Gap Year Internship Programs

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

I came to Argentina with mente Argentina for the first time and it was a really good experience ! It’s perfect if you want to make friends and contacts really quickly, the atmosphere is warm, people are really nice and the activities are amazing ! I did the barman program during 1 month and it was really resourceful but I ended up staying in Argentina longer using Mente Argentinas apartment. Even if I was technically not with Mente anymore, I kept really good friendships from mente Argentina as I was in the shared apartment option. The apartment has everything you need to make your stay comfortable, it was also close to marketplaces, bars etc. This option is also really good if you want to make friends fast ! I recommend entirely !

I did a 8 month long gap year in Peru with Maximo Nivel doing various voluntary works. Each one of them was truly amazing, organized by great people and unbelievable hospitality. Special shoutout goes to Fanny, my homestay for all of my time here. She really made us part of her family and shared the Peruvian culture to us. The working staff at the Maximo Office are also super supportive and trying to max your experience the country (shoutout to Lucas!). I would recommend this organization to anyone.

I wanted a gap year that actually meant something, not just backpacking. This program gave me structure and purpose. I studied at Fudan University in Shanghai while interning at a finance firm. My Mandarin improved so much I could hold business meetings by month four. The support team was incredible — always there when I needed help. Now I'm working in international trade, and this experience is on every interview list. Worth every penny.

I have lived in Cusco, Peru, for the past 4 months while participating in the Gap Year program with Maximo Nivel. I have already had so many amazing experiences in my time here. I worked at a local zoo for my first month, which gave me exposure to some of the coolest animals in South America, up close. I worked at a travel agency, where I appeared in Instagram videos promoting travel packages and was driven to the coolest travel spots in and around Cusco while doing so. Now, I am working at a specialty coffee cafe, where I am learning a lot and gaining incredibly valuable experience in Social Media, Marketing, and Logistics. With the advice and help of Maximo Nivel, I have explored the most amazing locations in the greater Cusco area. My host family has been incredibly kind and welcoming; it really feels like a new family away from home. The other volunteers in the program are always very nice and super interesting. Cusco itself is beautiful and very fun with an active nightlife. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time holds for me here as I cross my halfway mark. Travel with Maximo Nivel!

Everything is part of the experience. Learning how to go with the flow is an essential part of staying here. I’ve made so many new friends, locally and from around the world. The workers are fantastic and super accommodating, as long as you’re reachable and communicating. I’ve enjoyed working with kids and every new day brings about something new to learn. I love my Spanish classes and we’ve been correcting things I learned in school and building off of it. I’m really excited for the rest of my time here. ¡Pura vida!

As a student from Hong Kong who had just completed my IB exams, joining the 10-week Medicine Gap Year course at Lite Regal was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I wanted a programme that would help me bridge the gap between school and medical school, push me academically, and give me real exposure to the medical world — and Lite Regal delivered all of that and so much more. Coming from an international school environment, I was nervous about studying abroad alone for the first time. But from the moment I arrived in London, the team and the other students made me feel at home. The small class sizes and supportive teachers meant I could ask questions freely, and I never once felt lost or overwhelmed. The academic side was incredibly enriching — we covered anatomy, physiology, cardiology, neurology, immunology, and so many other fascinating topics. What really stood out were the practical workshops: suturing, clinical skills sessions, medical simulations, and even dissection practice. These experiences made me feel, for the first time, like I was truly stepping into the world of medicine. The 4-week clinical shadowing was unforgettable. Being able to observe doctors in real hospital and clinic settings in London opened my eyes to how medical teams work together and how meaningful patient care can be. It also made me more confident that medicine is truly the right path for me. The course also really helped with my university applications. The UCAT prep, personal-statement guidance, and mock interviews were incredibly useful — especially since the application process can feel overwhelming for Hong Kong students applying abroad. I left the programme feeling much more prepared. Beyond academics, I loved the friendships I made. Meeting students from around the world, exploring London together, and supporting each other through the course created memories I’ll never forget. If you’re a student from Hong Kong (or anywhere else!) thinking of studying medicine, I can’t recommend this programme enough. It gave me clarity, confidence, and an unforgettable start to my journey into medicine.

