Volunteering Gap Year Programs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

This only being my first Quest of this Warriors Academy experience has already been amazing every single little thing. The people, activities and the environment all just awesome and breathtaking nothing that would make you feel negative just positive and that overall is amazing!!

Before we went rafting down the olifants River we went on a 3 day hike and after that we got to my fav part the rafting where we went down the river we crossed rapids and saw such beautiful views. I felt amazing while doing the whole activity

U will never find an experience like warriors Its filled with talented individuals who provide u with comfort, help u grow, find peace and care about u. There is no other words to describe warriors than the word fenominal

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!

Pacific Discovery will always have a special place in my heart. I learned so much about myself as well as other places and other people. I was pushed out of my comfort zones and became a better person because of it.

This Fall 2025 South America Semester program was an amazing experience where I made amazing new memories. There is time to explore nature and get to know the culture I a different way that you wouldn’t normally do.

Yes. This South America Semester program genuinely made me grow so much as a person and I am grateful to have made many meaningful connections, memories, and to have seen all the beautiful things I have on this program.

I had an amazing time on my gap semester. I learned so much and loved pushing past my comfort zone in activities, trying new things, and bonding with the group. I not only grew as a person but created lasting memories and connections.

Rager of a program. I found myself struggling, thinking, and then growing constantly. It's not a walk in the park but it's a program that I would recommend for someone who genuinely wants to be challenged in order to be molded into a better version of themselves.