Teach Abroad Gap Year Programs

So, you will be teaching English abroad in a few months. But where? Having the chance to go anywhere in the world makes the decision process so much harder. We get it! But we’re here to help you out, and give you a few ideas. Here are the most popular countries for teaching English abroad gap years..

Spain is one of the most popular countries for gappers to teach English in Europe. With the right program, you will be teaching in international public schools, giving private lessons during the week and spending the weekends at the beach, eating churros and sipping on sangria. That is, when you’re not visiting amazing cathedrals and museums, shopping after 20:00 or enjoying the nightlife with the locals in Madrid or Barcelona.

China is a country with rich culture, history, and an expanding English teaching market. It also offers the possibility of a gap year teaching abroad without any special certifications (not even TEFL)—BUT we highly encourage getting your certification for more and better job options. There are plenty of location and school options for all types of teachers: English, Math, Science, or even a Sports Coach. But, let’s not be “all work and no play”—after all, it makes everybody a dull boy. While you’re eating amazing Peking Duck, some of us will be only dreaming about it, and wondering what’s it like to see the magnificence of the Great Wall of China, visit the Forbidden City, or gawk at the Imperial Palace. And the pandas? You cannot complete your trip without a panda experience.

Mexico might not be too far away if you’re from the US, but it’s most definitely a different world worth exploring. If you’re a native English speaker and have a TEFL certificate, you can easily get a work permit and start teaching. No matter if you’re a beach bum, city person, or outdoor enthusiast, Mexico has it all! After you’ve had a taste of the real Mexican food, Chipotle will become history. Chilaquiles, tacos, guacamole, enchiladas, or world class seafood. The list goes on. Feel like doing some traveling? Then hop down on a weekend trip to Costa Rica!

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Discovering Passion and Community in Cape Town

September 02, 2025by: Audrey Ratcliffe - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

10

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

My incredibly rewarding gap year experience in Cape Town

September 01, 2025by: Brynn Coady - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

10

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

Discovering Passion and Community in Cape Town

September 02, 2025by: Audrey Ratcliffe - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

10

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

My incredibly rewarding gap year experience in Cape Town

September 01, 2025by: Brynn Coady - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

10

My time in Cape Town was incredibly rewarding, adventurous, and eye-opening. During my internship, I worked with a nonprofit organization based in the township of Langa, where I tutored high school students in algebra, physics, and trigonometry. This experience exposed me to both the challenges faced by the community and the inspiring, service-driven mindset of many local leaders. Beyond my internship, I took advantage of everything Cape Town has to offer. I hiked many trails, explored neighborhoods like CBD and Sea Point, and spent time at the beach with friends. I highly recommend doing an internship through VACorps because you can explore your professional interests while experiencing life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!