Catholic Gap Year Programs

If you’re not sure where you should head, here are some of our popular locations for a Catholic gap year.

Western Europe. Christianity is the largest religion in Europe, and there are a number of significant countries that are Catholic, like Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Poland, Spain—the list goes on. If you are not interested in just studying the Bible, then study the history of the Catholic churches on the continent, starting with the Catholic Church in Europe. If you get lucky, you might even get to see the Pope. (!) In the meantime, enjoy the beautiful sceneries, take in the amazing architecture of so many detailed, ornate churches, and let your soul be at ease as you step in such sacred places.

Asia. Countries like India, China, Indonesia, Singapore, or Malaysia offer endless opportunities for a Catholic gap year. Volunteer to help in the local community and work with kids or elders, or enroll into a Catholic mission trip and share your faith while traveling. Some formal programs also offer extracurricular activities, like traveling to popular areas and sights, trekking, rafting or safari. This is the perfect time to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the world, don’t you think?

Grab your rosary, say your Hail Marys, and then head abroad to do any of these fun and meaningful activities on your Catholic gap year.

Volunteer Abroad. is the best way for anybody to give a helping hand to the ones in need. There are countless Catholic volunteer jobs worldwide, in local Catholic communities, Catholic academies or universities, like The Leeds Trinity University in Manchester. You can volunteer in healthcare, education, elder care, home repair, social services, youth development or foster care. 

Study Abroad. For those who have dedicated their life to God but still want to travel a little, while still practicing their fate, a Catholic gap year can also be spent studying at an university abroad. You can live in a church community and study Catechism, the Church’s documents and history, and get involved with serving the local communities. 

Intern Abroad. You don’t have to adhere to any religion to internship with a Catholic organization that wants to help people. Regardless if you’re a college graduate or a high qualified young adult, you can always internship and help vulnerable people, or children in foster care. If your goal in life is to help people, this is a great way to start on your path.

Costs. The cost will differ depending on the program you opt for and the destination, but you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on your travels. However, don’t be alarmed, the price often includes accommodation, sometimes meals, and some transit. The best part? By paying for a formal Catholic gap year program, you don’t have to worry about extra paperwork! Choose your destination, research the cost of living, and budget for your own pocket money. (You can use FundMyTravel to start fundraising now!).

Accommodations. With a formal Catholic gap year program, accommodation will likely be included in the price, and you will be placed in volunteer houses with all the necessary amenities. In other cases, you will be living with Catholic host families—the perfect chance to grow your fellowship, have more prayer buddies, and learn more deeply about the culture you’re visiting.

Visas. Depending on your nationality and country you will be traveling to, chances are you will need some sort of visa. Visit our Embassy Directory to find out what kind of visa you need for different countries, then research your program options. You might not even have to deal with the hassle of a visa if you go for a formal Catholic gap year program.

Safety. Just like any other formal program, Catholic programs have their own protocols, schedules, rules, and regulations that you need to follow. Furthermore, some of these programs do a thorough screening of their applicants and partner vendors (like host families), so rest assured that you are in a safe environment. However, you still need street smarts. Be as cautious as you would be in any foreign country, be polite, follow rules (each country is different, so do a bit of research beforehand), and stay out of harm’s way.

A Catholic gap year can be a rollercoaster of emotions, but the most important thing to remember is that you are making a difference in the life of so many people. It’s alright to feel overwhelmed with different feelings—just rest your worries on the big guy upstairs!

Take this time to reflect on yourself and your relationship with the people around you, because you both develop together. Have lots of fun, because through you, your students or people you are working with will have fun as well. For them, as for you, this is going to be an experience they will never forget. Make every moment count and create precious memories.

When planning your budget, think about small gifts that you can take with you. Most of the people you will meet have never traveled anywhere, and a small piece from “outside” will bring smiles and happiness for anyone. It’s a smile price to pay for such a wonderful sight.

There are a lot of gap year choices, but the spiritual dimension of the work you will do in a Catholic gap year will help you grow into a unique human being at different levels. Place emphasis on your own faith and personal development. Sign up for a Catholic gap year, have a spiritual adventure, and make a difference today!

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