GoAbroad

Gap Year Programs

Looking for the perfect balance between globetrotting and enlightenment? Take a gap year! Whether it’s a year off between high school and college (a healthy break from monotonous school life!), a gap year after college (which can give you time to figure out your next steps), or a gap year at literally any other time, it’ll be time well spent. Gap year programs are riddled with opportunities for personal growth, attainment of new skills, reevaluation of personal and career goals, and (of course) once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

This Month’s Recommended Gap Year Programs

The Intern Group - ROF - Australia
4.61710 reviews

API Intern Group

API Intern Group logo
International Internship Programs in Colombia

The Intern Group’s Medellin Internship Program is an in-person international internship in Colombia for students, graduates, and early-career professionals aged 18+. Founded in London in 2011, our first program launched in Colombia, and we now have 15,...

Gapforce
4.46155 reviews

Gapforce

Gapforce logo
South America Explorer with Gapforce

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 P...

gap year student
4.73306 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

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

Maximo Nivel’s Country Jumper Gap Year is a unique program that takes participants through an immersive experience in 3 of Latin America's most iconic countries! Explore Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru over 12, 24, or 36 weeks. All itineraries are full...

Gap year in China
4.7578 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

Go Abroad China Ltd. logo
Gap Year in China | Top University Chinese + Paid Internship

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 y...

Seamester
4.65124 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea logo
Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...

Australia
4.9450 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Global Work & Travel logo
Working Holiday Australia – Get $100 Off with Code GA100

Ever dreamed of living and working in Australia? Picture yourself exploring white sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, exotic wildlife and iconic cities, all while getting paid to travel. A working holiday in Australia is one of the best ways to experie...

How to Take a Gap Year

Overview

How to take a gap year

Not sure what a gap year even is? We don’t blame you—”gap year” has come to be somewhat of a blanket term for any extended period of time taken off away from home or “normal” life. The unstructured pursuit of personal growth abroad tends to be what defines a gap year. If you want to know how to do a gap year, here’s a general overview:

  • Figure out why you want to take a gap year. Don’t set off on your life-changing journey without knowing what you want out of the experience. Do you want to learn a new language? Gain career skills? Just plain old immerse in a brand new place and culture? There’s no wrong way to take a gap year, but mapping out your gap year goals is a helpful first step.
  • Decide when to go. There isn't a wrong time to take a gap year; it’s all about finding the right time for you. If you’re a recent high school graduate who has no clue what they want to study in college, your time will be better spent on a gap year abroad, getting a firsthand look at how the world works, and learning more about yourself and your wants. Or, if you’re about to graduate college and aren’t sure you actually chose the right field of study anymore, going on a gap year is a great way to take some time to figure it out, while still building skills and having one-of-a-kind experiences.
  • Choose a gap year program. Booking a gap year program can be immensely helpful, especially if you plan to go to more than one destination. Gap year programs will help you sort out visas, find safe places to stay, and maybe even find you some paid work opportunities.

Benefits

Why take a gap year?

There are lots of reasons to take a gap year, and plenty of benefits of doing so. The best reason to take a gap year though is to learn more about yourself and your future goals. You’ll be surprised at how much a gap year can change your life and perspectives! Gap year benefits include a better sense of what you want for your future, increased confidence and feelings of capability, and even hard skills like new languages.

Gap year pros and cons can be a long list depending on your goals, but the most common con of taking a gap year is that tight backpacker budget. Traveling is expensive! However, we’re confident that the benefits and pros of taking a gap year will be well worth overcoming any roadblocks.

Getting Started

There’s so much to do during a gap year, which is (again!) why mapping out your goals is important. Deciding what to do in a gap year will depend on what you want to get out of the experience. Do you want to volunteer for a cause? Learn a new language? Summit a mountain? All of the above?

The world is your oyster during a gap year, so don’t be afraid to pursue every opportunity. If you do have something specific in mind though, traveling with a gap year program will help you iron out all the logistics, so that you can focus more on fulfilling your gap year dreams!

It’s also incredibly common to work odd jobs while on the go in order to pay for them. If you know you’ll need to earn money while traveling, we suggest heading to a destination that offers Working Holiday Visas, like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, among others. Otherwise, start perusing online jobs boards for backpackers in your chosen destination prior to arrival, so that you know what type of work is common and where to go looking for it. Gap years tend to be lessons in extreme budget travel, so you’ll surely learn how to make your dollars stretch as far as they can go.

Locations

You can take a gap year anywhere—as long as you can get a visa, of course! However, some destinations are better suited for gap years than others, especially if you’re on a tight budget or looking for job opportunities. There are some places that seem like they were made for gap year travelers (we’re looking at you, Australia and New Zealand). But that doesn’t mean you need to be limited to one country for your gap year! Maybe you want to budget travel Europe or South America. Or maybe you just want to go where the wind blows you! Either way, it’s good to remember that the wider you cast your net, the more money you better have in your savings account. Research the cost of living in your intended destination(s) and whether or not you can offset those costs with gap year work programs or odd jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gap year?

