GoAbroad

Ultimate Gap Year Adventure

by: Impact Gap Year

5 (3)Verified

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.

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.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
  • Nepal
  • South Africa
  • Cambodia
Starts At: $600-900
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundDuration:
  • 7-12 Months
Age Requirement: 18-30
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness
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
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Turkish
  • Virgin Islander
  • Welsh
  • Liechtenstein
  • Maltese
  • Mexican
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • 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

3

Heart Full of Awe

January 18, 2024by: Cilina J - Canada
5

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.”

I arrived safely in Cambodia

January 18, 2024by: Denise P - Denmark
5

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.

I’m loving it here

January 18, 2024by: Brenda M - Cambodia
5

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.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica
  • Nepal
  • South Africa
  • Cambodia

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Volunteering
  • Wilderness

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 7-12 Months
Gap Year Timing:
  • Career Break / Mid-Career
  • After College
  • Post High School
  • During 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
  • Swiss
  • The Vatican
  • Turkish
  • Virgin Islander
  • Welsh
  • Liechtenstein
  • Maltese
  • Mexican
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Statian

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Starts At

$600-900

Program Cost Includes

  • 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

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
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Associate degree

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Other

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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