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South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

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$600-900Program Costs
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4.0 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews

Program Overview

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thailand on a comprehensive 6-month journey. Experience an exceptional blend of cultural immersion, wildlife conservation, and community involvement.

You'll start your journey by contributing to wildlife conservation in South Africa amidst the Big 5 conservation area. Next, you'll hop on to France where you will immerse yourself in French culture and language during an unforgettable summer in Loire Valley, studying at one of the country's oldest universities. Finally, venture to your third country - Thailand - where you will volunteer as an English teacher in the scenic Hua Hin island.

The entire experience offers invaluable cultural insights, skill development, and lifelong memories; igniting passions for social and environmental causes as you embark on a journey toward becoming a dedicated global citizen effecting positive change.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Master a language spoken worldwide, fostering global connections and cultural understanding.
Stay stress-free in comfortable lodgings, ensuring a peaceful start and end to your gap year.
Witness art, festivals, and a vibrant culture that create unforgettable, lifelong memories.
Access extensive networks in academia and communities, fostering future collaborations and prospects.
Develop essential skills such as cultural adaptability, conservation awareness, language proficiency, and teaching expertise to effect meaningful global change.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Academic Credit
Emergency Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
In-Country Orientation
Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
Required Equipment
Some Meals / Partial Meal Plan
Transcript Fees
Language Lessons
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Angers, France
  • Kruger Park, South Africa
  • Hua Hin, Thailand

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible 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

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • 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
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

Accommodation Options

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

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 3-6 Months
  • 1-2 Years
  • Multiple Year
  • 7-12 Months
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • Post High School
  • During College
  • After College

Starts At

$600-900

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Impact Gap Year

4.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
0
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Volunteer Placement
4.7
Living Situation
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7
Day to Day Life
4.7
Community Engagement
4.3
Program Administration
4.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Margaux QUnited Kingdom · January 2024

Exceptional Support

I highly recommend this organization! The placement has lead me to have an amazing experience. The staff helped me throughout the entire process and found an internship placement that matched my goals.

Jilian MGermany · January 2024

Empathy in Action

I learned a lot about how social work functions in France. I gained personal experience working with a non profit organization that helps low income people gain housing. I wanted to learn more about the subject as a whole, work with people and improve my French and I did all those three things.

Caroline FSpain · January 2024

Achieved my checklist

I realized once I got back that I learned more than I thought I did- not that I didn't think I learned a lot, already. There of my goals were to make more international friends (check) amp up my french comprehension (check) and expand my worldview (check).

Inquire

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Step 1 of 4Timing

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Impact Gap Year.

What should I expect in Thailand?

Thailand is a tropical country with a rainy season from July to October and boasts beautiful beaches. Buddhism is the primary religion, and like the United Kingdom, Thailand holds a revered royal family.

Do I need to be TEFL certified to teach in Thailand?

While a TEFL or TESOL certificate is not required as it's a voluntary role, a police background check may be necessary. You must be at least 18 years old and proficient in English.

Should I be fluent in French to join the summer program in France?

Prior training or tuition in the French language is not necessary for the summer program in France.

What are the activities involved in the wildlife conservation project?

The project involves regular game drives and research efforts aimed at understanding animal health, behavior, and populations. These efforts contribute to the development of effective conservation strategies for South Africa's wildlife.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Gap Year Association Member New Logo

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