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Gap Year Programs in Central America

Every gap year traveler wants their chosen destination to “have it all”—dynamic history to delve into, thriving local culture, all the flora and fauna, mountains that spit fire, beaches spanning multiple oceans (gluttonous much?), the excitement of the unknown blah blah blah—all without breaking the bank. Unrealistic, right? In short, nope. Gappers, it’s time to channel your inner idealist and take a journey through an eclectic region during a gap year in Central America!

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120 Gap Year Programs in Central America

CIEE High School Grads Abroad
00 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE First Year Abroad in Monteverde

Put your global education first! See Monteverde and start college...

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.53749 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

World’s #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) brings people together from all...

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Impact Gap Year
103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

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Institute for Global Studies
9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6534 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

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Pacific Discovery
8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Pacific Discovery's Central America Gap Semester is an unforgetta...

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MAXIMO NIVEL
8.867 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...

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Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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Kaya Responsible Travel
00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica

Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded b...

Raleigh International
9.0922 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica programme is a truly unique experien...

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Carpe Diem Education
9.1926 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Central America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical...

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EF Gap Year
8.7431 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations

Embark on a unique global experience in 10 weeks. An EF Gap Semes...

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Outward Bound Costa Rica
9.9521 reviews

Outward Bound Costa Rica

Gap Year & Semester Courses: Costa Rica & Panama

Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and sem...

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Oyster Worldwide
94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

Gapforce
8.85 reviews

Gapforce

Costa Rica Adventure with Gapforce

Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...

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Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

The Key to a New Beginning

by: Alyssa Galdamez - United StatesProgram: EF Gap Semester: 10-Week Programs in Multiple Destinations
9

Being part of the first ever Voyager semester in Fall 2023 was an experience I was unprepared for, and the best decision I could’ve ever made. Little did I know that by embarking on this endeavor, I would unlock a part of myself that I didn’t know existed until then. My semester with EF Gap Year taught me self-love, self discovery, and the importance of being uniquely myself. Never did I think it was possible to be able to afford this trip of a lifetime, but I was left with so much satisfaction and so much pride that I had set this goal and I achieved it. This semester taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to and no goal is too big or too impossible. I flew to the other side of the world by myself and saw glowing blue oceans in Thailand that I never thought I’d be able to witness in my lifetime. I learn pieces of languages from each country I spent time in. I connected with people I would’ve never met without this experience and found with locals who had so much passion for their homeland and wanted to share it with me. Was I prepared for this transformation and self growth? No, and only because it was more than I could ever ask for. To anyone who is scared to take such a leap of faith, do it anyway. I haven’t met one person who regretted doing this for themselves, or thought it was a waste of time or money. Dream big, and you will reach the stars.

A Guide to Gap Years in Central America

Best Countries

Like nearly 10% of the world’s species, you could visit all seven countries on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor that put the “Central” in Central America...but slowing down to take it all in will ensure you sound really smart when you talk about them.

Belize. Don’t let your mouth gape while snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef or diving the mysterious sinkhole that is the Great Blue Hole in Caye Caulker during Central America gap years. Need a water break? Visit Punta Gorda to admire the ruins of ancient Mayan city Lubaantun.

Guatemala. Architecture buff? Stroll down the colorful streets of Antigua, Guatemala, and admire its Spanish colonial houses. The view of Volcán de Fuego ain’t too shabby either. For more volcano views and endless indigenous villages, Lago de Atitlán won’t disappoint during your gap year in Central America. A visit to the capital, Guatemala City, will have your mouth watering for tamales.

Costa Rica. Wanna join the ranks of the world’s most adventurous surfers, or just lazily lust after them? The Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is perfect for either sport. Artsy-er gappers should visit capitol San Jose to catch a show at the National Theater during gap year programs in Central America. Off the beaten path is Barrio Amón, a neighborhood constructed atop a coffee plantation, boasting the best galleries in the city.

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