Gap Year Programs in Honduras

Honduras is the second largest country in Central America, with great locations to choose from, but let’s take a look at some popular locations that have inspired previous gappers:

Copan. Home to ancient Mayan ruins, Copan is a vivid illustration of the Mayan civilization, located at the border with Guatemala, and the most popular location in Honduras. Copan offers great volunteer opportunities, from teaching in local schools to offering your support in rehabilitation centers, and encouraging growth in the local community. If backpacking is your thing, exploring the Mayan ruins will feel like taking a walk back through history. And that’s an experience you do not want to miss out on!

Tegucigalpa. The country's capital and largest city is an educational, financial, and cultural center with great volunteer opportunities in the healthcare system, educational system, sanitation, and eco-tourism. The demand for English teachers has increased in private bilingual schools, and most schools don’t require any knowledge of Spanish (which we highly encourage you to learn), nor much teaching experience. 

Outside Tegucigalpa, the Tigra National Park offers a majestuous cloud forest, with hiking trails and variety of tropical birds and flora, that will rejoice in any traveler’s heart.   

La Ceiba. Known as the “eco-tourism capital” of Honduras, La Ceiba is heaven for anyone in search of adventure activities, or wanting to enjoy nature. Activities such as white water rafting, ziplining through the forest, or hiking in the tropical rainforests are always in search of guides. Gappers can also volunteer in rural areas amongst smaller villages in need of a helping hand. On your off days, you can take a 30 minute ferry ride to Roatan or Utila, and explore their glorious beaches, soak yourself in the tropical sun, and binge on the local food.

Not sure how to spend your gap year? No worries! We can help you find great gap year programs in Honduras, and we guarantee a great time! Take a look at some popular activities that can help you achieve both your professional and personal goals, and make it all seem like a holiday trip.

Volunteer. Due to the catastrophic destruction of Hurricane Mitch, volunteer opportunities in Honduras can be found at every corner. Local communities have high demand for English, math, and science teachers for different grades. There are also volunteer opportunities in the healthcare system, as both nurses and students. Or, if you’ve got a sporty side, volunteer as a coach and share your passion with the local children! The list goes on. 

Teach Abroad. If working is how you want to spend your gap year in Honduras, earning some cash while you’re traveling to your heart’s content, then so be it. Teaching English as a second language is always a great option if you’re fluent in English, and even better if you have a TEFL certification. 

Scuba Diving Instruction. If you’re a certified diver, you can easily find a job in places like Roatan or Utila, where you can spend your days prepping gear and exploring underwater mysteries. Oh, you’re just a beginner? Then apply for an internship, develop your leadership abilities, help supervise dive activities, assist other instructors, and get yourself certified!

Costs. Although cost of living in Honduras is considerably cheaper than in countries like Costa Rica or the United States, food can be expensive if you are not wise with spending your money. Doing your own grocery shopping at the local markets is an experience of its own, and it’s cheaper than eating out every day. Luckily, transportation is pretty cheap, and you can travel anywhere you want while pinching pennies. If you budget correctly, you shouldn’t have much to worry about. 

Accommodation. Most formal programs will have accommodation included in their price and you will most likely live in a volunteer dorm, or with a host family. You will get your own room (sometimes with your own bathroom!) and you will get the chance to interact with your host family or colleagues, and practice your Spanish. If you’ve decided to take things into your own hands, you’ll be happy to know that you can find accommodation at a decent price outside the city centers. And if you want to get a head start, FundMyTravel is a great place to start collecting donations for your gap year from friends and family.

Visas. Depending on the length of your stay and your nationality, you may or may not need a visa. Citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, some EU countries, and Australia do not need a visa, only a valid passport. But in case you want to be sure about all the details, check out our Embassy directory to find all the information you need. Or better yet, sign up with a formal program and they will take care of all the paperwork for you—easy peasy!

Safety. The crime rate is pretty high in Honduras, but the formal program placements are in safe areas. Petty theft is also very common, so avoid flashing your valuables, abide by the rules and regulations, be polite, avoid walking by yourself at night, and do not adventure on unknown paths, or bad areas. 

If you need special medication, although you might be able to find it in Honduras, it’s advisable that you bring your own prescription.

Living in Honduras, you can definitely expect some culture shock; you will be overwhelmed, and it will be a great adjustment to your lifestyle. But you will learn to slow down to the Honduran pace, adapt to not using most of your everyday services, and adjust to the quality of utilities. Sanitation is also not the best in Honduras, and you will have to get used to throwing away your toilet paper, instead of flushing it! 

Honduras offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and it is very important to remember to wash them really well, with a combination of hot water and soap, before consuming. And speaking of variety, in the rural areas, there are a variety of animals roaming on the streets, like dogs, cats, chickens, horses, and cows. But it’s a sight you’ll get used to very quickly and embrace as normal.

However you choose to spend your gap year in Honduras, know that you will create new friendships and precious memories. Start this adventure on the right foot and bring a few gifts with you for your future students or host family. Everybody loves gifts and so will they, even if it is just a pink pencil and a cute notebook.

Honduras gap years are guaranteed life-changing experiences; yours will give you the opportunity to make a change in the lives of others while enriching your own with the beauties of a new culture and country. 

Keep reading! Gap Semester Programs: Because a Year Away Sounds Too Hard