trek, tour, and eat your way through Latin America—it's a great experience! We recommend at least 3 weeks for a Country Jumper program.

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 specifically designed for volunteers wishing to engage in marine conservation activities that protect, restore, and conserve Koh Tao’s coral reefs. With both 4 and 8-week programs available, get ready for a comprehensive marine conservation experience! If you're looking for a little more, join us for a full 12 weeks and complete an award-winning Divemaster training course, which is perfect if you wish to achieve a professional diving qualification that allows you to transform your passion into a paid job!

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that will prepare you for the world that awaits after you finish high school. Our program will help you identify your personal goals, values, and passions and incorporate them into your career and life plan. You will gain real-world work experience, make new friends from all over the globe, and have the time of your life as you explore the most beautiful city in the world. As a participant of our program, you will join a community that feels like a family. When you arrive in South Africa, we make it incredibly easy for you to adjust to life in Cape Town and call this city your home. From your very first day in the country, we will guide you through a comprehensive orientation that ensures you will take full advantage of every moment in South Africa. You'll be immediately networked with other participants, forming a peer group to relate to as you quickly adapt to life in a new city that you'll soon call home. Gap year students live together in the Gap Year House, which is another highlight of the VACorps Gap Year Program experience.

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 with horses using methods such as liberty, trust exercises, clicker training, and bodywork to build a deep connection. Experience the freedom of riding with just a halter or neckrein, using your seat, legs and balance to guide your horse. You will have an 8 module Natural Horsemanship Programme run by an incredible team. You will be assisting with the training and backing of horses, working with members of the Namibian San tribe, as well as helping the children of the local community develop a connection with these beautiful equines. You'll also have time to relax, enjoy guided safari rides, and appreciate Namibia's stunning nature and wildlife. All riding abilities accepted.

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 bush. No matter your skill set or expertise, this wildlife conservation program in South Africa will immerse you in the African bush alongside a skilled and qualified team that includes Field Guides and Research professionals. Contribute to meaningful wildlife research and conservation projects by participating in animal tracking, monitoring, and data collection initiatives during daily game drives. Your contributions will directly support the protection of incredible South African wildlife and their habitats.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

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

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 and includes 3 modules (per year): Module 1. Community project Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate 19-day group hiking adventure (not to be missed!) Module 3. Environmental project in the Greater Kruger Area Each module has set learning objectives aimed at boosting your confidence, adaptability, and independence in a supportive team setting. The order of the modules may change. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choose which 2). You don’t need specific qualifications to participate in this gap year program. All you need is a sense of adventure and enthusiasm, along with a flexible attitude and a willingness to embrace the challenges of a new country.

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

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, meals, and living costs. Duration: 6–12 weeks with potential for extensions. Accommodation: Provided in the farmhouse or farm buildings. Work Schedule: Follows the farm host’s routine for an immersive experience. Tasks: Feeding animals, gardening, horse work, moving cattle, milking cows, painting, maintenance, and childcare. Horse Farms: Available for those with horse experience. Riding depends on skill level and farm discretion. Orientation: Welcome orientations on selected dates in Auckland. Participants must be legally allowed to work in New Zealand, as accommodation and meals are provided. Those wishing to volunteer can opt for our Farm Volunteer Program, where all work is voluntary and participants cover their own accommodation and meals. enquire about this when you enquire or apply,

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-belief that will define the rest of your life. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood. Together, you will face real challenges that push you far beyond your comfort zone, and you will emerge stronger for it. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 7 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate not just as a more capable man, but as a leader. You will return with a toolkit of timeless skills, a powerful sense of purpose, and a global brotherhood that will last a lifetime. This is the foundation that sets you apart.

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 professionals who are just as passionate about conservation work as you are. One day, you will be collecting data on big cats in one of the largest reserves in South Africa, and then learning bush skills from a master tracker and tracking a herd of elephants the next. You will be part of the conservation community, listening to stories of the land and learning from qualified locals. Completely immersed, you will see what it’s like to live and breathe meaningful African conservation. It’s not always easy to nurse injured animals back to health, but the reintroduction, monitoring, and seeing them thrive afterward is a memory that will last a lifetime. This is a hands-on experience where your efforts are rewarded—many of these wildlife projects wouldn’t exist without volunteers like you. This program is also tailored to how much time you have, your skills, and what you would like to achieve.

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 without conservation turtles may soon be pushed to the brink of extinction. Our Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation volunteer abroad programs will bring you to exotic locations that are nesting sites for turtles. By joining hands with trained biologists and local conservation groups you can help to secure the future of these creatures and also help raise awareness in the local community you will be living in. Volunteers work alongside trained biologists and go on beach patrols, witness nesting turtles, and hatching babies, assist with care of disabled turtles, feeding turtles and cleaning turtle hatcheries. Saving turtles and releasing older babies back into the ocean is a truly scintillating experience! From saving sea turtles in Costa Rica to working with turtles in the Maldives, there are plenty of sea turtle conservation projects waiting for you!

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 well-being. We blend thrilling adventure, immersive travel, cultural exploration, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and communal living with essential life skills to ensure a holistic growth experience. Picture yourself mastering independence, learning to run a household, and becoming an exceptional roommate and housemate. Our program stands out by featuring a live-in therapeutic coach who provides 24/7 in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a gap year—it’s a journey to self-discovery in the world's most awe-inspiring playground. Join us in New Zealand and redefine what it means to explore, learn, grow, and thrive. This is your chance to experience unparalleled adventure and personal well-being.

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 opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Pura Vida Service (Middle School) – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

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 bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Land of the Rising Sun through hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka and day trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima! They explore Japan from the feudal to the modern period with courses individually selected to appeal to most of them! Our instructors are experts in Japanese culture and language and are committed to providing them with a safe and unique abroad experience they will remember for a lifetime! World Class Programs is a study abroad program that gives high school students safe, educational, and worldly experiences. This is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds excited about immersing themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program will offer various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Japanese language and cuisine.

Make a difference to the wild animals of Africa on our Monkey Rehabilitation trip in South Africa. You don’t have to go far in South Africa to spot a vervet monkey. As their natural habitat shrinks and ours grows, they have adapted to life in ever-growing urban landscapes. While vervet monkeys are so cute (especially the young ones!), they’re just as smart. Wait until you see one opening a door or window to get to your food. This leads to conflict, causing many monkeys to be injured by disgruntled farmers or startled city dwellers. And then, there are the labs and people who think wild animals are pets. All this to say, there are plenty of monkeys in South Africa that need rehabilitation. And you can be a part of it! Spend your days volunteering at a monkey rehabilitation center in Limpopo Province. On your days off, wildlife reserves and big, wild animals are waiting.