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
4.61705 reviews

The Intern Group

The Intern Group logo
International Internship Programs in Colombia

Experience Medellin, Colombia’s most innovative city, through an international internship designed to advance your career. This program combines hands-on professional experience, global networking, and cultural immersion, giving students, recent gradua...

Gapforce
4.45154 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
4.693272 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
4.7574 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
4.65123 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...

Spanish Gap Year
4.3813 reviews

Spanish Gap Year

Spanish Gap Year logo
Spanish Gap Year Program: Gap Semester in Spain

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, cook...

Beach yoga
00 reviews

Rooted Life Adventures

Rooted Life Adventures logo
Rooted Life Adventures Supported Gap Year in New Zealand

Participate in this gap year program in Queenstown, New Zealand, with therapeutic support for young adults ages 18-22.Spring | Feb 18 – Apr 28, 2025Fall | Sep 17 – Nov 25, 2025Embark on the ultimate gap year adventure with our transformative program, d...

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

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!

Best decision for my gap year A Hospitality internship found through Island Internship Bali placement

September 30, 2026by: Sofia Van Houten - Suriname

Program: Guided Internships in Bali with Placement, Housing & Support

5

I looked into arranging a Bali internship myself and it was overwhelming I didn't know where to start with visas, housing, finding a company that would actually take an intern. Island Internship handled all of it. They placed me in a hospitality role in Canggu, set up my accommodation, and supported me the whole way. Clear communication, no surprises, genuinely worth it. If you're a student weighing whether to book a program or go it alone, this took all the risk out of it.

Best Decision I've ever made!!

September 30, 2026by: Julia Carbone - United States

Program: CIEE Gap Year in Seville, Spain: Spanish Language & Culture

5

Looking ahead to my first year out of high school, I knew I wasn’t quite ready to head straight to college, but I was nervous about choosing a path that looked different from everyone else’s. Finding CIEE gave me so much comfort and excitement for what was ahead. From the moment I signed up, they made the process of moving abroad feel organized, welcoming, and safe. Living in Seville gave me the opportunity to truly immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture in a way I never could have from home. Between living with a host family, improving my Spanish, exploring a new city, and meeting some of my closest friends, I gained so much more from the experience than I ever expected. My time in Seville gave me a new sense of independence and confidence, along with friendships and memories I will cherish forever. I couldn’t be happier that I chose CIEE for my gap year!

Seville was the most beautiful city to call home, filled with incredible views, rich history, and so much to explore. The Seville Cathedral was just one of the many places that made the city so special.CIEE gave me the opportunity to meet incredible people from all around the world and make friendships I never would have found otherwise. I left Seville with lifelong friends and a family to come back to across the world.Studying abroad in Europe gave me the opportunity to travel to so many incredible places, experience new cultures, and see parts of the world I had always dreamed of visiting.

I had a wonderful experience here in China

September 07, 2026by: Kamala daisy - Slovakia

Program: Chuanyue Cultural Homestay English Teaching Program

5

I had a wonderful experience here in China 😁 the family were very nice and understanding. This experience really makes me want to come back to China some day. I learned more about the culture and the language, which was one of my reasons for coming to China. I had a very fun time with Lucas and greatly enjoyed everyone's company. I learned how some foods are made and hope to replicate them at home [Joyful] I really like Guangzhou. It's a beautiful city with amazing food and architecture. Thank you so much for this experience, it means so much to me. I am very very grateful for everything I've managed to enjoy here and hope to get another chance like this in the future. Thank you very much

with my lovely Chiense little Brother

Great Chinese school where you build real friendships!

August 31, 2026by: Scott Caporn - Australia

Program: Gap Year in China Programs

5

I’m an Australian university student doing my gap‑year in China and studying at That’s Mandarin. Apart from improving my Mandarin, I’ve met incredible classmates — people from family‑run businesses, embassy interns, and international students from Tsinghua and Peking University. I really value these friendships. That’s Mandarin is not only for learning Chinese; it connects you with fantastic people. I’m so thankful for this unforgettable gap‑year experience. Highly recommend!

Chinese for Beginners: Practical Lessons for Studying in China

July 29, 2026by: Marco Esposito - Italy

Program: Gap Year in China Programs

5

As a total beginner, I love this school. I have one class per week lasting 80 minutes. We start from simple pronunciation and learn words about school admission step by step. There are relaxing card games to memorize phrases. The teacher treats every student gently, and I never feel nervous to speak broken Chinese in class.

What an experience❤️⚽️

July 20, 2026by: Akhona Sibisi - South Africa

Program: Gap Year: Experience Life & Improve Your Soccer in Cape Town

5

In the last 7 months ive been here its been a very great experience especially in the last weeks or so, the level of football is good and some games are quite intense which is good for football development, joining the 7Elite gap year program has been a major step up in getting closer to playing professional football in south Africa😁👍.

China Adventure

July 09, 2026by: Cosette Stevenson - United States

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

5

Would absolutely recommend this program to anybody looking to experience Chinese culture! You’ve got to be able to roll with the punches, and learn to manage your time well, but the rewards are so worth it. Being an au pair is incredible for learning Chinese, as you get to learn as you teach. The friendship I made with my kiddo was the highlight of the whole experience!!! LoPair is amazing at finding great host families, on top of creating a great support system during your stay.

My journey in China

July 08, 2026by: Wai Chang - Venezuela

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

4

It has been an incredible experience. I was able to fulfill my dream of studying Chinese and getting to know this beautiful country. Also, meeting my "little friend," being able to teach her English and share time with her, has made me very happy. Being part of a Chinese family has been a challenge because of cultural differences, but it has been a beautiful experience.

A trip I will always remember

July 04, 2026by: Barbara Kollwentz - Austria

Program: Customize Your GAP Year Program in Costa Rica!

5

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.

Aupair in China

July 01, 2026by: Anonymous Anonymous - Italy

Program: Yohoo Au Pair China Culture Exchange (Homestay Tutor)

4

My experience in Guangzhou was amazing thanks to my host family, surely not thanks to the agency, especially after getting to China, the agent following me was not interested in me and disrespectful. I was forced to anticipate my flight two days before my expected departure, not even a little bit of empathy or understanding, she was just forcing me to make a decision quickly, furthermore on the day of my departure and the following days, no one asked me about how the flight was, if I was home safe, she just texted me on the morning of the flight, no good morning or greetings, just telling me “don’t miss the flight”. Quite disappointing approach.

Latest Interviews

Luisa Rulfo

Luisa Rulfo

Baret Scholars

Alumni

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...

Read Full Interview
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.

Read Full Interview
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

Alumni

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 ...

Read Full Interview
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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