GoAbroad

Ultimate Gap Year Adventure

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$600-900Program Costs
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5.0 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews

Program Overview

Embark on a life-changing journey through Asia, Africa, and South America, where you'll make a positive impact and create lasting memories.

Beginning in Nepal, you will get involved in various volunteer roles, like teaching at local schools, and taking care of rescued pets. Next, you will head on to Cambodia, where you will take part in sustainable gardening and construction initiatives before traveling to South Africa for the Big 5 conservation volunteering. You will conclude your journey in Costa Rica, where you will help alleviate social and economic issues by assisting in various industries, including organic gardening, handicrafts, and cheese and jam-making businesses.

Eligibility requirements:
- Must be in good physical and mental health
- At least 18 years old during travel
- Have a fluent understanding of English

Don't miss this chance to forge meaningful connections in each country you visit. You may visit our website and inquire today for complete information about this program.

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

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Program Highlights

Embark on a 14-day trekking and adventure extravaganza in the breathtaking Himalayas.
Explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat in Cambodia on a captivating journey like never before.
Experience various outdoor activities—catch waves, surf, hike, and explore the stunning Wild Coast of South Africa.
Experience the rich forests, amazing wildlife, and stunning beaches of Costa Rica.
Enjoy an amazing adventure where you'll make a difference and cherish memories in every country you explore.

What's Included

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

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica
  • Nepal
  • South Africa
  • Cambodia

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
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Turkish
  • Virgin Islander
  • Welsh
  • Liechtenstein
  • Maltese
  • Mexican
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • 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
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Associate degree

Accommodation Options

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

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Other

Age Requirement

18-30

Duration

  • 7-12 Months
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During College

Starts At

$600-900

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Impact Gap Year

5.0
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
3
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Satisfaction
5.0
Itinerary
4.7
Living Situation
4.7
Cultural Immersion
4.7
Health & Safety
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Cilina JCanada · January 2024

Heart Full of Awe

Honestly, I don’t want to leave! I’ve met a lot of incredible people from different countries, I’m in love with the staff here, the kids at my site have stolen my heart. I feel so content – my heart is full.”

Denise PDenmark · January 2024

I arrived safely in Cambodia

I received a warm welcome. The guest house hostess is kind and lovely.The school teachers and staff are awesome. All the volunteers are friendly and caring too. Immersed in this welcoming community, every moment feels like a step towards unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships.

Brenda MCambodia · January 2024

I’m loving it here

It was an amazing experience and I have come away with a profound respect for the country and people I volunteered with. The accommodation is lovely, the food is great, and the girl I’m rooming with is really nice too. Everyone at the project so lovely and welcomed me warmly.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is included in the 8-month gap year fees?

Program fees include airport transfers, accommodation in all destinations, select daily meals (South Africa and Nepal), bicycle use in Cambodia, project training, local coordinators, safety support, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Pre-departure guidance and orientations are also covered. Flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations, excursions, and certain mandatory contributions are excluded.

How long is the Ultimate Gap Year Adventure?

This structured volunteer gap year runs for 8 months across Nepal, Cambodia, South Africa, and Costa Rica. It includes 4 weeks in Nepal, 12 weeks in Cambodia, 12 weeks in South Africa, and 7 weeks in Costa Rica. The program blends trekking, conservation, construction projects, and community development for long-term global impact.

What volunteer activities will I do abroad?

Participants trek to Annapurna Base Camp, teach or support shelters in Nepal, build classrooms and garden in Cambodia, monitor Big 5 wildlife in South Africa, and assist with conservation and sustainable development in Costa Rica. Tasks include habitat restoration, farming, construction, data collection, and community-based initiatives.

Who can apply for this global volunteer program?

This program is ideal for motivated gap year students seeking international volunteer work, adventure travel, and leadership growth. Applicants should be adaptable, physically prepared for outdoor activities, and willing to contribute to hands-on projects. Background checks, visas, required vaccinations, and a sustainability contribution fee apply.

Are excursions included in the gap year program?

Cultural highlights such as trekking in the Himalayas, visiting Angkor Wat, exploring South Africa’s Wild Coast, and hiking Costa Rican rainforests are part of the experience. However, optional excursions, monument entrance fees, and extra activities are not included in the base cost and require additional payment.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Gap Year Association Member New Logo

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