
Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
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with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
MAXIMO NIVEL
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Plan the ultimate gap year in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel! Through this transformative adventure, you will explore the vibrant city of San José and the beach paradise of Manuel Antonio, getting involved in impactful, skill-building activities along the way. Shape your gap year to suit your need
See All 5 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
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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 10 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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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 149 ProgramsSemester at Sea
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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 16 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunteer opportunities and internships worldwide! Our programs focus on the welfare and conservation of various species, both wildlife and domestic animals. We offer volunteer opportunities and internships at wildlife rescue centers, wildli
See All 157 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
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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
International Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid’s Pre-Med and Global Health Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and healthcare professionals interested in learning from local teams. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to their age and pr
See All 15 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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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. Jo
See All 23 ProgramsEF Education First
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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 17 ProgramsGapforce
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Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy m
See All 10 ProgramsLoPair Cultural Exchange
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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
Carpe Diem Education
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Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, steep-sided mountains, and extended coastlines. Embrace the spirit of "pura vida" and learn from the unique crossover of individuals who call these nations home. Living alongside Indigenous communities
See All 5 ProgramsWeihai Chuanyue Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd.
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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 ProgramsHigh Mountain Institute
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Traveling through Patagonia, Colorado, and Utah, you'll develop your backpacking or rock climbing skills, leadership style, and personal environmental ethic. You'll investigate critical local issues and volunteer as an environmental steward. Living with a small group of peers and instructors, you'll
Where There Be Dragons
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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 8 ProgramsMente Argentina
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The Mente Argentina Ultra Intensive Spanish Program is designed for participants to learn Spanish quickly while experiencing the enigmatic city of Buenos Aires. Spanish classes are taught in an innovative and creative way by integrating class coursework with cultural activities and excursions. Any
See All 2 ProgramsGlobal Work & Travel
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Ever dreamed of living and working in Australia? Picture yourself exploring white sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, exotic wildlife and iconic cities, all while getting paid to travel. A working holiday in Australia is one of the best ways to experience life abroad, gain international work experie
See All 19 ProgramsAfrican Conservation Experience
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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 prof
Spanish Gap Year
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This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), professional skills through internships or
That's Mandarin
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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
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
Program: Australia Hotel & Tourism Jobs
I am currently in Surfers Paradise, working in a brand-new, high-demand hostel, with a group of Internex girls as roommates, and we are having the time of our lives! Internex helped me arrange the perfect position for my gap year, as well as supported me each step of the way. Even if circumstances changed, Internex was super flexible and tailored to my needs. They also helped with my bank accounts and TFN, which was great because it took so much stress off my plate. Even now, being here, I stay in touch with my awesome advisor, Chris, to make sure that I'm still a happy girlie in my beachy paradise. If you are looking for a guiding hand in your working abroad experience, choose internex! You can focus on the fun part of australia-being there!


This Gap year helped me realize what I wanted to pursue in my future. Anika and Roger were amazing and great help. The area was nice, my home stay was very nice loved my host family. I enjoyed this trip very much.
To date I've spent 23 weeks in China, 7 weeks of those at LTL Beijing and my Chinese progress has made amazing progress during this time. This is especially due to my teacher at LTL Beijing, Beauty (Wei Xing), who was one of the best teachers I've had during my time in China. She evidently has many years of teaching experience and was able to tailor my lessons to a perfect mix of working through the HSK 5/6 Curriculum whilst adding in time for conversation practice on a multitude of topics and sharing insights into the Chinese culture. Overall I can testify to the quality of the education I received during my time at LTL, and think anyone looking to improve their Chinese quickly couldn't go wrong by choosing LTL Beijing.
7 weeks just fly by, Konrad :) So glad you had a great time with us, you're flying through HSK! Keep up the great work. Thanks again. LTL Team
I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for a safe and inspiring au pair experience. They have proven to be extremely reliable, and the staff is always available to help with any questions or concerns, providing constant support that truly makes a difference. Living here is an incredible opportunity: it’s not just about work, but a deep dive into a new culture, fascinating traditions, and daily life—perfect for improving the language naturally. A professional, caring, and exceptionally well-organized agency!

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This past quest has been two of the most significant months of my life. Because of Warriors, I have learned to be grateful for every little thing I have in life, and understand how everything has shaped me as a person. I feel so alive and so present. As someone who struggles with mental health, coming to Warriors was an experience that both changed and saved my life. The people are absolutely incredible and will love you to bits. The memories you make and the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. The program, on a surface level, might just look like a ton of cool, extreme activities to invigorate and inspire you, but it's so much more than that. It teaches you to live life to the fullest and builds your confidence in a way you have never seen before. I unlocked my potential this quest, and I hope to see a lot more from myself. I owe so much to this program, and I'd honestly recommend it to anyone. You are so much stronger than you think.

