Spanish Gap Year Programs in Peru

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.

Over 10 years ago I had the most incredible gap year experience in Bolivia and Peru with Where there be Dragons. The knowledge I gathered during that trip continues to inform my thinking and career path today. My time in Bolivia and Peru, learning about international development through the lens of host families, local NGOs, civil society organizations, and the Where there be Dragons staff themselves inspired me to pursue an undergraduate degree (and now graduate!) in international studies, Spanish, development, and policy. I have spent 10 years living, working, and studying in Washington DC and continue to reference this experience in job interviews and graduate program applications. Shockingly, all of this isn't even the best part of the experience. Instead, it's the relationships and friendships built that continue to last the test of time. In the past year I've seen three dragons friends around the US, and over the past ten years there's been countless reunions and catch ups. Would highly recommend this program to anyone looking for experiential learning opportunities that seamlessly blend intense outdoor exploration, independent study, and cultural immersion- as well as of course lifetime friendships.

My time with where there be dragons completely changed my life. During the three months I spent traveling I learned more about the world and my place in it than I ever had in traditional schooling. I was faced with discomforts and challenges that most people never get the opportunity to face and grow from and it helped me become a better human. These programs are designed incredibly well, there is so much intentionality, time, energy and love put into creating a transformative experience for each student. I cannot recommend dragons more!

My Dragons trip was the best and coolest thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. All of my instructors were incredible and personable. They all wanted nothing more than to see us happy and to see us succeed in whatever we were doing. The itinerary was amazing, and we got to experience some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

My Dragons program allowed me to explore and reveal my passions. My instructors and peers are still my mentors to this day and showed me all that is possible. I left my semester with a clear sense of what I wanted to study in College, a passion for travel, and lifelong friends. I was supported every step of the way and empowered to travel on my own. Stepping out of my comfort zone with Dragons changed my life and expanded my horizons.

I traveled to Bolivia and Peru with WTBD in fall of 2022 during my gap year before university! I had no prior experience in South America or speaking Spanish for that matter. It was truly incredible, the way the program was ran. The instructors worked really well together, I was supported and could really felt like they had my best interests at heart. Home stays were an incredible experience, it was a bit scary more having never spoken Spanish, but all of host families were super patient and kind. I feel like I will always have a family throughout Bolivia and Peru now!!

Loved it so much! I learned so much about myself and about South America. After coming home I felt more prepared to attend after having taken the break. It was the perfect mix of outdoor time and also city immersion.

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!

My time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel was definitely one that I will cherish and hold near and dear to my heart for forever. There were so many amazing people to meet and so many amazing experiences to be had. My host mom, Marisol was an amazing host and made us all feel very comfortable and happy, all while keeping a fun and lighthearted atmosphere in the house. The campus in Quepos, Costa Rica is very comfortable and well made and I enjoyed spending time there as well!

I had a very nice time here in Costa Rica, my family was very nice and ever was welcoming to me. Both of my projects were fun and I have learned a lot since being here! I am exciting for my trips to Guatemala and Peru

I had an amazing time with Maximo Nivel. I spent 6 months with their program and am incredibly happy about this decision. I volunteered at an elementary school, completed my TEFL Certification with the amazing teacher Sean, volunteered to teach English, took Spanish classes, and spent time doing jungle conservation in the Amazon. Would especially recommend the program in Cusco, Peru as it has such a vibrant culture.

Costa Rica's Turtle Conservation Project was one thing I will never forget! Such an eye opening and amazing experience. The IHQV program is an amazing way to explore the world in a feasible way. Not only is it affordable but I would have never experienced anything like it! IHQV Brings so much more, more ham any guided tour, more than a resort, and more than anything you could experience on your own. They have demonstrated such strong dedication to make sure every part of the trip is a great learning exprenice while keeping it fun. One of my most memeroble moments would be seeing the indangered leather back turtle lay her eggs. Because the leather back is in such danger it is critical that her eggs are gathered and re-nested in the hatchery where they can be taken care of and monitered to keep them safe from predators. I was lucky enough to be able to personally collect her eggs and dig a new nest to place each egg carfully. It was truley an amazing experience. I wish I could go back to see them hatch! Not only was this such an amazing experience, but every single person I met on this trip through the program m, I will dearly miss. IHQV brings everyone with similar ambitions together and from all over the world. I loved to meet people from the UK, Australia and Italy. Never could I go anywhere and meet such amazing people in one single place. I would recommend this program a million times. Leaving was hard, I'll miss my friends I have made and most importantly all the work that was done everyday to help such a wonderful project!

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewMay 21, 2018

Hi Drew, thank you for sharing your incredible experience on the Turtle Conservation project in Costa Rica! It's amazing that you were able to help in the protection of the leatherback turtles eggs as this is such an important task in the conservation of the turtles. We would love to have you join us again in the future! ^Rachel - IVHQ Costa Rica Program Manager

My time volunteering in Portugal was the most amazing experience. It gave me the comfort and growth to travel and experience new adventures on my own. The staff, locals and coordinators ensured my stay was the best possible experience.

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] responded to this reviewApril 09, 2018

Hi Andy - It's awesome to hear about your time on the program, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your experience in Ghana. Our local team is awesome and I'm thrilled to hear you felt supported by them in every capacity during your time on the program. I wish you all the best! ^Caroline - IVHQ Portugal Program Manager