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299 Gap Year Programs in Asia
EF Education First
8.8
59
Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immersive semester blends cultural discovery, new adventures, and light language learning with a supportive travel community. In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Weeks 1–
See All 7 ProgramsCIEE High School Grads Abroad
10
1
In Kyoto, enjoy the perfect balance of structure and independence, allowing you to explore Japan and yourself before college. Imagine a study experience where you can focus on one of your favorite subjects—Japanese—while living a lifestyle devoted to exploring this passion, along with meaningful mo
See All 5 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.56
816
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 50 ProgramsThe Intern Group
9.23
53
Step into Tokyo, one of the world’s leading cities for finance, business, and innovation, and take your career to the next level with international internship experience. As a dynamic, highly liveable global hub, Tokyo offers the perfect environment to gain professional skills, real-world experience
See All 4 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.63
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 54 ProgramsSemester at Sea
9.62
45
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 7 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.76
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 4 ProgramsGapforce
9.35
23
Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Ban
See All 3 ProgramsPacific Discovery
9.55
31
Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful e
See All 9 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
9.69
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 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
9.77
87
Design a transformative gap year in China with Go Abroad China. For over two decades, we have expertly guided students to make informed career decisions while providing exciting, structured opportunities for exploration and growth. Our program allows you to build a personalized experience by combini
See All 2 ProgramsRaleigh International
0
0
Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's most ecologically and culturally diverse places by joining a Raleigh Expedition to Borneo. If you're passionate about ecology and wildlife, eager for an unforgettable adventure, and interested in truly immersive travel, then Raleigh Born
EA Ski and Snowboard Training
8.5
4
EA Ski and Snowboard Training are looking for eager skiers to join us in Japan! If you love the outdoors, travel, and have a passion for skiing; this is for you. What is the ski instructor internship course? This program has been designed to set you up as a qualified ski instructor within one wint
See All 3 ProgramsLoPair Culture Exchange
8.82
28
Dream of living in China? Make it a reality with LoPair Au Pair China, an award-winning agency that connects you with a welcoming host family. Spend a transformative 3-12 months on a cultural adventure! You'll become a part of a Chinese family, assisting with educational childcare for up to 30 hour
Weihai Chuanyue Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd.
9.6
20
The Au Pair Program in China gives young foreigners the chance to live with a local host family, assist with childcare or light housework, and experience Chinese culture firsthand. Benefits include: • Learn Mandarin through daily immersion in a native-speaking environment • Cultural exchange by joi
See All 2 ProgramsWhere There Be Dragons
9.38
13
The Himalayas. Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, a retreat in a Buddhist monastery, high mountain trekking, service
See All 5 ProgramsLTL Language School
9.58
488
LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to improve their Mandarin quickly. Our comprehensive Chinese programs allow students maximum flexibility. You can study at LTL for a week up to a full year. We offer Mandarin language lessons in 10 cities across Asia including Beijing, Shang
See All 4 ProgramsThat's Mandarin
10
3
Taking a long break from school? Use this period to travel the world and boost your résumé with international experience. At That’s Mandarin, we have a range of programs you can incorporate into your gap year in China! No matter the Chinese language course you choose, we make sure it caters to your
Internship in Japan
9.44
39
Internship in Japan by SEKAIA Inc. (formerly ICC Consultants Inc.) Internship in Japan by SEKAIA is Japan’s leading internship program, connecting global talent with professional opportunities across the country. Based in the heart of Tokyo since 1988, we offer one of the largest networks of excit
ARCC Programs
10
1
This 70-day Southeast Asia Gap Program takes you beyond the traditional classroom while journeying to three beautiful and naturally diverse countries in Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is a unique combination of hands-on projects, education, and immersion into fascinating and an
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to Gap Year in Asia
Best Countries
With so many diverse destinations in Asia, it’s hard to pick just one. Whether you want a familiar city vibe filled with expats from all over, or a rustic retreat hidden in a jungle village, there is something for everyone on a gap year in Asia.
Thailand. The Land of Smiles is the perfect friendly introduction to the Southeast Asia region. It’s a popular place to visit and stay longer term for western expats due to its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, marvelous mountains, cheap cost of living, and of course, smiling locals. The amazing, cheap street food (think, best Pad Thai you’ve ever tasted) doesn’t hurt either!
Indonesia. The world’s largest island country and fourth-largest country by population is a mix of different cultures and religions, with a Muslim majority contrasting the many neighboring Buddhist nations. There are literally thousands of islands here to explore, each with a distinct feel. Bali is generally the first stop for tourists and expats alike, as this Hindu island is known for its laid back vibe, cheap and healthy cuisine, and relaxing yoga and meditation retreats—along with some fabulous beaches and monkey-filled forests.
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