Study Abroad Gap Year Programs

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

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–

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

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

A unique blend of wildlife biology and ecology, this 8-week course gives you the theoretical and practical training needed to become a qualified Field Guide. The program is run at a renowned Big Five game reserve covering around 6,000 hectares. It aims to deepen your knowledge and understanding of t

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

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. Jo

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical rainforests, towering volcanoes, steep-sided mountains, and extended coastlines. Embrace the spirit of "pura vida" and learn from the unique crossover of individuals who call these nations home. Living alongside Indigenous communities

Design a transformative gap year in China with Go Abroad China. For over two decades, we have expertly guided students to make informed career decisions while providing exciting, structured opportunities for exploration and growth. Our program allows you to build a personalized experience by combini

Final Places Remaining for 2026/27 Ski & Snowboard Internships! 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 Snowboa

The International School is an integral part of the University of Haifa. As a student at the International School, you will be joining students from all over the world who have come to Israel to enhance their education. You will also be studying and living with Israeli students. The International S

Discover the ultimate gap year experience in Buenos Aires with Mente Argentina, the largest and most recognized local organization offering a spectrum of customizable programs. Whether you're looking to improve your Spanish, engage in meaningful volunteer work, gain professional experience through i

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 Glacie

Dream of living in China? Make it a reality with LoPair Au Pair China, an award-winning agency that connects you with a welcoming host family. Spend a transformative 3-12 months on a cultural adventure! You'll become a part of a Chinese family, assisting with educational childcare for up to 30 hour

The Himalayas. Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, a retreat in a Buddhist monastery, high mountain trekking, service

Gain practical experience in holistic health while exploring the Peruvian Andes. The Nutrition & Natural Medicine program in the beautiful Sacred Valley of the Incas, Peru, is a unique opportunity. You will learn about Peruvian superfoods, food as medicine, healthy cooking, natural Andean medicine

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 excit

Equine Summer Study Abroad is now in its 10th year and sold out. Apply now for next year! Limited to just 16 students, it includes daily English-style riding and coursework in Equine Anatomy & Physiology and Equine Fitness. Ideal for animal science or pre-vet majors, but open to all—no riding experi

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

Study Japanese in Tokyo and have an experience you will never forget! Learn the language in an authentic way, which is so much easier when you are surrounded by people who speak it. Soon, you will do more than speak fluently with the locals—you will feel like a local, too! On this trip, you will lea

Looking for the best internships in Europe to expand your global network and gain valuable work experience? Intern in Italy with Intern Abroad HQ and experience the magic of Rome- home to iconic landmarks, world-renowned cuisine, and a visually stunning cityscape. Based in the heart of Italy’s cul

Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charming city of Heredia. Immerse yourself in the Costa Rican lifestyle while taking classes at the modern Latin University. Courses include Spanish for all levels, electives, certificate courses in English and Spanish, and internships.

When you study abroad in England, you'll see and experience the best of the old and the new. Your host city and the country become your classroom as you find yourself touring the Tower of London, visiting Stonehenge, and attending performances in some of the world’s most historic venues…for class!

Business French is of growing importance in a world where intercultural communication and mastery of several languages are essential assets! The CCFS business French course thus allows students to integrate many language skills necessary to evolve in a French-speaking professional environment. This

Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in Italy as a high school student, and live like a local while perfecting your Italian language skills. You are matched with a carefully screened host family and attend a local high school for a full immersion experience abroad. Now is your chanc

Would you like to embark on a life-changing university experience abroad? The Spanish Institute offers international students the opportunity to study for a semester or full academic year in Seville, one of Spain’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Our Study Abroad Program combines high-qual

Sign up for this gap year program, which provides the opportunity to spend one or two semesters in Barcelona. The UAB welcomes students who have completed secondary education and wish to prepare for their next academic step. Whether you have already decided on a degree or are still looking for new

Experience the French savoir-faire and the traditions of its makers with APA Paris: Gap Year. This 13-week program combines French language immersion, academics, and firsthand encounters to understand the cultural intricacies of French society. To set the linguistic foundation, students begin the t

With our gap program, you will take the time to get to know yourself and what you enjoy and value so that you can focus on the academic or career path that you really want instead of choosing blindly or based on others’ expectations. This program offers international and intercultural communication

SeoulQuest is a six-week academic residency in Seoul for high school students seeking a rigorous pre-college experience. Korean Language: Students earn an official 6-credit transcript at Ewha University via an intensive 120-hour Korean course. This college-level curriculum condenses two years of hi

Enjoy an adventure in one of the world's most unique and exciting countries—Cuba! Unlike other Spanish language programs in Cuba, being based in a Casa Particulare means you are embedded in a Cuban family—the best way to turbocharge Spanish language tuition and an ideal opportunity to learn more

Argentina is gaining traction among IGS students. We landed there in 2015 for a site visit and found a fertile market with companies eager for English-speaking interns. One of our students graduated in hospitality management and requested a boutique hotel to learn the trade. We placed her at a coast

Seville, the capital of Andalusia and Spain’s 4th largest city, is between the Sierra Morena mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoying culture from the Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews, and Christians throughout the ages and serving as the focal point of the Spanish Renaissance, the city is rich in

Thinking about a gap year? Why not turn it into a life-changing experience- both personally and professionally? At EUROACE, we offer fully customizable Gap Year programs in Valencia, Spain, allowing you to design your ideal experience: -Gain real-world business experience through an internship. -I

Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and semester courses of Outward Bound Costa Rica. Open to participants from 17 years old and up, these programs are available in fall and spring. - Outdoor Leader Semester: Earn 10 academic credits and internationally recognized certificat

