Gap Year Programs in Cochabamba,Bolivia

Over 10 years ago I had the most incredible gap year experience in Bolivia and Peru with Where there be Dragons. The knowledge I gathered during that trip continues to inform my thinking and career path today. My time in Bolivia and Peru, learning about international development through the lens of host families, local NGOs, civil society organizations, and the Where there be Dragons staff themselves inspired me to pursue an undergraduate degree (and now graduate!) in international studies, Spanish, development, and policy. I have spent 10 years living, working, and studying in Washington DC and continue to reference this experience in job interviews and graduate program applications. Shockingly, all of this isn't even the best part of the experience. Instead, it's the relationships and friendships built that continue to last the test of time. In the past year I've seen three dragons friends around the US, and over the past ten years there's been countless reunions and catch ups. Would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for experiential learning opportunities that seamlessly blend intense outdoor exploration, independent study, and cultural immersion- as well as of course lifetime friendships.

My time with where there be dragons completely changed my life. During the three months I spent traveling I learned more about the world and my place in it than I ever had in traditional schooling. I was faced with discomforts and challenges that most people never get the opportunity to face and grow from and it helped me become a better human. These programs are designed incredibly well, there is so much intentionality, time, energy and love put into creating a transformative experience for each student. I cannot recommend dragons more!

My Dragons trip was the best and coolest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. All of my instructors were incredible and personable. They all wanted nothing more than to see us happy and to see us succeed in whatever we were doing. The itinerary was amazing, and we got to experience some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

My Dragons program allowed me to explore and reveal my passions. My instructors and peers are still my mentors to this day and showed me all that is possible. I left my semester with a clear sense of what I wanted to study in College, a passion for travel, and lifelong friends. I was supported every step of the way and empowered to travel on my own. Stepping out of my comfort zone with Dragons changed my life and expanded my horizons.

I traveled to Bolivia and Peru with WTBD in fall of 2022 during my gap year before university! I had no prior experience in South America or speaking Spanish for that matter. It was truly incredible, the way the program was ran. The instructors worked really well together, I was supported and could really felt like they had my best interests at heart. Home stays were an incredible experience, it was a bit scary more having never spoken Spanish, but all of host families were super patient and kind. I feel like I will always have a family throughout Bolivia and Peru now!!

Loved it so much! I learned so much about myself and about South America. After coming home I felt more prepared to attend after having taken the break. It was the perfect mix of outdoor time and also city immersion.