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Africa and South America Gap Year
by: Impact Gap Year
Leave a lasting mark on communities and nature while gaining a broader perspective on global issues through our immersive program. Spanning South Africa, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, this journey offers a unique blend of community engagement, youth development, sustainability, ecotourism, expedition, and leadership volunteer initiatives. Start your 6-month adventure as a Sports Coach in South Africa, igniting a passion for sports among Cape Town’s youth. Then, fly over to Ecuador, so you can participate in sustainable community development, renovating heritage sites and empowering local communities. The final adventure will conclude in Costa Rica, known for its incredible biodiversity, where you'll collaborate with local communities on conservation efforts and community-building projects while also honing your leadership skills. Amidst thrilling activities, like surfing in Coffee Bay Beach and exploring historic Quito, you will live in scenic accommodations with panoramic views and comfortable living. This program fosters not just tangible impacts but also a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, forging a path toward global citizenship.
Leave a lasting mark on communities and nature while gaining a broader perspective on global issues through our immersive program. Spanning South Africa, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, this journey offers a unique blend of community engagement, youth development, sustainability, ecotourism, expedition, and leadership volunteer initiatives. Start your 6-month adventure as a Sports Coach in South Africa, igniting a passion for sports among Cape Town’s youth. Then, fly over to Ecuador, so you can participate in sustainable community development, renovating heritage sites and empowering local communities. The final adventure will conclude in Costa Rica, known for its incredible biodiversity, where you'll collaborate with local communities on conservation efforts and community-building projects while also honing your leadership skills. Amidst thrilling activities, like surfing in Coffee Bay Beach and exploring historic Quito, you will live in scenic accommodations with panoramic views and comfortable living. This program fosters not just tangible impacts but also a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, forging a path toward global citizenship.
Program Highlights
Enjoy your leisure time with various outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring South Africa’s Wild Coast.
Learn sustainable practices from indigenous communities and contribute to rainforest preservation.
Influence positive social transformation among Africa’s youth, paving the way for their brighter future.
Assist communities in achieving economic growth through sustainable farming methods, marketing strategies, and community initiatives in Ecuador.
Explore the rich cultural tapestry among the various countries, embracing diverse traditions that'll foster cross-cultural understanding.
Quick Details
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Cape Town, South Africa
- 3-6 Months
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Economic Development
- Sports
- Tree Planting
- Youth
- Youth Development
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Sports
- Volunteering
- American
- Australian
- Austrian
- Belgian
- British
- Canadian
- Chinese
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- English
- European
- Finnish
- French
- German
- Greek
- Greenlandic
- Hawaiian
- Hungarian
- Icelandic
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Luxembourg
- Manx
- Marshallese
- Mauritian
- Micronesian
- Norwegian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Saint Helenian
- Saint Lucian
- Saint Vincentian or Vincentian
- Sammarinese
- Scottish
- Serbian; Montenegrin
- Seychelles
- Singaporean
- St. Barts
- Swedish
- Swiss
- The Vatican
- Turkish
- Virgin Islander
- Welsh
- Liechtenstein
- Maltese
- Mexican
- Spanish
- Statian
Awards
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Made me feel at home
January 18, 2024by: Mollie Robbie T - GermanySouth Africa has been the best experience ever- African Impact has been life-changing! sports volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content with a completely different outlook on life.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Costa Rica
- Ecuador
- Cape Town, South Africa
Types and Subjects
- Causes
- Building & Construction Projects
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Conservation
- Eco-Tourism
- Economic Development
- Sports
- Tree Planting
- Youth
- Youth Development
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Experiential Learning
- Sports
- Volunteering
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- 3-6 Months
- Post High School
- During College
- After College
Age Requirement
18-30
Guidelines
- American
- Australian
- Austrian
- Belgian
- British
- Canadian
- Chinese
- Czech
- Danish
- Dutch
- English
- European
- Finnish
- French
- German
- Greek
- Greenlandic
- Hawaiian
- Hungarian
- Icelandic
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Luxembourg
- Manx
- Marshallese
- Mauritian
- Micronesian
- Norwegian
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Saint Helenian
- Saint Lucian
- Saint Vincentian or Vincentian
- Sammarinese
- Scottish
- Serbian; Montenegrin
- Seychelles
- Singaporean
- St. Barts
- Swedish
- Swiss
- The Vatican
- Turkish
- Virgin Islander
- Welsh
- Liechtenstein
- Maltese
- Mexican
- Spanish
- Statian
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
- In-Country Orientation
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Training
- Emergency Support
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Accommodation Options
- Dormitory
- Group living
- Guest House
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- University Freshman (1st Year)
- University Sophomore (2nd Year)
- University Junior (3rd Year)
- University Senior (4th Year)
- University 5th Year or More
- Some college credit, no degree
- Trade/technical/vocational training
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
Frequently Asked Questions
What responsibilities does the Sports Coach role involve?
You'll collaborate with a local Physical Education coach to plan and execute classes, fostering leadership and teamwork among Cape Town's youth. You'll organize games and tournaments emphasizing discipline and social skills.
Do I need relevant qualifications to volunteer with an NGO in Ecuador?
The NGO promotes social innovation and cultural exchange, focusing on collaboration with people from marginalized rural communities to foster sustainable living. Thus, you don’t need special qualifications to join. Cultural sensitivity and adaptability as well as problem-solving, communication, and marketing skills help in effectively carrying out your tasks.
What type of work will I do in a Peruvian rainforest?
Volunteers collaborate with researchers and local experts, participating in various activities such as pit falling, mammal transects, bio-gardens, agroforestry, vegetation mapping, and also contribute to a sustainable land management project, support a bio-garden building initiative, and plan to construct agroforestry plot, among other projects.
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