Teach Abroad Gap Year Programs in Western Europe

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 Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Costa Rica, where you will work with local communities in addressing social and economic challenges. You will then travel to South Africa to help lead sports development, followed by a summer of learning and practicing the Spanish language in Spain. Finally, you will volunteer in teaching and community building and development in Thailand and Cambodia while enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English - Have a clean background check if working with minors Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the communities you will serve. Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about this program.

In the developing world, there are more opportunities to work inside traditional classrooms than in Western countries where increased regulations make it prohibitive. Institute for Global Studies has placed teacher’s aides in colorful locations such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, and Fiji. Work as a personal assistant to the assigned classroom teacher. They are most helpful when the class breaks up into small groups, and they can work with students one-on-one or in small groups to facilitate the lesson plan. The ability to speak a native level of English is vital in this placement. It helps interns formulate lesson plans, teach the basics of English, and facilitate conversation and grammar with young students. Overseeing field trips is another fun duty. Taking kids into museums and on local excursions can be a great experience for an intern supervisor. Every day is different and the chance to impact young lives is unsurpassed. IGS provides homestay options to foster authentic immersion into the host country. Participants may also opt to stay in a private apartment.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Love travel and adventure? This is your game-changer. Embark on a life-changing adventure and take your skiing to the next level. Meet like-minded individuals while exploring some of the biggest and best mountain resorts across Canada, Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, and the United States. Join EA Ski and Snowboard Training on an instructor internship, and you'll get world-class training, an internationally recognized qualification, and a guaranteed paid job offer at your chosen resort. EA Ski & Snowboard Training's courses all include: - A paid job offer - Training and exam fees - Season lift passes - Accommodation while training - First aid training - Avalanche training - Local EA Rep to help and support you throughout the season - Exclusive invites to social events And much more! Applicants must: - Be eligible for a working holiday visa in Canada, USA, Japan, Switzerland or New Zealand - Have prior skiing or snowboarding experience - Have the ability to ski or snowboard at an intermediate level - Be passionate about the snow sports industry - Have the funds to participate in the program (course costs from $5975)

From once a military city, Grenoble has become one of the most important research, technology, and innovation centers in Europe. One in five inhabitants of the city work in one of these fields. Grenoble is classified as a global city with the rank of sufficiency by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. Grenoble holds the title of European Green Capital in 2022. But enough about the big picture. Through API Abroad, students can expect to study at one of the top universities in Europe and get the chance to see fascinating natural wonders in the French Alps, experience the wine industry in Burgundy, go to the French Riviera, and see the city of lights and love in Paris!

Now Accepting Applications for the 2026/2027 School Year in Spain! The 2026/2027 school year runs from October 2026 to May 2027. Spots are first-come, first-served, so secure your spot and start your unforgettable adventure teaching English in Spain! Why Teach in Spain? - Enjoy year-round sunshine and a relaxed work-life balance. - Savor Spain’s world-famous tapas, wine, and vibrant culture. - Explore stunning beaches, ancient cities, and breathtaking landscapes. Key Benefits of the Program: - Placement at a Spanish school (managed by regional governments). - Four-day workweek in most regions, giving you more time to explore! - Monthly stipend of €800–€1,000, depending on your region. - Free private health insurance provided by your regional government. - Full support with the visa process and arrival procedures. - Ongoing assistance for daily life and practical questions. - Access to a thriving GroupMe community of fellow teachers. No teaching experience? No problem! We’ll guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s your first time teaching or you’re returning for another year, we’ll make the process seamless and exciting.

Volunteer abroad in Italy and explore this Mediterranean country that is famous for its ancient cities, stunning nature and fantastic cuisine. Spend your summer in beautiful Italy and do volunteer work whilst enjoying all the pizza, pasta and wine you can eat. The European refugee crisis is very much visible here, for example in the coastal city of Naples. International volunteers assist in the shelters and education efforts tailored towards integration. You prefer working with animals? Volunteer as a marine research assistant and observe dolphins, whales and other marine species.

