
Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
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with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea


GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 20...
See All 159 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
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Plan the ultimate gap year in Costa Rica with Maximo Nivel! Through this transformative adventure, you will explore the vibrant city of San José and the beach paradise of Manuel Antonio, getting involved in impactful, skill-building activities along the way. Shape your gap year to suit your need
See All 5 ProgramsInternational Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
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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
See All 150 ProgramsSemester at Sea
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Sail on the floating university of Semester at Sea and make the world your campus. This global journey brings you face-to-face with diverse perspectives and cultures in different locations. As a group, you’ll have the opportunity for cultural engagement in as many as 11 cities worldwide while earnin
VAC Internships Cape Town
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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
Go Abroad China Ltd.
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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
See All 2 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid’s Pre-Med and Global Health Internships welcome undergraduates, pre-med and medical students, graduates, and healthcare professionals interested in learning from local teams. High-school applicants follow IMA’s high-school pathway, with activities suited to their age and pr
See All 12 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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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
See All 22 ProgramsGapforce
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Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu Picchu on the remote Salkantay route—over icy m
See All 7 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
26
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
See All 5 ProgramsHigh Mountain Institute
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Traveling through Patagonia, Colorado, and Utah, you'll develop your backpacking or rock climbing skills, leadership style, and personal environmental ethic. You'll investigate critical local issues and volunteer as an environmental steward. Living with a small group of peers and instructors, you'll
Mente Argentina
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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
Spanish Gap Year
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This all-in-one semester begins with one month traveling Spain by train, followed by two months in Barcelona where you choose your pathway. You’ll build soft skills (communication, confidence, problem-solving), hard skills (Spanish, digital tools, cooking), professional skills through internships or
See All 2 ProgramsAfrican Conservation Experience
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Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life forever? Then look no further! This Ultimate Gap Year Experience is unique; you will be transported to four different projects across southern Africa, working on the front lines of conservation and connecting with local and expert prof
Cultural Homestay International
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Our host families volunteer to open their homes to you and welcome you in as a member of their families. This means they truly want to share their language and culture with you while learning about your language and culture. Instead of paying for language courses, our host families believe that hos
Raleigh International
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If you want a gap year or travel experience that’s full of tropical wildlife, diverse environments from rainforest to beaches, and the opportunity to be part of eco-tourism initiatives – Costa Rica is the one. Costa Rica is one of the great biological crossroads of the planet: rainforest, cloud fo
See All 3 ProgramsINTERNeX Pacific
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Experience rural life by living and working with a New Zealand farming family. The Farmstay New Zealand program offers hands-on farming tasks, providing practical skills and insight into New Zealand’s farming culture, from agriculture to animal care. Work enough hours to cover your accommodation, m
Give and Surf
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Give and Surf’s Gap Year Program in Panama is designed to provide a hands-on educational experience that is service-oriented and immerses participants in the local culture. Volunteers are welcome to come for any length of time, although 1 to 3 months is recommended. This unique opportunity encoura
Where There Be Dragons
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Build Spanish language fluency: learn from local communities and engage with diverse cultures throughout Guatemala and Costa Rica. For students interested in community engagement, sustainable agriculture, Latin American history, and dramatically improving their Spanish language skills through classe
See All 3 ProgramsARCC Programs
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This 70-day Southeast Asia Gap Program takes you beyond the traditional classroom while journeying to three beautiful and naturally diverse countries in Southeast Asia – Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. It is a unique combination of hands-on projects, education, and immersion into fascinating and an
See All 6 ProgramsVolunteering during a gap year opens doors you might not even know were there. Here’s what you get out of it:
Here’s what to keep in mind before you take the plunge:
Picking a destination is part of the adventure! Here’s a peek at some unique options:
Perfect for animal lovers and adventurers, Uganda lets you work up close with wildlife in conservation projects, like tracking gorillas in the misty Bwindi Forest. You’ll also have a chance to help local communities in sustainable farming or health education, all while exploring one of Africa’s most welcoming cultures.
If you’re drawn to vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and deep traditions, India’s the spot. Volunteer with communities to support education for kids in rural areas, work on health initiatives, or help empower local women in small business projects. Every day in India will bring you something new, from bustling markets to serene temples.
For island lovers, Indonesia offers chances to dive into marine conservation in Bali or join reforestation efforts in lush Java. You could also volunteer in local schools, teaching English or helping with environmental education. Plus, you’ll be in one of the most breathtaking tropical paradises, surrounded by clear waters, incredible sunsets, and rich cultural traditions.
Starting your gap year volunteering journey is easier than you think—just take it one step at a time!
Use the GoAbroad Online Advisor to receive personalized program matches. Just answer a few questions, and recommended options will be sent directly to your inbox!
After browsing your options, sign up for a MyGoAbroad account to save and compare programs. Find the one that aligns with your goals, whether it’s working with kids, protecting wildlife, or helping communities thrive.
Deciding how long to volunteer shapes your experience, from quick impactful projects to fully immersing yourself in the community.
Explore funding options to make your gap year a reality! Complete the GoAbroad Scholarships & Deals application and get connected to scholarships that can help cover program costs.
Once you’ve chosen a program, head to its page and click “Inquire Here” or “Apply Now.” Most applications are quick and easy to fill out. After you submit, a program coordinator will reach out to support you through the application journey.
Before setting off, ensure you have your passport, necessary visas, flight tickets, and travel insurance all in place. A gap year spent volunteering is more than just an experience—it’s an adventure that will shape you, the people you meet, and the places you discover along the way. Safe travels and enjoy every moment of the journey!
Hear what past participants have to say about their experiences
This Gap year helped me realize what I wanted to pursue in my future. Anika and Roger were amazing and great help. The area was nice, my home stay was very nice loved my host family. I enjoyed this trip very much.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This past quest has been two of the most significant months of my life. Because of Warriors, I have learned to be grateful for every little thing I have in life, and understand how everything has shaped me as a person. I feel so alive and so present. As someone who struggles with mental health, coming to Warriors was an experience that both changed and saved my life. The people are absolutely incredible and will love you to bits. The memories you make and the lessons you learn will stay with you forever. The program, on a surface level, might just look like a ton of cool, extreme activities to invigorate and inspire you, but it's so much more than that. It teaches you to live life to the fullest and builds your confidence in a way you have never seen before. I unlocked my potential this quest, and I hope to see a lot more from myself. I owe so much to this program, and I'd honestly recommend it to anyone. You are so much stronger than you think.

