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72 Scuba Diving Gap Year Programs


Seamester Study Abroad at Sea
4.76
51
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spe...
See All 10 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
825
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 Conservatio
See All 3 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
4.76
41
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
See All 9 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
4.5
8
In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru—Maximo Nivel offers its unique Native Spanish Program. Join our "Country Jumper" program and begin your GAP Year in one of our countries and then jump to another and another. Experience different aspects of each countr
See All 4 ProgramsGapforce
4.5
6
Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao’s abundant and diverse coral reefs offer some of the finest scuba diving found anywhere on the planet! The perfect location to maximize your diving and reef ecology experience, this exciting and in-depth program has been spe
See All 3 ProgramsVAC Internships Cape Town
4.9
72
The VAC GAP Year Internship Program offers the perfect blend of professional skill-building, cultural immersion, and unforgettable adventures, all set in the stunning city of Cape Town. This unique, college-level experience is designed specifically for pre-college students, with no prior experience
Pacific Discovery
4.14
21
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 throug
See All 6 ProgramsGo Abroad China Ltd.
4.62
21
Go Abroad China’s High School Chinese Language Immersion Program is designed for international students aged 13–18 who want to learn Chinese in China while experiencing authentic Chinese culture in a safe and supportive environment. Students can choose from University Chinese Language Programs, Sm
4.57
14
This is not a pause. It is a complete reset. The Quest Men's Core is our flagship 7-month journey for young men ready to answer the question, "What am I truly capable of?" This is a profound, hands-on immersion into the real world, designed to forge the character, skills, and unshakeable self-belie
See All 3 ProgramsLove Volunteers
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Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing countries, help conserve the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, or protect animals in the Amazon, Love Volunteers has a program for you. With over 200 projects in 40 countries there's something for everyone! For over 7 years Love Volu
Intern Abroad HQ
4.85
41
Are you an aspiring Environmental Conservationist or Marine Biologist? Intern Abroad HQ offers the most flexible, valuable, and affordable Environmental Science internships around South Africa, starting from just 2 weeks duration. Choose from 4 unique internship placements: - GIS Specialization for
Volunteer World
5
1
Volunteering in Mexico is perfect for all you adventurers out there. Stroll through the metropolitan cities, enjoy beautiful beaches and discover deserts, mountains and dense jungles. From Mexico City to Playa del Carmen, there are plenty unique places waiting for you. Whilst Mexico has become a
See All 7 Programs5
2
Do you love the ocean — and want to share that passion with the next generation? At Luderitz Blue School, Namibia's only IOC-UNESCO Blue School, ocean literacy isn't a subject — it's a way of life. As an intern, you'll become part of a unique school community where every week brings beach clean-ups,
Institute for Global Studies
5
6
Creative, colorful, and exciting. These are some of the best words from feedback for the Institute for Global Studies' marine research projects. IGS is an industry leader and has been placing students in Hawaii, Palau, Fiji, Australia, Thailand, and the mainland United States since 1995. IGS has
See All 2 ProgramsTravel For Teens
4.5
2
On this extended version of our 13-day Fiji program to the land of smiles, you get a little more of everything with a full 40 hours of community service and more sensational days to really savor Fiji time in paradise. See the direct positive impact of your hard work and earn service credits as you s
ARCC Programs
4
1
ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of America’s most beautiful and remote landscapes ranging from the jagged peaks of the Grand Tetons to the depths of Utah’s most spectacular canyons to the expansive deserts of Arizona and the dazzling turquoise waters of Hawaii. Explore some
See All 4 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
4.92
13
Our Volunteer programs in India are based in Kerala, Southern India. Despite a fast growing economy owing to the Dot Com revolution in the late 90’s, a large portion of the Indian people are impoverished and in need of basic human necessities. Access to clean water, sanitation facilities and quality
Warriors Academy
4.46
99
Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quest
4.8
5
