Self-Discovery Gap Year Programs

Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immersive semester blends cultural discovery, new adventures, and light language learning with a supportive travel community. In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Weeks 1–4), surf warm Pacific waves, join a sea turtle conservation project, hike rainforest trails to Rio Celeste, and explore the Arenal volcano region. In Rome, Italy (Weeks 5–8), step into history at the Colosseum and Vatican, roll pasta and make gelato with local chefs, and take a day trip to Pompeii. In Tokyo, Japan (Weeks 9–12), experience the city’s neon energy, stroll through serene shrines and gardens, try karaoke with friends, and ride the bullet train to Kyoto to explore temples and traditional tea houses. Throughout your journey, you’ll live in EF student residences, travel with your cohort, and join weekly cultural activities plus weekend or overnight excursions. With flights, housing, EF’s global support, and optional U.S. college credit all included, The Globetrotter is more than study abroad; it’s your chance to grow, connect, and experience the world like never before.

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.

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 medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

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 country's culture and Spanish dialect. Your program and curriculum follow you as you study across 2, 3 or all 4 of our institutes. EXAMPLE ITINERARY: Start your studies at our institute in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica (on the beach!), then travel to our institute in the beautiful pueblo of Antigua, Guatemala, and then move your program to our institute in historic Cusco, Peru. From Peru, join us again in Costa Rica at our institute in the capital city of San Jose. Study, trek, tour, and eat your way through Latin America—it's a great experience! We recommend at least 3 weeks for a Country Jumper program.

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

This Gapforce program is an action-packed, six-week tour combining travel and adventure with volunteering on Australia's famed East Coast. Your journey begins in the awesome city of Sydney before heading north to Brisbane via the legendary Byron Bay. You will spend two weeks volunteering on an environmental conservation project, a great way to give back to this amazing country, before continuing north into Queensland. Sailing on the Whitsunday islands, 4x4 jeep rides on Fraser Island, and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef are just some of the highlights. Your epic adventure ends with a week in Cape Tribulation, a stunning paradise where the reef meets the rainforest.

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that will prepare you for the world that awaits after you finish high school. Our program will help you identify your personal goals, values, and passions and incorporate them into your career and life plan. You will gain real-world work experience, make new friends from all over the globe, and have the time of your life as you explore the most beautiful city in the world. As a participant of our program, you will join a community that feels like a family. When you arrive in South Africa, we make it incredibly easy for you to adjust to life in Cape Town and call this city your home. From your very first day in the country, we will guide you through a comprehensive orientation that ensures you will take full advantage of every moment in South Africa. You'll be immediately networked with other participants, forming a peer group to relate to as you quickly adapt to life in a new city that you'll soon call home. Gap year students live together in the Gap Year House, which is another highlight of the VACorps Gap Year Program experience.

Discover the exciting world of polocrosse on an authentic Zimbabwean equestrian smallholding. This intimate programme is ideal for those passionate about transforming lives of ex-racehorses, wanting to develop their horsemanship skills, and learn about the exciting sport of polocrosse. Work with Andy Taylor and his family to retrain racehorses for polocrosse, polo, and showjumping. Learn the basics of polocrosse, participate in games and tournaments, and explore the local area on horseback. Enjoy a 3-night horseback wildlife camping safari and assist in rehabilitating disabled children through horse interaction, visit local wildlife rehabilitation centres. Weekends feature sociable braais and the chance to experience life in Zimbabwe. Intermediate and above riding abilities accepted.

Experience an unforgettable 10-week Gap Year Semester through New Zealand and Australia, two of the world’s most amazing travel destinations. This Pacific Discovery program is designed for students taking a gap year, seeking an alternative study abroad, or looking to combine travel with purpose. Journey across dramatic landscapes, from the fjords of New Zealand to the tropical reefs of Australia. Hike, surf, snorkel, and dive while building global perspective through hands-on conservation and meaningful service learning. Learn directly from Māori and Indigenous Australian communities through authentic cultural exchange. Along the way, develop real-world skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainability with the option to earn U.S. college credit. With experienced instructors by your side, you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and lifelong friendships while exploring two iconic destinations for adventure and growth. Whether you’re preparing for college, building your resume, or redefining your education through travel, this immersive journey will leave you inspired and ready for what’s next. Inquire today to start your New Zealand & Australia Semester with Pacific Discovery.

