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Volunteering Gap Year Programs

Feeling as worn out as those old gym socks by your final year of high school or college? A gap year filled with volunteering might be just the break you need! Today’s travel-seekers have more amazing gap year programs at their fingertips than ever. You can escape the stress of university life, make a difference, and enjoy every moment. Ready for a meaningful change of pace? Gap year volunteer programs have got you covered!
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

Discover who you are on the ultimate gap adventure! Sail the world!
with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

giraffe
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...

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Raleigh International - volunteers
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Raleigh International logo
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

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Impact Gap Year
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Impact Gap Year logo
South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

See All 7 Programs
MAXIMO NIVEL
8.867 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...

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volunteer with a monkey in Ecuador
00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, South Africa

Unsure about your academic or professional future? Take a breathe...

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The Intern Group
9.5256 reviews

The Intern Group

Internships in Melbourne, Australia

Jumpstart your career with Australia’s top internships! Partnerin...

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
9.54767 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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Semester at Sea
00 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea Study Abroad Malaysia

Sail on the floating university of Semester at Sea and make the w...

Pacific Discovery
9.435 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Immerse yourself in New Zealand and Australia's extraordinary lan...

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VACorps
9.8866 reviews

VACorps

Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that ...

African Horse Safaris
102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Moolmanshoek Wildlife Working Holiday

Experience the excitement of life in the African Bush at Moolmans...

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Go Abroad China Ltd.
9.640 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

Are you seeking meaningful activities that you can take on during...

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Carpe Diem Education
9.1926 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Central America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical...

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The Real Uganda
9.758 reviews

The Real Uganda

Community Development & Volunteering in Uganda

Ever thought of traveling to Uganda? It’s a peaceful, vibrant cou...

Wanderlust Exchange
9.161 reviews

Wanderlust Exchange

Wanderlust Culture Home-stay English Teaching Program

Wanderlust Au Pair China Program integrates educational travel, M...

Latest Program Reviews

Life-Changing Gap Year in the Heart of China

June 16, 2025by: Noah Taylor - AustraliaProgram: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program
10

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.

A Guide to Gap Year Volunteering

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