Join our 6-week program on Andros Island in the Bahamas and stay on a beachfront property with a stunning view of crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Here, you’ll earn PADI Scuba certifications while gaining lifetime friendships. Become more passionate about marine science and propel your future caree
Give & Surf
5
1
Give and Surf’s Gap Year Program in Panama is designed to provide a hands-on educational experience that is service-oriented and immerses participants in the local culture. Volunteers are welcome to come for any length of time, although 1 to 3 months is recommended. This unique opportunity allows th
5
8
This internship program focuses on understanding the marine environment, combining marine biology lessons and underwater sampling enhanced through scuba diving. We have a day-by-day calendar with many activities and training sessions to participate in ongoing projects. Responsibilities include doing
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0
Seeking a pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, or global and public health-related leadership opportunity abroad? Join the VAW Global Team Leader Fellowship. We are looking for Team Leaders and Chapter Presidents at your university or within your community! The Team Leader (TL) will have a numb
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Discover Tanzania while making a real difference. Join the Kyosei Foundation and support education and farming at Kyosei Pre & Primary School. Work on an organic farm project that provides food for students and teaches sustainable agriculture. Engage with children through education, sports, and life
Global Service Adventures
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Use Sport as a vehicle for social change for Underserved Children in Rural Jamaica What is work without a little play? Bring your enthusiasm and energy to this program, as you will have the chance to enjoy the beautiful island of Jamaica through sports and service. Stay active with the children in
5
2
Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will t
Pure Exploration
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Looking for a progressive gap year experience that blends travel, adventure, and skill-building? Our six-week Rock Climbing Program in Thailand is designed for those who want more than sightseeing. It's about pushing boundaries, learning leadership, and gaining certifications that set you up for fut
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Based in the iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area, this program offers a practical introduction to ocean conservation on one of Africa’s most diverse coastlines. Sharklife is a long-standing marine conservation non-profit with an established field station in Sodwana Bay, providing a secure and profess
0
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Viborg Sports Academy is the place for you if you dream of an active, energizing GAP-year experience filled with sports, community, and unforgettable moments. With us, you’ll enjoy an immersive 18–22 week stay, where you live on campus, train every day, and become part of a strong, inclusive communi
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Join Love The Oceans for an immersive 5 week marine conservation program designed for aspiring ocean professionals. Based in the stunning Mission Blue Hope Spot of Jangamo Bay, this expedition combines hands-on fieldwork with professional development and community engagement. You’ll learn research t
Outward Bound Costa Rica
5
1
Feed your love for the outdoors or gain the necessary skills to jumpstart your career in the outdoor industry. Earn seven internationally-recognized certifications, 10 academic credits, and complete an in-depth study of Outward Bound Costa Rica’s educational model to make you a desirable instructor
See All 2 ProgramsA Guide to Taking Gap Year Scuba Diving Course
Popular Locations
You could find scuba diving jobs abroad or courses in pretty much any body of water in the world—yes ...even somewhere cold (but why?). Let’s take a look at some of the best locations abroad to do a gap year scuba diving programs.
Fiji. It might take a few extra flights to get to this South Pacific country, but it will be so worth it when you adjust to island time. The white sand beaches look airbrushed and the water is so clear you’d first think you wouldn’t even need a snorkel and mask to look under. But yes, you do, and yes, there are handfuls of opportunities here for scuba diving instructor certification.
Indonesia. Mmmm, another IT’S-SO-(FLUFFY)CHARMING-I’M-GOING-TO-DIE country to travel to. Indonesia rests a little bit west of Fiji in the warm waters between Southeast Asia and Australia. Indonesia is an excellent gap year destination, with the conveniences of modern living mixed with the thrill of indulging your soul with some of the best scuba havens in the world. Did I mention there are over 17,000 islands here? How many scuba diving jobs to you think are here? 1...2...Ahhh!!!! Apply for that scuba diving programs already!