Join Carpe Diem for an unforgettable gap semester, exploring rich history and modern cultural identity in Italy & Greece. These two nations significantly influence how the Western world thinks about philosophy, art, religion, economics, and politics. Throughout their histories, they have shown resilience in adapting to social, political, and environmental change, and today, they continue to maintain a connection with traditional ways of living while also proactively addressing modern challenges associated with climate change's environmental and economic consequences. Italy and Greece provide rich historical context as to how societies have evolved to meet the demands of the modern era while remaining deeply rooted in cultural identity, tradition, and heritage. Carpe Diem Education takes you to Italy and Greece to engage with communities proactively addressing climate change through the lens of resilience and regeneration.

Designed specifically for ambitious high school students (ages 13-18), Go Abroad China’s Cultural Immersion Program offers a structured and safe gateway to mastering Mandarin and understanding China. Since 2003, we have crafted immersive experiences that blend intensive language instruction at leading schools with authentic cultural engagement. Our curriculum is balanced: mornings focus on classroom learning and one-on-one tutoring, while afternoons are dedicated to cultural workshops, tours, and exchanges with local Chinese high school students. Students live the language through carefully vetted homestays, shared apartments, or campus dormitories, ensuring daily practice and a deep connection to local life. With round-the-clock supervision and support from our dedicated coordinators, safety and guidance are paramount. This transformative journey builds more than language skills—it fosters global citizenship, enhances university applications, and creates lifelong international friendships. Choose from flexible short-term summer camps or semester-long programs, all tailored to fit individual academic goals.

Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded by lush scenery, and in an indigenous area. Join the Community and Conservation Gap Year in Costa Rica if you want to reflect on the best next steps in your life. While doing so, make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of indigenous peoples and the country’s environment. The full program is 10 weeks long and includes 3 modules (per year): Module 1. Community project in an indigenous area Module 2. The Great Trek – an ultimate group hiking adventure (not to be missed!) Module 3. Environmental project in the Cartago province Each module has set learning objectives aimed at boosting your confidence, adaptability, and independence in a supportive team setting. The 7-week program consists of 2 of the 3 modules (you can choose which 2). You don’t require specific qualifications to participate in this gap year program. You just need a sense of adventure and enthusiasm. You must also have a flexible attitude and the willingness to embrace the challenges of a new country.

Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you want to earn internationally recognized qualifications and travel the world with the coolest job on the planet? Become a ski instructor in Canada with EA Ski and Snowboard Training this winter and fast-track your career in the ski industry! On a ski instructor internship you'll train, qualify and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. EA Ski and Snowboard Training guarantee a paid job offer once their interns have passed their exams and are qualified ski instructors. Apply today to see if you qualify! Choose from 7 world-class ski resorts in Canada to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain internationally recognized instructor qualifications, and get the best work experience for your CV. You'll gain instructor qualifications recognized by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) - the world body for professional ski instructors. This means you will be able to work at other world-class ski resorts across the globe. Inquire to get in touch with our team and find out more about this great opportunity!

Work, live, and play in Canada's tourism playgrounds. We work with hundreds of hotels, summer and winter resorts, restaurants, activity providers, retail outlets, and other hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the country. Get a job and accommodation before you depart and help with your visas, insurance, and travel plans. Turn up sorted and work for a season or longer. We have jobs in guest services, food and beverage, kitchen, back of the house, and resort operations. We even have jobs for participants who specialize in construction and aesthetics. Start dates are available all year round, although you need to allow 10–14 weeks for visa processing depending on the time of the year and country of origin. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to stay updated with securing a resort job in Canada, please feel free to get in touch or visit our website for more info. Visas are now open to all IEC partner countries including the UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, Japan, and others. Learn more about this on our website. Let your dream work in Canada become a reality today! Contact us now!

