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Gap Year Programs in the United States

A gap year in the United States offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and industries. From bustling cities to serene national parks, the U.S. provides a rich environment for personal growth, skill development, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, intern, or simply explore, a gap year in the U.S. can be a life-changing experience.
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65 Gap Year Programs in the United States

The Intern Group
9.07161 reviews

The Intern Group

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Internships in New York

New York City—a global cultural and financial epicenter—offers an...

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United States
9.54773 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

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gap students in the US
9.620 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Embark on an epic adventure following the path Polynesian voyager...

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Institute for Global Studies
9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

Hawaiʻi Gap
00 reviews

Hawaiʻi Gap

Hawaii Gap: Environmental Leadership

Immerse yourself in a master class in environmental science, envi...

Carpe Diem Education
99 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Hawai'i Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

Spend the semester on Maui and the Big Island, exploring our natu...

EA Ski and Snowboard Training
8.673 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Winter Gap Year - Become a Ski or Snowboard Instructor!

Love travel and adventure? This is your game-changer. Embark on...

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Tidelines Institute
00 reviews

Tidelines Institute

The Glacier Bay Semester in Civic & Environmental Leadership

Immerse yourself in the communities and wildlands of Southeast Al...

Intern Abroad HQ
9.2273 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

ARCC Programs
81 reviews

ARCC Programs

ARCC Gap: Western US - MT, WY, UT, AZ, HI

ARCC’s Western U.S. Gap Semester provides access to some of Ameri...

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Volunteer World
8.8513 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

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Future Framers Education Society
00 reviews

Future Framers Education Society

Future Framers Gap Year

Looking for flexibility in your gap year? Future Framers is a hyb...

Global Work & Travel
00 reviews

Global Work & Travel

The Ultimate Gap Year to Work and Travel the USA

Live like a local whilst getting paid on a Working Holiday in the...

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InterExchange
9.45 reviews

InterExchange

Summer Camp Counselors and Support Staff Placements

Placements available on the J-1 Visa program through the U.S. Dep...

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High Mountain Institute
1017 reviews

High Mountain Institute

High Mountain Institute Gap Semesters

HMI Gap is designed to be a unique and refreshing break from our ...

The High Desert Center
9.7131 reviews

The High Desert Center

3 Affordable Months of Adventure, Travel, Community & Growth

Join this gap year program designed for your adventurous soul and...

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Adventure Treks
9.569 reviews

Adventure Treks

Leadership Adventure Gap Semester

Adventure Treks offers this gap semester program that lets you go...

Wilderness Adventures
9.333 reviews

Wilderness Adventures

WALI Gap Semester Programs

The Wilderness Adventures Institute (WALI) Gap Semester programs ...

Touch the World
102 reviews

Touch the World

Experiential Learning: Christ-Centered Gap Year

If you find yourself at the crossroads of life post-high school, ...

A Guide to Gap Year in the USA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take a gap year in the US! The US is a great gap year destination, as it's such a huge destination with varied landscapes and regional cultures.

The best gap year programs in the USA include Outward Bound USA, Pacific Discovery, and The High Desert Center. The best programs will have valuable inclusions such as housing and planned excursions.

The cost of gap year programs in the US depend on inclusions and location. Some programs cost up to $5000 per month. If you want to take an independent gap year, keep in mind the living costs in the US, and lack of accessible public transportation.

You can do almost anything during a gap year in the US! Consider wilderness-focused gap years in places like the Pacific Northwest, learning Spanish in the Southwest, or internship programs in LA or New York.

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Latest Program Reviews

Life-changing experience

April 30, 2025by: Yuval MironiProgram: Hawaii, Fiji & New Zealand Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery
10

Life changing experience, made memories for life. I would passionately recommend this program to anyone unsure of their gap year plans.

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