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
We did plenty of things like scuba diving skydiving cycling and a whole lot more. Warriors has alot to offer and it is once in a lifetime activities and the important point of warriors is to get uncomfortable intentionally
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
You are doing the most insane and unbelievable adventures with a group of amazing people from your age. You do a lot of activities in a short period of time what makes it so much fun. Beside the adventures you also get lessons, like having a better mindset, that wil help you in the future.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Warriors Academy was an absolutely incredible experience! The staff are amazing, the activities are exciting, and the whole experience pushes you out of your comfort zone while helping you build confidence, teamwork, and new skills. The atmosphere is fantastic, and you leave with unforgettable memories, great experiences, and friendships that last. I would highly recommend Warriors Academy to anyone looking for adventure, personal growth, and an experience they’ll never forget!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
For anyone unsure of a gap year, warriors is the place to be. I met the best people and had the greatest seven weeks of my life and did things I never thought I would be able too. It was truly an extraordinary experience and there is nothing like it.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Everything from the experiences we were doing to the vibes that the MAIs and facilitators gave was incredible, everyone who had already done this before made u feel instantly more relaxed, comfortable and made sure you knew you were in a safe and friendly space. It was an exhilarating experience overall.
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
My experience at Warriors Academy Limpopo was absolutely incredible, and I can honestly say I had the time of my life! It was an unforgettable adventure filled with amazing experiences, challenges, laughter, and memories that I will cherish forever. From the moment I started, every day brought something new and exciting. I loved every second of the journey, from the adventures and activities to the incredible people I met along the way. Warriors Academy gave me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself, and experience things I never thought I would. Every moment was an opportunity to learn, grow, and make memories that will stay with me forever. What made the experience so special was the atmosphere, the people, and the incredible adventures we shared. It is so much more than just an adventure programme; it is an experience that leaves you with a full heart, unforgettable memories, and a whole new appreciation for life. I am incredibly grateful for every moment I got to spend there. Warriors Academy Limpopo is truly something special, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure. I loved every minute of it, and if I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
To my warriors family This quest pushed me further than I ever thought possible and showed me that I am capable of facing my greatest fears. What once intimated me became something I was most passionate about. And I loved every moment of it. Whenever I fell, there were always hands reaching out to lift me up! Through every challenge, success and laugh, strangers became family. Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but the strength, support and love we shared will stay with me forever. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey!
Spanish classes were good I’m definitely improving which is spectacular. The volunteering was really cool for turtle conservation - not much sleep but a whole lot of turtles. Haven’t finished program but am looking forward to Manuel Antonio.
Spent a month volunteering with the turtles in ostional. Such an incredible experience to see the arribada and all of the turtles in the night. Beach and sunsets were so beautiful and I met so many amazing cool people!
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.
Program: South America Explorer with Gapforce
This was the teip of a lifetime.The other people in my group were from all over the world, yet we bonded almost imeadiately. Even though the activities, treks and itinerary were all fantastic, the 7 weeks was made unforgetable by the people. Collin, the group leader, was also extremely kind, funny and energetic the whole trip. He gave the group support whilst giving us the freedom to tailor the trip to our preferences, spend time alone or do other activities which we all really apreciated. This trip not only keeps you very engaged with the nature and culture of South America but also physically active aswell. You will be challenged mentally and physically at some point of the trip in the best way possible. I would highly recomend for any gap year students looking to get out of their comfort zones and meet new people. I am truly bonded for life with my group and will never forget the time we shared together.



