Gap Year Programs in India

You have the big picture… a gap year in India, but now comes the exciting, yet tricky part. Where do you want to live on your year abroad? There’s so many options of holy hindu areas, gigantic cities, and sweet, simple rural towns. Venture out to the great wide somewhere near the Bay of Bengal, where you can work and study the sea life on the coast. Or, if you’re a big foodie, explore the south of India where you can find the best culinary courses to make delicious Biryani. Here are the top spots for your gap year programs in India!

Mumbai. Nothing welcomes you to your India gap year more than the Gateway to India, located in Mumbai, one of the most popular cities here.. This detailed monument faces out to the Mumbai Harbor and is a symbol of welcome and power to the British rulers who conquered India in the 1920’s. Love Hindu movies? Visit the Bollywood area, where all of the famous films and musicals are made. Mumbai is one of the best India gap year locations because of its Hindu history—it hosts temples around every corner. Some gap year work programs allow you to study the holy religion and assist other tourists by becoming a tour guide. Interested in something else? No worries, Mumbai is full of opportunities for your gap year in India.

New Delhi. Make the capital your new crash pad during your gap year programs in India. Why is New Delhi one of the best gap year locations? Because there’s tons of enriching opportunities to work with children in need. Give back during your gap year abroad in one of the most popular cities in India! Check out the Chandni Chowk, aka Moonlight Market. Built in the 1600’s, this marketplace was separated by canals so its shoppers and visitors could view the reflection of the moonlight. Swing by Humayun's Tomb, which was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal (only three hours from New Delhi). Created in 1540, this mausoleum was made for Mughal Emperor Humayun and was the first flower tomb known in India.

Bangalore. This alluring city is home to genuine locals and endless sights to see. Take a stroll or go for a run in Cubbon Park. About a half a mile long, visit the grand fountains and greenness of what Bangalore has to offer. Can’t get enough of the delightful gardens? Take an excursion to Lal Bagh, the Red Garden, which hosts India’s most tropical plants and flowers. Hopefully your gap year spans January or August (or both!) so that you can check out their incredible annual flower shows.But you're not on your gap year in India just to play and pick flowers, right? Consider signing up for an au pair work program here. As an au pair, you'll live with a family and offer childcare. It's a great way to get to know the culture more deeply while not breaking the bank on gap year travel costs.

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Latest Program Reviews

Baret says "It'll be your best year yet" and they deliver

September 23, 2025by: Iris Vavilov - RomaniaProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

Hello! I was a student in class of '25, the first cohort of the program and I was impressed by the quality of it. We stayed at the best hotels in all the "main" towns of the world, we got to connect with some of the best people in their fields and most importantly I got to relax, but also open an NGO that is directly changing people's lives, while being "on the road". They give you a lot of support with everything. I had an amazing counselor for "my life" and "my career", I had an amazing counselor for my STEM passion and I got my science poster reviewed and I also developed deep relationships with some of the staff in the program. This is, by far, the best start that you could get in your career and in your life. Your CV becomes incredibly good, you develop a better cultural sensitivity and can work with basically anyone, you understand how the world works, you relax, but you also get to apply at the top universities or open your own initiative/business. The morning programs are "a gate to excellence" and the afternoon options are a privilege given to you to deepen your knowledge in a field. I got to learn economy from Wall Street investors and exercise my Chinese skills directly with native speakers. I genuinely loved this program and I hope more people get to enjoy it <3

Baret says "It'll be your best year yet" and they deliver

September 23, 2025by: Iris Vavilov - RomaniaProgram: Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

10

Hello! I was a student in class of '25, the first cohort of the program and I was impressed by the quality of it. We stayed at the best hotels in all the "main" towns of the world, we got to connect with some of the best people in their fields and most importantly I got to relax, but also open an NGO that is directly changing people's lives, while being "on the road". They give you a lot of support with everything. I had an amazing counselor for "my life" and "my career", I had an amazing counselor for my STEM passion and I got my science poster reviewed and I also developed deep relationships with some of the staff in the program. This is, by far, the best start that you could get in your career and in your life. Your CV becomes incredibly good, you develop a better cultural sensitivity and can work with basically anyone, you understand how the world works, you relax, but you also get to apply at the top universities or open your own initiative/business. The morning programs are "a gate to excellence" and the afternoon options are a privilege given to you to deepen your knowledge in a field. I got to learn economy from Wall Street investors and exercise my Chinese skills directly with native speakers. I genuinely loved this program and I hope more people get to enjoy it <3

So educational and unique

January 04, 2025by: Alexis Barcombe - United KingdomProgram: 6-week Spring India Course

10

I had a great time with Art History Abroad in India and I would recommend it. I am happy I chose to go with a course as I think I got more out of India with the help of the tutors and local guides. I would recommend this course to anyone with a desire for learning and adventure!