Volunteering Gap Year Programs Career Break / Mid-Career

I was in Quepos for 6 weeks did Spanish classes, surf classes and two volunteer projects (working with kids and teaching english). I made a lot of new friends, got more independent and experienced an amazing country like a local.

I came to Argentina with mente Argentina for the first time and it was a really good experience ! It’s perfect if you want to make friends and contacts really quickly, the atmosphere is warm, people are really nice and the activities are amazing ! I did the barman program during 1 month and it was really resourceful but I ended up staying in Argentina longer using Mente Argentinas apartment. Even if I was technically not with Mente anymore, I kept really good friendships from mente Argentina as I was in the shared apartment option. The apartment has everything you need to make your stay comfortable, it was also close to marketplaces, bars etc. This option is also really good if you want to make friends fast ! I recommend entirely !

I did a 8 month long gap year in Peru with Maximo Nivel doing various voluntary works. Each one of them was truly amazing, organized by great people and unbelievable hospitality. Special shoutout goes to Fanny, my homestay for all of my time here. She really made us part of her family and shared the Peruvian culture to us. The working staff at the Maximo Office are also super supportive and trying to max your experience the country (shoutout to Lucas!). I would recommend this organization to anyone.

I wanted a gap year that actually meant something, not just backpacking. This program gave me structure and purpose. I studied at Fudan University in Shanghai while interning at a finance firm. My Mandarin improved so much I could hold business meetings by month four. The support team was incredible — always there when I needed help. Now I'm working in international trade, and this experience is on every interview list. Worth every penny.

My time abroad was truly a fantastic experience that I will always remember. I had the opportunity to stay and work at an alpaca farm, which was something completely new and exciting for me. During my stay, I learned a lot about this unique animal species—their behavior, how they are cared for, and their importance to the farm. One of the most special parts of my experience was living with a host family who were incredibly welcoming and kind. They made me feel at home from the very beginning, and I am very grateful for their warmth and hospitality. Through this experience, I also gained a deeper understanding of the local culture, which made my time abroad even more meaningful. It was not only about the work, but also about connecting with people and learning new perspectives. Overall, it was an unforgettable journey, and I can definitely imagine going back again in the future. If you have the chance, I really recommend to work abroad on a farm!

I have lived in Cusco, Peru, for the past 4 months while participating in the Gap Year program with Maximo Nivel. I have already had so many amazing experiences in my time here. I worked at a local zoo for my first month, which gave me exposure to some of the coolest animals in South America, up close. I worked at a travel agency, where I appeared in Instagram videos promoting travel packages and was driven to the coolest travel spots in and around Cusco while doing so. Now, I am working at a specialty coffee cafe, where I am learning a lot and gaining incredibly valuable experience in Social Media, Marketing, and Logistics. With the advice and help of Maximo Nivel, I have explored the most amazing locations in the greater Cusco area. My host family has been incredibly kind and welcoming; it really feels like a new family away from home. The other volunteers in the program are always very nice and super interesting. Cusco itself is beautiful and very fun with an active nightlife. I can't wait to see what the rest of my time holds for me here as I cross my halfway mark. Travel with Maximo Nivel!

Everything is part of the experience. Learning how to go with the flow is an essential part of staying here. I’ve made so many new friends, locally and from around the world. The workers are fantastic and super accommodating, as long as you’re reachable and communicating. I’ve enjoyed working with kids and every new day brings about something new to learn. I love my Spanish classes and we’ve been correcting things I learned in school and building off of it. I’m really excited for the rest of my time here. ¡Pura vida!

During my GAP year after highschool I spent two months with Mente. From the start they were very supportive, helping with any questions I had and finding the perfect voluntary work. I was able to work with kids, as I had hoped and it turned out to not only be very fun but also an opportunity to learn a lot about the country, the culture and general life questions. Mente also provided me with an apartment in one of the best neighborhoods of the city were I was able to meet others from different countries. Mente also did a great job on organizing events, were we got to explore the city, get amazing food and meet others in the program which really helped me to find friends. Without Mente my time in Argentina wouldn’t have been nearly as special as it was and I would always recommend them.

