GoAbroad

Conservation Explorer Gap Year

by: Impact Gap Year

5 (2)Verified

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing South Africa, Peru, and Sri Lanka. This 8-month adventure starts in the Kruger area where you'll engage in wildlife conservation efforts to protect Africa's iconic Big 5 (lion, tiger, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos). Next, you will transition to False Bay where you will contribute work in a marine research center helping towards underwater conservation. The third pit stop is in Peru where you will help plant trees, discover sustainable farming methods, and support local communities in protecting their environment. The last stop is an internship in Sri Lanka, where you will help conserve the endangered turtle species’ nesting sites and monitor turtle activities along Sri Lanka’s beautiful coastline. This program offers diverse experiences, ranging from marine exploration to teaching to professional growth—all while making lasting impacts on diverse communities. Join us on this life-changing journey of learning, cultural immersion, and meaningful contributions across continents.

Program Highlights

Make lasting impacts across continents through diverse initiatives, from conservation to cultural immersion and professional growth.

Connect with professionals and local communities, building a global network while making a meaningful difference.

Engage in a multifaceted learning experience, combining environmental conservation, education, and career development across continents.

Travel worry-free with inclusive accommodation, meals, and readily available program support,

Make the most of your free time with exciting outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and exploring the breathtaking Wild Coast of South Africa.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Peru
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Kruger Park, South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
Starts At: $600-900
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Reforestation
  • Teaching
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Internships
  • Scuba Diving
  • Teach Abroad
Guidelines
Nationalities:
  • 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
See all program details
Last Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Awards

Gap Year Association Member New Logo

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

2

Incredible Experience

January 18, 2024by: Rachel C - United Kingdom
5

I had the most incredible experience interning in Bangkok, Thailand. They placed me in a host family that was so kind and the Thai advisor was always there for me when I need anything during my stay. I learned so much about Thai culture and Buddhism and had a great internship that taught neme a lot about the medical field. I would highly recommend to anyone who is ready for an adventure.

Life-Changing

January 18, 2024by: Maria P - United States
5

I have always wanted to combine volunteering, travelling and discovering and discovering new cultures this summer. I went volunteering for 3 weeks in Thailand and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the possibility to work in a school helping the kids improve their English and living with local people their which was amazing and so involving because I could get to know Thai people's lifestyle and habits in depth which is impossible as a normal tourist. All the staff is very kind and helpful and they were very fast answering at any questions I had. I strongly recommend it for everyone who is interested in a life changing experience!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Peru
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Kruger Park, South Africa
  • Sri Lanka

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Conservation
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Reforestation
  • Teaching
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Internships
  • Scuba Diving
  • Teach Abroad

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Gap Year Timing:
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College

Age Requirement

18-30

Guidelines

Nationalities:
  • 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

$600-900

Program Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Training
  • Required Equipment
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Internship Placement
  • Emergency Support
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • 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

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animals make up Africa's Big 5?

The Big 5 animals in Africa are lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes – all renowned for their iconic status in wildlife conservation and safari tourism.

What's needed to volunteer as a teacher in Thailand?

Applicants should be over 18 years old with proficient English skills. No TEFL or TESOL certificate is necessary as this isn't a paid teaching role. A police background check might be required due to involvement with children and minors.

What internship programs are offered in Ireland?

You can access various internship programs in Ireland, tailored to your chosen field of interest. Fields available include Communications, Fashion, Healthcare, and Media, among others. Our program offers customized placements ensuring an internship aligned with your career aspirations.

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