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Cost

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

Not sure the traditional 4-year college path is right for you? Maybe you’re unsure what to study, craving real-world experience, or wanting a year that actually means something. If that sounds like you, Touch the World’s MissionYear offers a purposeful, meaningful way forward. MissionYear is a disc

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is one of Spain’s leading public universities and was recently ranked as the top public university in Spain. With students from more than 100 countries, UC3M offers a truly international environment in the heart of Madrid. The Gap Year Program is designed for

This intensive gap year course is for students aged 17 and older who would like to become doctors, nurses, or dentists and who would like to study medicine and enter the medical profession. The course is primarily aimed at students who have graduated from and finished their secondary school or seni

Discover the authentic soul of Andalusia at Euroidiomas Spanish School. If you are looking for high-quality Spanish tuition combined with historic heritage, wild nature, and world-class gastronomy, Úbeda is your destination. Located in Úbeda, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage city, our program

Discover China while living with a local family through our Au Pair Cultural Exchange Program. This program offers young people the opportunity to experience authentic Chinese life, improve cross-cultural communication skills, and create meaningful connections with host families. As an au pair, you

Take part in Asia Exchange's International Business Program (IBP) offered at Siam University. The undergraduate program, IBP, is taught in English. It admits Thai and international students. Exchange students at SU can choose from several options and take IBP courses that best suit their needs and i

Begin your journey towards studying in China with an International Foundation Program, designed to prepare international students for success at Chinese universities. Serving as a bridge between high school and university, these one-year preparatory programs help students strengthen their academic

We offer a unique Voluntourism & Cultural Exploration Program in Kisumu County, Western Kenya. This opportunity is designed for individuals who want to balance meaningful volunteer work with exploring local culture, nature, and tourist attractions. Participants spend part of their time supporting c

The 21C Venetian Workshop celebrates the future—and your role in it—by unlocking insight, connection, and vision through immersive experiences. Through the transformative power of the vibrant and historic city of Venice, the 21C Venetian Workshop offers a six-week program designed to cultivate the

The Connect and Thrive Regeneration Steward Intensive is a small-group experiential learning program exploring regenerative education, ecological literacy, systems thinking, mentorship, and community-based learning through both analytical and experiential pathways. Participants engage in outdoor ob

A 14-day immersive learning program set between the Himalayas and Karakoram — one of the world's most culturally rich and ecologically fragile regions. You will live with a Ladakhi host family in a traditional village, work alongside them, share meals, and learn about indigenous agriculture, natura

Experience the adventure of a lifetime through Uganda’s breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable primate encounters. Designed especially for students, solo travelers, and young adventurers, this small-group safari combines gorilla trekking, chimpanzee track

This is a professional training program where you can learn nail art techniques in Jeonju, South Korea. Gain hands-on experience with Korean beauty trends and practical skills, and take the next step toward becoming a global nail art professional. This project goes beyond basic nail art training, o

Are you ready to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world conservation? For more than two decades, Centre for Eco-Cultural Studies (CES) has been a trusted global leader in experiential education. We have proudly hosted international students, academic researchers, and university cohor

Are you ready to embark on your ranger adventure and complete your Apprentice Field Guide training in 55 days? This former Field Guide Level 1 course offers expert guidance from seasoned leaders and covers essential basics of Southern Africa’s flora and fauna. The program emphasizes hands-on trainin

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

The Working Holiday Visa allows you to stay and work in Japan for up to one year. This experience places you in real jobs across Japan, giving you the chance to earn income while gaining international work exposure in one of the most unique and fast-paced countries on earth. Participants are placed

Do you love children and enjoy playing with them? Would you like to see them running toward you with their little feet and big smiles? Join our daycare or primary school caretaker program, where you’ll help teach basic English—like letters, numbers, animals, colors, and days of the week—or simply e

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

Have an adventurous, creative experience of authentic culture and lifestyle in Florence, Italy, plus frequent day and weekend trips around the country to Pisa, Venice, Milan, Rome, Siena, Sicily, and more! Designed for students of all academic backgrounds, we are so excited to see students experienc

Spend your Working Holiday in Japan while experiencing everyday life in an authentic Japanese community. Our team helps you settle into life in Japan, providing accommodation, daily life setup, guidance on formal documents, and job search preparation. Typical part-time jobs include: • Cafés, re

The Greek Bible College is an educational institution serving evangelical churches based in Athens, Greece. Our goal is to educate and train our students through high-level academic teaching, opportunities for practical ministry, and the dynamic formation of character within the Christian environmen

Based in an 18th-century chateau in Normandy, France, Creative Semester is a 9-week multidisciplinary program that helps you think and see like an artist, connect with your peers, and grow your creativity. Through shared projects, discussions about art and artists, and moments of reflection, you’ll

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

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

Headquartered in New York City, Pizarts Global Dance Hub is a culturally conscious, internationally engaged arts organization dedicated to empowering dancers and creatives through movement, mentorship, and global exchange. Founded by Dominique Robinson in 2014, the Hub serves emerging artists and te

Experience high altitudes, cultural immersion, and remote backpacking on this Himalayan adventure. You will explore jungle and alpine conditions while moving between locations, hiking, rock climbing, and exploring different areas within Nepal. Spending a minimum of 64 nights backcountry camping, you

There are plenty of benefits to taking a gap year between high school and university in St Petersburg. Although some students can’t wait to start their post-secondary education, others benefit from taking a year off to know themselves and what they want. Our study programs in Russia are designed w

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

We provide the ultimate gap year experience for independent-minded travellers, including an internationally recognised teaching qualification, job support, and up to 9 months of Spanish classes & fun cultural activities! This package is ideal for you if: - You want to take time out before going to

What’s the purpose of your gap year? Do you want to go on an adventure and explore new places? Do you hope to learn more about local cultures and the people behind them? Do you want to go on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth? Whether it’s expanding your global perspective or expandi