Spanish Gap Year Programs After College in Mexico

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 155,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back; it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

Study abroad in the charming colonial city of Oaxaca, Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oaxaca’s extensive colonial architecture and deeply-rooted indigenous cultures make it a unique and fascinating destination. Spanish classes are offered for all levels and students can choose from a variety of electives and specialized programs in healthcare and the arts. Oaxaca is nestled in a valley in the highlands of central Oaxaca state surrounded by the Sierra Norte mountains. Within easy access to the city, you will find some of Mexico’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Oaxaca is a vibrant city for the arts and possesses a world-famous food culture with cutting-edge restaurants. The Arcos Learning Abroad program provides an all-inclusive study abroad experience with cultural activities on the weekdays, excursions on the weekends, on-site directors, carefully vetted homestays, tuition, and much more. Arcos invites you to step through the arch and into a life-changing experience abroad. Immerse yourself in the timeless culture and rich history of Oaxaca. Mexico awaits!

The purpose of the Writing Retreat is to support budding writers in accomplishing an ambitious, self-paced writing challenge. This program is modeled after National Novel-Writing Month (a.k.a. NaNoWriMo: the challenge to write 50,000 words in one month) with a community of like-minded aspiring writers. This is your opportunity to set your sights high and expand the limits of your creativity. The goal of the Writing Retreat is rapid production of a first draft—not the careful editing and refining of a final draft. Everyone at the Writing Retreat (including staff) chooses a specific numerical goal for what they’ll write during the month. Then they turn off their inner editors and focus on hitting their daily word count. That’s how we roll at the Writing Retreat.