A gap year is an intentional break from school or work for travel. They traditionally last for a year or longer, but can be as short as one semester. Gap years are characterized by immense personal growth and education through travel.

Should I take a gap year?

It's a great idea to take a gap year, as they're highly beneficial to travelers of all ages. The best reasons to take a gap year include educational opportunities, work experience, global perspectives, and personal growth.

How can I take a gap year?

To take a gap year, set goals for what you want to accomplish during your time off and which parts of the world you want to see. Decide if you want to go after high school, during college, or after college, all of which are possibilities.

What can I do on a gap year?

You can do so much on a gap year! Some ideas include studying a new language, backpacking through a country, working in a hostel, or volunteering on an organic farm. Be intentional and set goals, and think about how your plans factor into life after your gap year.

When can I take a gap year?

You can take a gap year after high school, during college, after college, or mid-career. The best time to take your gap year will depend on your personal and professional goals, as well as your budget and responsibilities.

Where should I go on my gap year?

The best places to take a gap year include New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland, as they offer working holiday opportunities for gappers. Other popular places are Southeast Asia and Western Europe.

Do colleges like gap years?

It depends. If you make the most of your gap year and can add what you learned or experienced to a resume/CV, colleges will be more appreciative of your gap year. However, this varies from institution to institution.

Can you take a year off during college?

You can take a year off during college for a gap year, or even a semester. The process for this will depend on your home university and whether or not your gap year can earn you college credit.

How can I plan for a gap year?

To plan a gap year, you'll need to know when you want to go, what you want to do, and which countries you want to see. These are all important steps in planning a gap year. MyGoAbroad can help get you started.

Latest Program Reviews

Surf school and Spanish classes

November 07, 2026by: Allie Mincemoyer - United States

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

5

Very fun instructors and classes! I would definitely come back for not only the pool in the school but to take more classes and see everyone again. Great experience that I would definitely recommend people do 😊

It Changed my Perspective on life.

November 07, 2026by: Theodore Ince - United States

Program: Rooted Life Adventures Supported Gap Year in New Zealand

5

I had such a great time with Rooted Life because they made the traveling logistics easy, hired great counselors and made the whole experience life changing. Austin and Mechi handeled most of the logistics and did a fantastic job while Liam, Peter and Molly were really invloved in getting to know each student. Rooted Life did a very good job at making me and everyone feel included. New zealand overall was beautiful. The Program allowed us to see all over the south island of New Zealand. Milford sound was one of my favorite. This program is awesome and met 2 really good friends who I am still in contact with. 10/10 experience. Highly recommend

Grand Tour

November 05, 2026by: Gabriel Maas - Zimbabwe

Program: Quest Africa Men's Core: 7-Month Journey of Transformation

5

Quest Africa in the shortest way I can describe it is this...It's an adventure waiting to begin, an experience waiting to be fulfilled. It teaches you that not everything in life is going to be easy. It's hard but rewarding. It's a program that takes a soft couch potato child, and turns that child into a man of values, and stoicism which then shapes your destiny for the future. Destiny is all

Practicing teamwork and camaraderieExploring new nations and destinationsAt the end of each day you look towards the future

I can't say enough

November 04, 2026by: Sarah Edwards-Ronning - United States

Program: MissionYear - Discipleship & Missions Gap Year

5

This program taught me more than I can say and gave me an essential foundation for anything else I do in my life. First I learned about myself and then I learned about culture, missions, and serving. I will never be able to live the same again and that is beautiful. I've discovered a love for learning about other cultures and experiencing things outside my comfort zone. I have a better relationship with myself as well as an understanding of importance of relationships with other people. One of my favorite experiences in the program was when we went to Uganda for a month. I got to hear so many stories and experience things I never thought I would.

Helping get water for our neighbors in UgandaMy fellow gap year studentsA small reunion of our gap year over the summer

Best time I ever had working!

November 04, 2026by: Valentina Imschenetzky - Chile

Program: Internships & Volunteer Programs in London

4

This has been a great experience to have fun and learn at the same time. You got time for meeting new people, walking around new places and new experiences, but at the same time, gaining new professional skills. Seeing a professional enviromet from a new perspective has helped me think about how to make the right moves later on my carreer path and that was one of my objectives for this program. I’m also so thankful for how the experience team in London (Peach and Alex) have managed to set up different events that helped me Connect better with other interns. I completely recomend this program for someone searching their right carreer path and someone that’s looking to enhace their CV gaining international exposure on a professional enviroment.

Seven Sisters hike organized by PeachSeven sisters hike

My experience was so much more than I thought. It was the care and the love that the gap year had on my life was just incredible.