The Glacier Bay Semester offers an unparalleled opportunity for young people aged 18-24 to develop as leaders, community members, and global citizens. Based at our twin campuses, students will explore a mossy old-growth forest, paddle through icy fjords, and climb the rugged alpine summits of Glacier Bay National Park and the Tongass National Forest. The program is built around three central pillars: academic work in the liberal arts and sciences, service labor performed in support of the campus and community, and democratic self-governance. Close-knit community life and wilderness exploration round out the experience. Join us and immerse yourself in the communities and wildlands of Southeast Alaska, home to tidewater glaciers, alpine meadows, humpback whales, and brown bears. All students must be legally permitted to reside in the United States for the entire duration of the program. This means that DACA recipients are eligible for this program. Unfortunately, Tidelines cannot currently sponsor visas for international students.

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-belief that will define the rest of your life. Based at our 850-hectare wilderness campus at Quiet Waters, you will join a tight-knit brotherhood. Together, you will face real challenges that push you far beyond your comfort zone, and you will emerge stronger for it. Your Journey: Built on our proven 6 Acumen framework, your 7 months are a deep dive into holistic capability. The Outcome: You will graduate not just as a more capable man, but as a leader. You will return with a toolkit of timeless skills, a powerful sense of purpose, and a global brotherhood that will last a lifetime. This is the foundation that sets you apart.

Internship in Japan by SEKAIA Inc. (formerly ICC Consultants Inc.) Internship in Japan by SEKAIA is Japan’s leading internship program, connecting global talent with professional opportunities across the country. Based in the heart of Tokyo since 1988, we offer one of the largest networks of exciting placements for students and young professionals. Guided by our vision to “Explore the World,” the program goes beyond work experience—you’ll discover Japan’s culture, business, and people while growing as a global professional. From Finance to Fashion, Robotics to Journalism, Game Design to Event Management, and IT to Trade—we have opportunities to match your goals. No Japanese language skills? No problem. The world is open to you with SEKAIA. Our multinational team supports you every step of the way, offering 24-hour assistance, insurance, and personalized services to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Start your journey today—send us a message and take the first step toward your future in Japan!

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22. Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025 Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025 Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, designed to support your mental health and well-being. We blend thrilling adventure, immersive travel, cultural exploration, meaningful volunteering, dynamic internships, and communal living with essential life skills to ensure a holistic growth experience. Picture yourself mastering independence, learning to run a household, and becoming an exceptional roommate and housemate. Our program stands out by featuring a live-in therapeutic coach who provides 24/7 in-the-moment coaching, wellness lessons, and personal development support. This unique component ensures you receive constant guidance, fostering resilience, self-awareness, and emotional well-being. This isn’t just a gap year—it’s a journey to self-discovery in the world's most awe-inspiring playground. Join us in New Zealand and redefine what it means to explore, learn, grow, and thrive. This is your chance to experience unparalleled adventure and personal well-being.

Are you interested in learning Spanish? Study at our school/hostel in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take morning language lessons from Monday to Friday. In the afternoons, enjoy dance classes and cultural excursions. We also have weekend trips to the beach and a two-night/three-day road trip to Viñales. This is a busy program and offers the possibility of immersion into Cuban life—past and present—and the opportunity to understand what makes this amazing country so special. Our programs are for participants 18+, but we also welcome minors accompanied by an adult. Accommodation is in our licensed Casa Particulare, where you’ll share a dorm room with other students. You could also stay in a private room with an en suite bathroom for an extra fee. Couples, friends, and family who book a program together are automatically upgraded to a private room. Breakfast and lunch are included, as well as activities such as group discussion/planning meetings and impromptu social gatherings. Airport transfers can be arranged on request. Our programs comply with travel restrictions for US citizens. Feel free to contact us for more information!

Embark on a two-week journey through the desert, mountains, and to the sea in Morocco. Volunteer in a high Atlas Mountains village and ride camels in the Sahara. Learn to surf in the coastal town of Essaouira and admire Marrakesh's colorful markets. This incredible experience will leave you unforgettable memories of Morocco's unique and diverse landscapes and cultures. We offer the following: - Moroccan Wanderer (High School Program) for ages 14-18: Two weeks of community volunteering and immersion, excursions, and visits to different places - Moroccan Wanderer (College Program) for ages 18-22: Two weeks of volunteering in the Atlas Mountains, visits, and other activities