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

I loved every day of my internship, the events at the workplace and those organised by the intern group were incredible. I felt welcomed and encouraged to learn, interact and grow as a person and professional. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Marianna, who taught me so much about Colombia, organised fun cultural events and encouraged me to do some exploring on my own. I always felt I could come to her with any problems and questions, which made the transition into a totally new country and culture exciting. The city was electric with so much to see and do, so many creative passionate people to connect with. The landscape is breathtaking, a definite highlight was exploring the smaller neighbouring towns with gorgeous nature walks, waterfalls and natural pools. I would 100% recommend an internship in Medellin- learn some spanish, eat absolutely everything! and just be one with your surroundings. I found people were excited to share their culture when you make the effort to learn and truly listen to them. I am so grateful for this experience and the person I have become because of it.

The Intern Group responded to this reviewAugust 28, 2025

It looks like your time in Colombia was amazing, Gabriella! Thank you for sharing your experience - we're glad to know you enjoyed your internship placement, cultural activities, and felt so supported by our team. We're wishing you all the best for your future!

During my GAP year after highschool I spent two months with Mente. From the start they were very supportive, helping with any questions I had and finding the perfect voluntary work. I was able to work with kids, as I had hoped and it turned out to not only be very fun but also an opportunity to learn a lot about the country, the culture and general life questions. Mente also provided me with an apartment in one of the best neighborhoods of the city were I was able to meet others from different countries. Mente also did a great job on organizing events, were we got to explore the city, get amazing food and meet others in the program which really helped me to find friends. Without Mente my time in Argentina wouldn’t have been nearly as special as it was and I would always recommend them.

Mente has a fantastic team that is dedicated to making a positive experience for you in Argentina. The internships sometimes aren't the best (if I were to redo, I would focus more on learning/skill-building), but the smoothness of entry to the country, social network, and individual support are well worth it. I made life-long friends at on my Mente trip!!!

I came to Cape Town for two and a half months to intern at an environmental organization. During my time there, I spent two days a week in the office supporting a sustainability education program, and two days in the field at various conservation sites. I really enjoyed having this balance between outdoor, active time and time at a computer. Everyone at my internship was so welcoming and made me feel safe to ask questions and be myself! The highlight of my internship was getting to spend a few days in Simon’s Town helping out the penguin rangers. I did nest counts, helped rescue abandoned eggs, and even did some house calls to remove penguins from people’s gardens! Outside of my internship, I really got to explore and fall in love with the city of Cape Town. From the beaches to Table Mountain, there is so much to offer. Even after being here for over two months, I feel like I have just scratched the surface. I can’t wait to come back and visit again!

I chose VAC because I wanted to explore the field of psychology during my gap year— and in doing so, I was introduced to new areas of interest and experiences I never could have imagined! I absolutely loved the hikes, adventures, incredible food, rich history, and deep sense of community I found through the gap year program and throughout Observatory and Cape Town as a whole. One of my favorite memories is planting lettuce on a sunny day with a breathtaking view of Table Mountain and the entire waterfront — something I’ll never forget. I also loved how accessible Observatory is, with its amazing restaurants, thrift stores, and vibrant live music scene. I stayed from January to March, which felt like the perfect amount of time — I definitely wouldn’t have wanted it to be any shorter. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in such a beautiful, diverse place and to truly experience life in Cape Town.