Mente has a fantastic team that is dedicated to making a positive experience for you in Argentina. The internships sometimes aren't the best (if I were to redo, I would focus more on learning/skill-building), but the smoothness of entry to the country, social network, and individual support are well worth it. I made life-long friends at on my Mente trip!!!

I started into my farmstay with no expectations really and I found everything I was ever hoping to find. Many people wish they knew they where in 'their good old days' when they happened and not afterwards and I can say, I knew while I was living them. The past 9 months in New Zealand were the best time I ever had in my life. And without Internex they wouldn't have happend. So thank you to the team of Internex. You did such an amazing job with everything.

I joined the GAC Gap Year Program right after high school, and it was truly transformational. I split my time between learning Mandarin, interning at a local startup, and participating in cultural activities like calligraphy and martial arts. The homestay experience gave me real insight into Chinese family life, and my language skills improved faster than I ever expected. It wasn’t just educational — it was fun, challenging, and eye-opening. If you’re a high school grad looking for something meaningful before college, this program is 100% worth it.

I joined the GAC Gap Year program hoping to make my year off productive, and it ended up exceeding all expectations. The Chinese language classes were intense but super rewarding — I went from barely knowing anything to having real conversations with locals. My internship placement in an international marketing firm gave me hands-on experience and boosted my resume. What made it special was the balance: mornings in class, afternoons at the office, evenings exploring Beijing with new friends. I came back home more independent, culturally aware, and with a clearer career path. Highly recommended if you're serious about making your gap year count.

I joined the GAC Gap Year program hoping to make my year off productive, and it ended up exceeding all expectations. The Chinese language classes were intense but super rewarding — I went from barely knowing anything to having real conversations with locals. My internship placement in an international marketing firm gave me hands-on experience and boosted my resume. What made it special was the balance: mornings in class, afternoons at the office, evenings exploring Beijing with new friends. I came back home more independent, culturally aware, and with a clearer career path. Highly recommended if you're serious about making your gap year count.

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the perfect way to step out of my comfort zone and explore something meaningful before college. I split my time between immersive Chinese language classes and a professional internship, which made every day feel productive and exciting. The homestay experience helped me truly connect with Chinese culture and improve my language skills in real-life situations. I’ve come out of this program more mature, globally aware, and motivated than ever. If you’re on the fence about what to do after high school or during a break, this program is 100% worth it.

Taking a gap year with Go Abroad China was the best decision I made after graduation. I joined hoping to improve my Mandarin and gain some internship experience, but I walked away with so much more. The language classes at a top university were both challenging and fun, and the internship placement helped me discover a career path I genuinely enjoy. Living in China gave me a real appreciation for the culture and people, and I became more independent and open-minded through it all. This program truly helped me grow both personally and professionally.

GoAbroadChina truly perfect . They perfectly matched me with a program that allowed me to excel in my chosen field. The hands-on experience I gained was invaluable, and I developed skills I never thought possible. My homestay family was incredibly welcoming and comfortable and enriching environment. They patiently guided me in improving my Chinese language skills, which was a major highlight of the program. I returned home feeling more confident, knowledgeable, and culturally aware. I highly recommend GoAbroadChina to anyone seeking a transformative gap year experience."

I stayed in Costa Rica for 4 months and for my Gap Year with Maximo and it was the best choice I could’ve made. I did the customized path with Spanish Immersion and Volunteering with Children. They were extremely accommodating to my needs and made sure I had the best experience. From the close proximity to many beaches to my classes to my host family. This program was everything I could’ve dreamed of and more. So much so that I already planned my next journey back for the New Year!

I loved being in Costa Rica, it honestly was the best experience I met so many people from all over and we made so many fun memories. I would definitely come back to Costa Rica I loved my host family they were truly amazing and so kind I will definitely recommend doing this.

My time in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel was definitely one that I will cherish and hold near and dear to my heart for forever. There were so many amazing people to meet and so many amazing experiences to be had. My host mom, Marisol was an amazing host and made us all feel very comfortable and happy, all while keeping a fun and lighthearted atmosphere in the house. The campus in Quepos, Costa Rica is very comfortable and well made and I enjoyed spending time there as well!

I had a very nice time here in Costa Rica, my family was very nice and ever was welcoming to me. Both of my projects were fun and I have learned a lot since being here! I am exciting for my trips to Guatemala and Peru