Have you always dreamed of living in Spain? Whether you are a soccer fanatic, a Flamenco aficionado or a foodie in search of the best paella – you will surely fall in love with the deeply rooted Spanish culture. Join World Explorers to teach English in Spain. You will live with a local host family where you will be considered part of the familia for one to three months. You will have the opportunity to exchange your language and culture with the locals. We want you to come back from your trip with a Spanish lisp! In exchange for a clean and comfortable room and full board, all you have to do is share your native language with your hosts for 15 hours per week. The goal for your family is to practice their conversational English. This is not about teaching them reading, writing and grammar. To them, this program is about engaging in conversation and feeling comfortable communicating in English with you. No prior teaching experience is necessary! CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville to find the best host families possible. You will have a local coordinator throughout your stay in Spain and make new friends that will last a lifetime!

TtMadrid's Program I is the perfect choice for non-EU citizens who want to earn an accredited TEFL qualification, obtain a student visa for Spain, and immerse themselves in Spanish life. Delivered in partnership with Universidad Europea del Atlántico, this one-year postgraduate program combines world-class teacher training with cultural and language learning. You’ll begin with our 180-hour, Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course. The hybrid format comprises 65 hours of online study and a two-week intensive in Madrid, plus six observed teaching practices with real students. This ensures you graduate with a qualification that is globally recognized and practical skills that make you classroom-ready. You'll also study Spanish: four weeks of intensive classes followed by seven months of evening lessons. These will help you connect with the culture and feel at home in Madrid. With your University student visa, you can legally work up to 30 hours a week while studying. We provide lifetime job assistance, including CV guidance, guaranteed interviews, and ongoing job alerts. This program is a comprehensive package with everything you need to launch your new life in Spain.

We provide the ultimate gap year experience for independent-minded travellers, including an internationally recognised teaching qualification, job support, and up to 9 months of Spanish classes & fun cultural activities! This package is ideal for you if: - You want to take time out before going to university and explore Europe. - You are interested in languages. - You are interested in teaching. - You want to learn about other cultures. - You want an unforgettable, formative experience that will open the doors to future opportunities. Spend a month getting your Trinity CertTESOL teaching certificate, then stay on for up to 3, 6, or 9 months to study Spanish and take part in cultural activities such as museum visits, walking tours, and day trips around Catalunya. This programme includes accommodation for the duration of your stay, as well as airport pickup & orientation sessions on arrival.

Please only submit an inquiry if you are eligible to obtain a Working Holiday Visa. It is available to citizens of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Uruguay, who are between 18 and 30 years old! Canadians can also participate through a Youth Mobility Visa, obtainable for those aged 18 to 35. Berlin is a bustling metropolis, a hotspot for artists, and a magnet for people from all over the world. Our Working Holiday program is designed to help you gain a foothold in this exciting city, navigate the often-complex bureaucratic system, and even land a job. Maximize your year-long working holiday with our complete support package, which includes: * 30 nights in a high-standard studio apartment * Assistance with your residence registration * English and German-speaking online support team * Farm Stay at no extra cost, including free accommodation and meals * Access to online resources with all the information you need to organize your stay, such as choosing insurance, applying for a visa, packing list, job hunting, preparing your German CV, tips for successful job interviews, booking a German language course, and more!

If you’re 17–25 years old and passionate about exploring the world, sign up for a Letz Live UK gap year! This is an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the pub culture of England and get to know its vibrant people. As a leading provider of gap year programs, Letz Live offers 12-month (and sometimes 6-month) school-based placements to English-speaking young people. With our head office based on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, the team is ready to offer support and encouragement whenever you need it! Take on a full-time position at a leading British boarding school and assist excellent teachers: guaranteed in-term meals, accommodation, and a weekly allowance throughout the placement. Outside of the term, you’re free to enjoy all that the UK has to offer. Explore the picturesque highlands of Scotland, head to the beaches of Cornwall, or mingle with the crowd in bustling London. If you’re keen, you can travel further afield and spend your school breaks visiting different cities in Europe!