Gap Year Programs in the Hawaiian Islands

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

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 medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Spend the semester on Maui and the Big Island, exploring our natural world via the island ecosystem. During this semester, you'll engage with a deeper side of Hawai'i—it's no beach vacation. As a land of elemental forces coming together to create one of the most extraordinary and beautiful ecosystems, Hawai'i hosts the most isolated population center on Earth, resulting in a distinct culture that remains vital and alive today. For those who love the natural world, come and be humbled by the ocean's grandeur, the whales' migrations, the vibrance of the land, and the magic of the Aloha. Those seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture, the complexities of U.S. colonization, and the ongoing dialogue about Hawaiian sovereignty, land rights, and social justice are invited to learn about significant cultural and social issues within the United States. Fall 2025: Closed Spring 2026: February 25 - April 22 Fall 2026: September 24 - November 19

Adventure, Purpose, and Connection: Grow, Explore, and Discover Hawai‘i Let Hawai‘i challenge, ground, and inspire you. On this six-week journey, surf world-class waves, hike volcanic landscapes, and swim beneath hidden waterfalls—all while immersing yourself in the living traditions of Hawaiian culture. Beyond adventure, you’ll engage deeply with place and people. Live with local families, learn native crafts, and contribute to conservation projects that protect fragile island ecosystems. Through cultural exchange, leadership workshops, and guided reflection, you’ll gain confidence, resilience, and clarity about your next steps. This program is designed for all paths: a gap year student seeking growth, a traveler looking for a meaningful alternative to study abroad, an ethical explorer focused on sustainability, a skills-builder eager to make an impact, or a cultural immersion seeker wanting an authentic connection. Discover the spirit of aloha and return home with lasting friendships, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of self.

ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some of the most pristine wilderness of the West and partner with local conservationists to understand threats to native species, ecological systems, and our waterways. Building upon our 40-year history of running domestic programs in the U.S., this semester provides hands-on opportunities and access to areas usually unavailable to the everyday traveler. The newfound insights gained from this in-depth look at some of the most famous landmarks of the American West leave our perspectives and appreciation for our own backyard changed forever.

Immerse yourself in a master class in environmental science, environmental communication, environmental action, and leadership training. Held on the amazing island of Hawaiʻi, this program places you with like-minded young people on a 70-day adventure like no other.  Delve into different aspects of environmental studies: science, communication, leadership training, and action. Explore the ecosystems of Hawaiʻi and its surrounding ocean. Gain a hands-on understanding of each ecosystem, how it interacts with other ecosystems, what ecological threats it faces, and how environmentalists can make those ecosystems healthier.  Get involved in the process of environmental legislation, learn communication skills from social media influencers in this field, improve your leadership skills, gain a greater understanding of the role of traditional media in environmentalism, and practice communicating ecological ideas through the creative arts. Join other young people on an adventure and learning experience like no other.