Gap Year Programs in South America

Your First Year Abroad program in Buenos Aires lasts 12 weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE’s global academic partner, Arizona State University (ASU). Enhance your experience with co

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

Experience Medellin, Colombia’s most innovative city, through an international internship designed to advance your career. This program combines hands-on professional experience, global networking, and cultural immersion, giving students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals the skills a

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

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

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 out

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective t

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy m

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through Peru and Ecuador that blends adventure, purpose, and connection. Hike through the Andes, explore the Amazon, and immerse yourself in rich Indigenous cultures and living traditions. This program goes beyond travel; you’ll engage in hands

The Mente Argentina Ultra Intensive Spanish Program is designed for participants to learn Spanish quickly while experiencing the enigmatic city of Buenos Aires. Spanish classes are taught in an innovative and creative way by integrating class coursework with cultural activities and excursions. Any

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to assist at the tortoise breeding center. You will be a member of the research and zookeeping staff. Take responsibility for taking care of and measuring the shells of tortoises for their growth charts, as well as informing tourists of rul

Traveling through Patagonia, Colorado, and Utah, you'll develop your backpacking or rock climbing skills, leadership style, and personal environmental ethic. You'll investigate critical local issues and volunteer as an environmental steward. Living with a small group of peers and instructors, you'll

The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at extremes. From sparkling glaciers to lush tropical forests, this Gap Year program takes you through a dizzying tapestry of landscapes and cultures, exploring the links between land and people, past and present. The ancient Land of the I

Intern abroad with Linguistic Horizons in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru! We are located at the foot of the Andes mountains between Cusco and Machu Picchu! This program is ideal for those who want to go off the beaten path to have a truly immersive experience. You'll improve your Spanish, exp

In Chile, Adelante Abroad offers programs in Vina del Mar and Valparaiso—two major, bustling Chilean cities, each having a unique atmosphere. Vina del Mar is often called the "Garden City" due to the surrounding large parks and green areas. Chileans have dubbed this city the ideal commune to live an

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

IPBio is launching a 15-day, all-inclusive expedition that combines biological research and conservation volunteering with a truly immersive experience of Brazilian culture, history, and Amazonian traditions. By exploring the region through both scientific and cultural perspectives, participants gai

Andean peaks surround Machu Picchu; lush tropical rainforests, Amazonian jungles, sandy beaches, arid deserts, remote farmland and fishing villages make up the Peruvian landscape. Likewise, Peru's cuisine is rich in variety and has influences from Spanish, Chinese, European, African, and Japanese cu

Explore. Learn. Lead. Join Avalon Farm’s Young Leaders in Pursuit of Happiness (YLPH), a gap year program based in the picturesque Mantiqueira Mountain Ridge in Carmo de Minas—a municipality in the state of Minas Gerais. Step into a transformative experience that blends cultural immersion, leaders

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations ac

Study abroad in the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, known as the Paris of South America. Explore numerous historic neighborhoods and learn about the world-famous tango while taking classes with one of our renowned academic partners. Argentina is a country of vast landscapes and a f

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g

Greenheart Travel's high school abroad program in Argentina offers you a great opportunity to spend your summer, trimester, semester, or academic year as an exchange student while living with a local Argentinian host family. It promises full cultural immersion, allowing you to practice your Spanish

Caring for children and adults with disabilities is one of the most rewarding and impactful forms of volunteering abroad. Through Volunteering Journeys’ Disabled Care & Special Needs Volunteer Programs, you can make a meaningful difference by offering care, compassion, and support to individuals who

Stand in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains, connect with warm-hearted indigenous peoples and their culture, and take a selfie with a llama! Peru offers the opportunity to trek majestic trails, explore ancient ruins, visit rural villages, and engage in meaningful community service and genui

IGS has placed students in some of the world’s most exciting museums. Our internship placements typically fall into two categories: working on the floor or conducting research and marketing behind the scenes. Floor work includes assisting the docent in the setup and interpretation of current exh

Global dental healthcare with International Medical Aid's (IMA) Dental Internships for pre-dental undergraduates, dental students, dentists, and dental hygienists, offers an extraordinary chance to work in some of the world's most underserved regions—East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Un

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and is located on the shore of the Río de la Plata. It is one of Latin America's most important ports and populous cities. This grand city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is seen as more European than Latin American. Its energy and bustle a

Visit colorful Argentina! CHI helps realize your dream travel, allowing you to experience the real way of life in Argentina. Live with a host family and teach them English. In exchange, you will receive a private room, three meals a day, and friendships that will last a lifetime! CHI works with t

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our

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

Alzar Gap’s signature program, Patagonia Exchange, runs from September to December each year and explores some of the most stunning and interesting locations in South America. This gap program builds on Alzar's nearly twenty years of experience in offering leadership development programs. Still, it

Start your adventure to the Ecuadorian Andes through a meaningful internship that connects people, learning, and local action. Based in the rural community near the city of Guaranda, El Terreno Cultural Exchange Centre offers hands-on, community-based internships that address real challenges — from

If you are thinking about taking a gap year and volunteering abroad, consider taking part in community volunteer projects in Ecuador! We have the perfect combination of cultural, adventure, and work experience for you. ELEP Volunteer & Internship Programs offer high-quality, safe, and extremely af

Discover Peru: Make an Impact in the Sacred Valley Immerse yourself in life in Urubamba, Peru, and make a real difference through a meaningful community-based internship. Working alongside the FutureSense Foundation, you’ll support local education initiatives and contribute to long-term, sustainabl

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

Spend eight weeks in South America protecting wildlife and improving your Spanish. This Gap Project offers a unique opportunity to explore Peru and Ecuador while contributing to conservation efforts and cultural exchange. In Peru, you'll spend two weeks conserving the Amazon Rainforest before visit

Experience the sights and sounds of a microcosm in Ecuador. Expect to discover diverse landscapes—mountains, jungles, beaches, and ancient ruins, along with the Galapagos Islands. Wander cobblestone streets and see 17th-century monasteries. Explore the ancient Inca heritage through the ancient ruins

Based in El Chaltén for 12 weeks, participants will embrace the endless glaciers within Los Glaciares National Park and the towering peaks, including Fitz Roy, while advancing their hiking and rock climbing skills. With a unique structure of alternating weeks between rock climbing and hiking and a c

Immerse yourself in a new language, intern abroad, or explore a different part of the world. CET’s gap programs offer the opportunity to join college-level courses overseas or online. Whether you're mastering Chinese in Beijing, volunteering while living with a host family in Siena, or creating art