November 04, 2026by: Jie Middaugh - United States

Program: MissionYear - Discipleship & Missions Gap Year

5

I would highly suggest this to anyone who is looking for a Good gap year program. This program is centered more around you and the growth in God that you can have and not just focusing send people out on missions trips. Not only do they prepare you for how you should be doing missions they also teach you the WHY missions Is Important.

Having the time of my life!

October 31, 2026by: Emma Augert - Canada

Program: Australia Hotel & Tourism Jobs

5

I am currently in Surfers Paradise, working in a brand-new, high-demand hostel, with a group of Internex girls as roommates, and we are having the time of our lives! Internex helped me arrange the perfect position for my gap year, as well as supported me each step of the way. Even if circumstances changed, Internex was super flexible and tailored to my needs. They also helped with my bank accounts and TFN, which was great because it took so much stress off my plate. Even now, being here, I stay in touch with my awesome advisor, Chris, to make sure that I'm still a happy girlie in my beachy paradise. If you are looking for a guiding hand in your working abroad experience, choose internex! You can focus on the fun part of australia-being there!

First day in Australia!The girlies

Introspective experience

October 30, 2026by: Isamary Ortiz - Puerto Rico

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

5

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.

LTL Beijing

October 29, 2026by: Konrad Stone - Ireland

Program: LTL Language School || Learn Chinese in China

5

To date I've spent 23 weeks in China, 7 weeks of those at LTL Beijing and my Chinese progress has made amazing progress during this time. This is especially due to my teacher at LTL Beijing, Beauty (Wei Xing), who was one of the best teachers I've had during my time in China. She evidently has many years of teaching experience and was able to tailor my lessons to a perfect mix of working through the HSK 5/6 Curriculum whilst adding in time for conversation practice on a multitude of topics and sharing insights into the Chinese culture. Overall I can testify to the quality of the education I received during my time at LTL, and think anyone looking to improve their Chinese quickly couldn't go wrong by choosing LTL Beijing.

LTL Language School logo
LTL Language School responded to this reviewOctober 29, 2026

7 weeks just fly by, Konrad :) So glad you had a great time with us, you're flying through HSK! Keep up the great work. Thanks again. LTL Team

Best experience ever

October 20, 2026by: Clara Gloriart - Italy

Program: Live-Learn China:Learning through living together!

5

I highly recommend this agency to anyone looking for a safe and inspiring au pair experience. They have proven to be extremely reliable, and the staff is always available to help with any questions or concerns, providing constant support that truly makes a difference. Living here is an incredible opportunity: it’s not just about work, but a deep dive into a new culture, fascinating traditions, and daily life—perfect for improving the language naturally. A professional, caring, and exceptionally well-organized agency!

tour in Manjuelong

A lesson in falling in love with life again

October 14, 2026by: Katy Bresler - South Africa

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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.

Pre-Wild Coast hike to a blowhole.

My year at warriors

October 14, 2026by: Mico Stekhoven - South Africa

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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

Best adventures ever!

October 14, 2026by: Alexander Matthijssen - Netherlands

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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.

The Time of My Life

October 14, 2026by: Nathan Sherman - United States

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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!

Best experience!

October 14, 2026by: Mack Rielly - United States

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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.

I was high on adrenaline

October 14, 2026by: Ndupa Jalá - Mozambique

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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.

had the absolute time of my life

October 14, 2026by: Georgie Kyle - South Africa

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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!

I love being part of Warriors Academy and it is such a privilege being part of this awesome community

October 14, 2026by: Aletia Van Niekerk - Namibia

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

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!

Pretty awesome.

October 10, 2026by: John Sykes - United States

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

5

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.

very cool experience

October 10, 2026by: Abigail Olson - United States

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

5

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!

Latest Interviews

Luisa Rulfo

Luisa Rulfo

Baret Scholars

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What 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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Alisa Regassa

Alisa Regassa

Tidelines Institute

Alumni

I 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...

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Vivianne Kaiwei Zhang Wei

Vivianne Kaiwei Zhang Wei

Wanderlust Exchange

Alumni

I was looking to take a gap year between my undergraduate and Master’s studies, and going to China just made sense to me.

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Caoimhe Flood

Caoimhe Flood

EF Gap Year

Alumni

I 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 ...

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Drew Beasley

Drew Beasley

ARCC Programs

Alumni

When 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

Alexander Gagliardo

InnerPathWorks

Alumni

I 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 ...

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Charlie Aziz

Charlie Aziz

Where There Be Dragons

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I 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 ...

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Zohaib Qazi

Zohaib Qazi

(DEAD URL) Aupairia

Alumni

Traveling 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...

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Ian Davis

Ian Davis

Omprakash

Alumni

I was raised in a small upstate New York town and felt that being immersed in another culture would be invaluable for my perspective.

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