Wilderness Gap Year Programs

Have you ever watched National Geographic, seen all those wild and amazing places, and thought there was no way you could see them in person? We beg to differ! With an outdoor gap year in the wilderness, you can do just that —all while you develop real life leadership skills, learn the secrets of mother nature, and hit the trail towards to a unique career. Who wants to sit in an office all day anyway, especially when you can be a rafting expedition leader?! Lace up your hiking boots. It’s time to learn about more programs like Outward Bound, and how a wilderness semester will do your body good.

Featured Provider of the Month

Career Development in China: Build Your Future
with Wanderlust Exchange

144 Wilderness Gap Year Programs

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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103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

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00 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Resource Management Internship - Nature Center, Hawaii

Situated in a lush tropical rainforest overlooking Honolulu is a ...

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9.7777 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunt...

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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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8.867 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

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

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9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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00 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in Borneo - Adventure with Purpose

Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's mos...

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916 reviews

Gapforce

South America Explorer with Gapforce

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuad...

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9.8621 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Wildlife Conservation with IVHQ in Victoria Falls

Are you passionate about supporting wildlife conservation efforts...

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102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Natural Horsemanship in Namibia

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Namibia, surrounded by stunning...

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9.717 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

High School Language & Cultural Immersion in China for Teens

Discover China Through Language & CultureFounded in 2003, Go Abro...

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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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9.789 reviews

African Conservation Experience

The Ultimate Personalized Gap Year Experience

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life ...

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9.437 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Become a Ski Instructor in Canada - Training + Job Included

Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you ...

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9.1119 reviews

INTERNeX Pacific

Pre-arranged Jobs in Canadian Summer and Winter Resorts

Work, live, and play in Canada's tourism playgrounds. We work wit...

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00 reviews

Tidelines Institute

The Glacier Bay Semester in Civic & Environmental Leadership

Immerse yourself in the communities and wildlands of Southeast Al...

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9.9521 reviews

Outward Bound Costa Rica

Gap Year & Semester Courses: Costa Rica & Panama

Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and sem...

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9.254 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester in Latin America (The Changemaker)

Get hands-on experience with conservation and sustainability and ...

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9.3938 reviews

Pure Exploration

Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition wit...

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A Guide to Taking Wilderness Gap Year

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

I found my place to be

July 01, 2025by: Luisa Link - GermanyProgram: Farmstay New Zealand

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.

My Unforgettable experience in the Canadian Mountains

May 21, 2025by: Aron Horemans - BelgiumProgram: Pre-arranged Jobs in Canadian Summer and Winter Resorts

During my gap year, I had the incredible opportunity to work abroad in the Canadian mountains. Surrounded by amazing landscapes I gained hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Whether assisting guests at a ski resort or living in the mountains, I developed valuable skills in teamwork, adaptability, and communication. The process for applying for an internship was made really easy as I was offered all the help I needed. This experience helped me grow personally but also professionally and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about doing an internship abroad.