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
We did plenty of things like scuba diving skydiving cycling and a whole lot more. Warriors has alot to offer and it is once in a lifetime activities and the important point of warriors is to get uncomfortable intentionally
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
You are doing the most insane and unbelievable adventures with a group of amazing people from your age. You do a lot of activities in a short period of time what makes it so much fun. Beside the adventures you also get lessons, like having a better mindset, that wil help you in the future.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors Academy was an absolutely incredible experience! The staff are amazing, the activities are exciting, and the whole experience pushes you out of your comfort zone while helping you build confidence, teamwork, and new skills. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you leave with unforgettable memories, great experiences, and friendships that last. I would highly recommend Warriors Academy to anyone looking for adventure, personal growth, and an experience they’ll never forget!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
For anyone unsure of a gap year, warriors is the place to be. I met the best people and had the greatest seven weeks of my life and did things I never thought I would be able too. It was truly an extraordinary experience and there is nothing like it.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Everything from the experiences we were doing to the vibes that the MAIs and facilitators gave was incredible, everyone who had already done this before made u feel instantly more relaxed, comfortable and made sure you knew you were in a safe and friendly space. It was an exhilarating experience overall.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
My experience at Warriors Academy Limpopo was absolutely incredible, and I can honestly say I had the time of my life! It was an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences, challenges, laughter, and memories that I will cherish forever. From the moment I started, every day brought something new and exciting. I loved every second of the journey, from the adventures and activities to the incredible people I met along the way. Warriors Academy gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and experience things I never thought I would. Every moment was an opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will stay with me forever. What made the experience so special was the atmosphere, the people, and the incredible adventures we shared. It is so much more than just an adventure programme; it is an experience that leaves you with a full heart, unforgettable memories, and a whole new appreciation for life. I am incredibly grateful for every moment I got to spend there. Warriors Academy Limpopo is truly something special, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. I loved every minute of it, and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
To my warriors family This quest pushed me further than I ever thought possible and showed me that I am capable of facing my greatest fears. What once intimated me became something I was most passionate about. And I loved every moment of it. Whenever I fell, there were always hands reaching out to lift me up! Through every challenge, success and laugh, strangers became family. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but the strength, support and love we shared will stay with me forever. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Spanish classes were good I’m definitely improving which is spectacular. The volunteering was really cool for turtle conservation - not much sleep but a whole lot of turtles. Haven’t finished program but am looking forward to Manuel Antonio.
Spent a month volunteering with the turtles in ostional. Such an incredible experience to see the arribada and all of the turtles in the night. Beach and sunsets were so beautiful and I met so many amazing cool people!
Program: Guided Internships in Bali with Placement, Housing & Support
I looked into arranging a Bali internship myself and it was overwhelming I didn't know where to start with visas, housing, finding a company that would actually take an intern. Island Internship handled all of it. They placed me in a hospitality role in Canggu, set up my accommodation, and supported me the whole way. Clear communication, no surprises, genuinely worth it. If you're a student weighing whether to book a program or go it alone, this took all the risk out of it.
Program: Chuanyue Cultural Homestay English Teaching Program
I had a wonderful experience here in China 😁 the family were very nice and understanding. This experience really makes me want to come back to China some day. I learned more about the culture and the language, which was one of my reasons for coming to China. I had a very fun time with Lucas and greatly enjoyed everyone's company. I learned how some foods are made and hope to replicate them at home [Joyful] I really like Guangzhou. It's a beautiful city with amazing food and architecture. Thank you so much for this experience, it means so much to me. I am very very grateful for everything I've managed to enjoy here and hope to get another chance like this in the future. Thank you very much

Program: Gap Year in China Programs
I’m an Australian university student doing my gap‑year in China and studying at That’s Mandarin. Apart from improving my Mandarin, I’ve met incredible classmates — people from family‑run businesses, embassy interns, and international students from Tsinghua and Peking University. I really value these friendships. That’s Mandarin is not only for learning Chinese; it connects you with fantastic people. I’m so thankful for this unforgettable gap‑year experience. Highly recommend!
Program: Gap Year in China Programs
As a total beginner, I love this school. I have one class per week lasting 80 minutes. We start from simple pronunciation and learn words about school admission step by step. There are relaxing card games to memorize phrases. The teacher treats every student gently, and I never feel nervous to speak broken Chinese in class.
Would absolutely recommend this program to anybody looking to experience Chinese culture! You’ve got to be able to roll with the punches, and learn to manage your time well, but the rewards are so worth it. Being an au pair is incredible for learning Chinese, as you get to learn as you teach. The friendship I made with my kiddo was the highlight of the whole experience!!! LoPair is amazing at finding great host families, on top of creating a great support system during your stay.
It has been an incredible experience. I was able to fulfill my dream of studying Chinese and getting to know this beautiful country. Also, meeting my "little friend," being able to teach her English and share time with her, has made me very happy. Being part of a Chinese family has been a challenge because of cultural differences, but it has been a beautiful experience.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
Read Full Interview
Alisa Regassa
Tidelines Institute
AlumniI knew that Alaska was a place I'd wanted to visit—and visit meaningfully. I saw this opportunity, and it seemed like it was the perfect time and plac...
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Vivianne Kaiwei Zhang Wei
Wanderlust Exchange
AlumniI was looking to take a gap year between my undergraduate and Master’s studies, and going to China just made sense to me.
Read Full Interview
Caoimhe Flood
EF Gap Year
AlumniI have always loved to travel and this opportunity gave me the chance to explore places I have never been before. I also wanted to travel while I was ...
Read Full Interview
Drew Beasley
ARCC Programs
AlumniWhen I was in high school, I never seriously considered taking time off from school. I started college at Chapman University in the fall of 2018. Unfo...
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Alexander Gagliardo
InnerPathWorks
AlumniI was having trouble succeeding at my engineering school during my first semester. They said, “Hey, if you're having trouble you can leave at anytime ...
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Charlie Aziz
Where There Be Dragons
AlumniI wanted to go somewhere that was completely unknown to me in order to really know what the world is like. With math and science never being my forte ...
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Zohaib Qazi
(DEAD URL) Aupairia
AlumniTraveling has always been something on my bucket list, for my own personal development and education. And now that I've finished up with university, i...
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Ian Davis
Omprakash
AlumniI was raised in a small upstate New York town and felt that being immersed in another culture would be invaluable for my perspective.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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