I chose Cape Town because I had heard incredible things about its culture and natural beauty. I wanted to improve my surfing and gain more independence before starting college. I also saw an internship as a great way to experience the workforce and learn what it’s like to live and work on my own. What I loved most was the community I found at my internship. The people I worked with were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and over time, they became good friends. I learned that I bring a strong presence to any space and that I’m confident and capable on my own. I’ll never forget surfing with my colleagues and the braai we had together after work one evening — or the many fun nights spent with others in the program. Our weekend getaway to Hermanus is another memory I’ll cherish forever. I stayed in Cape Town from approximately January 5th to March 5th. I’d recommend staying for at least two to three months — no less. The first week or two can be an adjustment, especially when it comes to the food, but just be prepared and give it time. The VACorps staff were amazing — always friendly, quick to help, and full of great recommendations. I really enjoyed the weekly activities, and I appreciated that while we had support when needed, we also had plenty of independence. I’m so grateful for everything this experience gave me.

I chose Cape Town for my gap year because I believed that learning about different countries and cultures would enrich my understanding of the world. I decided to do an internship to gain business experience and better prepare for the "real world." During my time here, I learned several technical skills, including how to use a sewing machine—I even managed to make a bag and a pillow, which I’m really proud of. One specific observation I made was just how challenging the fashion industry can be for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. I loved interacting with my coworkers and the children at my placement. One moment I’ll always remember is arriving at the daycare and being swarmed with hugs from the kids. I also loved the weather, going to the beach, and exploring different cultural attractions. The aspect of the VACorps program I'm most grateful for is the approachability of the staff and the kindness they showed me every day.

I decided to intern abroad because I wanted to combine new experiences with learning. I felt it was important to explore the medical field more deeply before starting college, which is why I pursued an internship. I chose Cape Town because it seemed like a beautiful city, and I was drawn to its mix of beach, mountains, and urban life. What I loved most were the people I met and the wide range of activities we got to do together—everything felt so accessible for visitors. I learned that I’m capable of being completely independent, even in a new country. What I’ll miss most is the everyday adventure of living in Cape Town. I never ended up where I thought I would be when each day began. I stayed for two and a half months, but I’d love to stay longer. I’m a little homesick now, but I know that once I leave, I’ll be homesick for Cape Town instead. For anyone considering interning in Cape Town, my advice is: don’t come with expectations. My experience was totally different from what I imagined—and way more adventurous. We were told to buy what we needed here instead of bringing it all from home, and I didn’t listen. I definitely recommend taking that advice—everything is more affordable here, and you can find whatever you need. I really enjoyed the weekly activities. They were a great way to get outside, hang out with friends, and unwind after a week of work. I’d recommend going on as many as possible. I’m really grateful I had this experience. I feel lucky to have come with such amazing people and to have landed such an interesting internship.

I chose Cape Town because it was so far from home. It’s a developing nation nearly 20 hours away, and that distance represented a big change for me. But this year has been about trying new things and stepping outside my comfort zone—so I went for it. I don’t think I fully processed what that lifestyle shift would mean when I had my final conversation with Oliver and made the decision. During my time here, I’ve learned so much—though it’s hard to put it all into words. I’ve grown a lot as a person, mostly from living with people who are very different from me and navigating life in a completely foreign environment. For the first time, I’ve been cooking for myself, shopping for groceries, and managing day-to-day life independently. Traveling in the fall helped build my confidence and life skills, but nothing compares to this experience. I’m a much different person now than when I arrived, and this program has been incredibly impactful for my personal growth. I feel so much more ready for college life now that I’ve been through VACorps.

Our son found the Future Leaders Program when he decided to take a gap semester after his first semester of college. Spanish Gap Year checked all the boxes we were looking for, offering an experience that had both the cultural component and the structure from which to keep building on the skills he was learning in college. Future Leaders offered the chance to continue learning challenging subjects (Spanish and business concepts), exposed him to two different cities, and also had independent dorm living in the second half so he could continue the independence he started in college. The program staff were incredible. Overall, the program exceeded our expectations and we would recommend it to anyone!

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program right after high school, and it was truly transformational. I split my time between learning Mandarin, interning at a local startup, and participating in cultural activities like calligraphy and martial arts. The homestay experience gave me real insight into Chinese family life, and my language skills improved faster than I ever expected. It wasn’t just educational — it was fun, challenging, and eye-opening. If you’re a high school grad looking for something meaningful before college, this program is 100% worth it.