Program: Customizable Gap Year in Buenos Aires: Explore, Learn & Grow
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.
Program: China & Southeast Asia: A Regional Travel Intensive (Gap)
My gap program with Dragons in China and Southeast Asia was truly a remarkable experience. Doing homestays in Cambodia, Laos, and China are experiences that I'll remember for the rest of my life. The instructors were excellent and managed to both challenge the group and make sure that everyone was always supported and had everything they needed. I learned a lot from their instruction, but the full immersion in local culture was my favorite part.
Program: GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program
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.

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
Was the best time and experience of my life it is so fun to be apart of the experience you never feel left out you will always feel like you are apart of the group with helping everyone and everyone will always be there for you
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
This program taught me a lot about myself and giving up. The river rafting was a bit much but it was a fantastic experience for me to learn from. It gave me a big realisation that life really isn’t easy but we all made it all of the Warriors i loved it so much!
Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
At warriors Academy I grew mentally, physically, and socially. The facilitators were supportive, the adventurers pushed my limits, and I made lifelong friends. Truly and awesome experience I’d do again.
Alumni and staff share what it's really like to go abroad

Luisa Rulfo
Baret Scholars
AlumniWhat inspired me to go abroad was a mix of restlessness and curiosity—a need to understand the world beyond my small orbit. I always sensed that life ...
Read Full Interview
Alisa Regassa
Tidelines Institute
AlumniI knew that Alaska was a place I'd wanted to visit—and visit meaningfully. I saw this opportunity, and it seemed like it was the perfect time and plac...
Read Full Interview
Vivianne Kaiwei Zhang Wei
Wanderlust Exchange
AlumniI was looking to take a gap year between my undergraduate and Master’s studies, and going to China just made sense to me.
Read Full Interview
Caoimhe Flood
EF Gap Year
AlumniI have always loved to travel and this opportunity gave me the chance to explore places I have never been before. I also wanted to travel while I was ...
Read Full Interview
Drew Beasley
ARCC Programs
AlumniWhen I was in high school, I never seriously considered taking time off from school. I started college at Chapman University in the fall of 2018. Unfo...
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Alexander Gagliardo
InnerPathWorks
AlumniI was having trouble succeeding at my engineering school during my first semester. They said, “Hey, if you're having trouble you can leave at anytime ...
Read Full Interview
Charlie Aziz
Where There Be Dragons
AlumniI wanted to go somewhere that was completely unknown to me in order to really know what the world is like. With math and science never being my forte ...
Read Full Interview
Zohaib Qazi
(DEAD URL) Aupairia
AlumniTraveling has always been something on my bucket list, for my own personal development and education. And now that I've finished up with university, i...
Read Full Interview
Ian Davis
Omprakash
AlumniI was raised in a small upstate New York town and felt that being immersed in another culture would be invaluable for my perspective.
Read Full InterviewExplore the destinations and program types travelers search for most
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