Belize. Just a few hours on a plane and you’ll be landing in one of the best countries for scuba diving jobs and courses. Culturally, Belize is such a diverse place while ecologically it is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western hemisphere and the notorious Great Blue Hole diving spot. If you can’t make it all the way over to Australia to find nemo/scuba instructor jobs, it’s 100% perfectly fine to settle here. Take a gap year and reward your spirit with a gap year chock full of wet swimsuits and bleached hair.
Popular ways to spend your gap year under water
We’re not quite fin-ished sharing our best advice ways to spend your scuba gap year. We know you’ll be under the sea, but in what capacity? Here are some popular options:
Become a scuba diving instructor. Yup, you can find scuba diving jobs abroad on just about every continent. If you’re already certified, why not take it a step further and help others fall in love with getting face-to-face with fish? Scuba diving instructor jobs are some of the most coveted on the market—so make sure your resume has depth.
Take scuba dive trips. You don’t have to be the one double checking equipment and waiting behind for that pokey person’s ears to equalize. Spend your gap year wisely and take scuba dive trips all over the world! Learn about different ecosystems, endemic water species, and how cultures influence the scuba “vibe.” How cool would it be to take scuba dive trips on every continent!?
Take international scuba diving courses! Do the words inflator valve, liveaboard, and o-ring mean nothing to you?! Do you long for where the sky meets the sea?! It’s time to get your feet wet with the best scuba diving courses in the world. Spend your gap year (or at least a part of it!) learning this fun new skill and hobby. Because, yes—getting scuba certified in the Great Barrier Reef is as badass as it sounds.
Everything else you need to know about gap year scuba diving instructor programs
Costs. On the the best ways to get ahead (besides working that extra side job to save up) is to start a FundMyTravel campaign. This crowd-sourcing platform allows you to raise money for your gap year program. Some programs might include a scuba instructor certification while others are just looking for scuba diving instructors. Costs of living vary per country; if you are taking a gap year in a less developed nation you can expect your savings to take you a little farther. Plus side: if you move to a warmer country, you won’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on cozying up your wardrobe for winter. Farewell scarves, hello sarongs!
Accommodations. Programs have various methods for housing their gappers. Or they might not. After deciding which country you want to take a gap year in, check in with available programs and what living arrangements they provide. It shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if they don’t supply you housing, but this just means you need to put in a little extra work to find it yourself. Don’t worry, the internet is your friend.
Visas. Everyone going abroad for a whole year will need to look into getting a visa. Some countries are more flexible than others and some programs might even make this process seamless for you. Check out the GoAbroad embassy directory for more information on this.
Safety. Taking a gap year abroad is going to be a huge personal evolutionary leap for you, but you still need to play it safe. With scuba diving especially, stay with your diving partner, know your hand signals, keep an eye out on your bars, and take it slow (no one wants the bends as a gap year souvenir). Research countries before you decide to go somewhere. What we think about a place and what that place are actually like are often different. Just do a little pre-trip work to set yourself up for an amazing experience abroad.
GoAbroad's Inside Scoop
Set some goals for yourself before you leave. What do you want to get out of going on a scuba diving program? Do you want to learn more than how to float underwater, like another language? What other skills could you develop (besides holding for breath for a minute)? How do you want to grow? Make sure your goals, the location you decide to go, and the program you pick all synergize to give you exactly what you need.
Hate to point out the obvious (yet it’ll happen anyway), but bring lots of sun protection (sunscreen, thin long sleeve shirts, sunglasses, hats, etc) for a trip like this. Although it’s amazing living in a warm, sunny place, take care of your body! You don’t want to look as red as a lobster (sorry, Sebastian). Hydrate up, pack a few bathing suits, gather your snorkeling and scuba gear (it can get expensive to rent), and book that ticket!
If you are considering a gap year scuba diving programs, go for it! GoAbroad is here to help you get there.
Keep reading how to add this gap year experience to your resume when you get back.
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