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Gap Year Programs in Mexico

Where can you step completely into a new culture without feeling the jetlag? Practice your Spanish while exploring beautiful beaches? Delve into some of the best food on the planet, from fresh avocados to chilly margaritas? Discover the birthplace of chocolate and the home of some of the most famous architecture, art, and music in the world by taking a gap year in Mexico. Traveling here means opening the door to language practice, cultural immersion, business experience, and a year in Spanish that you’ll never forget. ¡Olé!
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Featured Provider of the Month

32 Gap Year Programs in Mexico

IVHQ
9.55793 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE College First Year Abroad in Mérida

Your First Year Abroad program in Mérida lasts 12 weeks and is de...

9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Mexico - Diving for Marine Conservation

Come explore Pez Maya, home to a conservation site aimed at prote...

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9.91109 reviews

Iguana Abroad

Spanish Cultural Immersion and Adventure in Mexico

Come and join the leading Spanish-language immersion program in M...

9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

8.6916 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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9.59117 reviews

Arcos Learning Abroad

Arcos Learning Abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico

Study abroad in the charming colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico, a U...

8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

9.7131 reviews

The High Desert Center

3 Affordable Months of Adventure, Travel, Community & Growth

Join this gap year program designed for your adventurous soul and...

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00 reviews

United Planet

Gap Year: 6-Month + Service Learning Opportunity in Mexico

Made up of many varied regions, Mexico makes up 1/5 of the United...

00 reviews

NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School

NOLS Expeditions: Semester and Year

Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program...

A Guide to Gap Year in Mexico

Popular Locations

Taking a gap year in Mexico gives you lots of options, from living in the middle of a big city to spending your time far from civilization. Here are a few of the most popular places for your Mexican gap year.

Mexico City. The capital of Mexico, Mexico City is home to almost nine million people—so it sure has something for you! If you’re interested in working in business, marketing, law, medicine, or pretty much any profession, Mexico City has opportunities a-plenty. In addition to professional firms, you’ll find some of the best universities in Mexico here, which means if you want to study abroad, Mexico City is the perfect spot.

Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and, as a fun beach town on the Yucatan Peninsula, is a favorite for many foreign visitors who are looking for a less touristy option that Cancun. Whether you’re exploring architecture in the nearby ruins, studying marine biology in famous snorkel and SCUBA sites, saving sea turtles, or just enjoying the food and amazing beaches while volunteering, working, or studying, Playa del Carmen makes a great home base or pit stop on your gap year in Mexico.

Mazatlán. Halfway down the west coast of Mexico is Mazatlán, a beautiful beachside city home to about half a million people and full of opportunities for those on a gap year. Mexico has opportunities abound in the tourism industry, with many to be found in Mazatlán. With beautiful nineteenth-century architecture, quality universities, and one of the most affordable beach locations in the country, it’s popular with those backpacking Mexico and looking for cheap gap year programs.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

An awesome Spanish program with great people

April 29, 2024by: Jess Osbourne - United StatesProgram: Spanish Cultural Immersion and Adventure in Mexico
10

Iguana Abroad was such a rewarding experience. The program allows you to live in Mexico while learning Spanish, travelling and generally getting to know this awesome country! To be fully immersed in a culture and learn from local Mexican teachers was such a special opportunity and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Everyone on the course was so welcoming and open to share their life experiences of Mexico and the staff on the program made us feel excited about Mexico and Mexican culture. I would like to especially thank Harry and Harry for organizing the program and also the Spanish teaching staff for their patience with my slow uptake of Spanish vocabulary!

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