Gap Year Providers - Accredited & Member
The following organizations are members of the Gap Year Association, either Accredited, unaccredited, or in-process. Accredited programs have been through a comprehensive evaluation of safety and pedagogy. For more information on what it means to be an Accredited Gap Year organization, please visit our GYA Standards web page.
Not all Gap Year Providers are created equally, so whether embarking on an Unaccredited, more independent path, or joining a vetted and Accredited Gap Year Program, we always encourage doing research using our Planning Guide, or looking into working with a Gap Year Consultant, to set you up for maximum success.
ARCC Gap Year
ARCC Gap semester programs that focus on living locally, working, learning and exploring in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. Designed with an academic fabric that complements each and every location, ARCC Gap programs highlight regional issues that are directly linked to global challenges.
API Abroad Gap Year
API Abroad's gap year options give students the chance to earn academic credit, explore passion projects, or test out different career opportunities. Students are given virtual and abroad study and internship opportunities that allow them to discover their strengths while tackling global challenges, contributing to community organizations, and gaining new global perspectives. Students can take virtual programs or travel abroad for an in-person experience. Students also have the option to build their own gap term that works for personal academic goals and interests.
Kaya Responsible Travel
A gap year is a fantastic way to undergo self-exploration in-between stages of life and especially during this time of global pandemic when regular life is not running as normal! Kaya participants are individually interviewed to help them identify the options that fit them best, and then get to choose from any number of gap year blocks, both virtually and in person. Students can volunteer, intern, or learn a skill abroad, as well as participate in other activities such as adventure travel and cultural exchange. With options in a number of locations around the world, including the US, the Kaya team are passionate about engaging students in ethical cultural immersion the promotes global citizenship.
Institute for Field Education
IFE's Gap Year in Europe programs draw on IFE’s history in language acquisition and experiential education in a cross-cultural framework. The IFE Gap Year is designed as an affordable two-stage year abroad enabling students to become fluent in French or Spanish and gain valuable internship experience, while acquiring cross-cultural skills and increased self confidence and independence.
American University Gap Year Program
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The AU Gap Program provides students with experiential education in Washington DC, combining a 24 hour per week internship, a college seminar, prominent guest speakers, and faculty-led excursions. Semester or year-long options available.
Amigos De Las Americas
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AMIGOS offers semester and year-long Gap Programs in Ecuador and Uruguay focusing on cultural immersion and leadership experiences as well as a virtual gap option: the Civic Action Gap Semester, a partnership with Tufts University’s Tisch College of Civic Life. Civic Action Gap Semester participants explore social change across the Americas, make an impact through a civic volunteership, engage with their community, and earn college credit. On Latin American programs, students intern with a local organization and live with a host family for the entire stay, immersing in local community and learning. Students synthesize their experiences with AMIGOS by implementing a sustainable service project, embarking on local excursions, and meeting other travelers.
BroadFutures
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BroadFutures is a workforce development program dedicated to working with young people who have learning disabilities (LD) and/or attentional issues. Operating out of the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area, the mission is to enhance the inherent potential of young adults with LD in the workforce through partnerships that foster independence, self-advocacy and successful employment. Students combine training with mentoring and paid internships focusing on professionalism, communication, and stress tolerance. Students are exposed to the arts, yoga, and mindfulness to deliver and reinforce the curriculum. Peer mentors and coaches are engaged to support interns in goal setting and strategy development and to serve as liaisons between interns, employers, and BroadFutures.
Carpe Diem Education
Focusing on experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange, students can choose either a three-month or year-long gap year adventure with Carpe Diem Education. Offering three-month semester programs in Spain & Morocco, India, Southeast Asia, East Africa, Ecuador & Peru, Central America, South Pacific, and Cuba. Students can extend their learning journey on Carpe Diem's year-long Latitudes program by choosing a group semester in the Fall, followed by a three-month focused volunteer placement in the Spring. College credit and financial aid are available from Portland State University on all semester and year-long experiences.
Gap at Glen Brook
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An experiential, place-based semester located in New Hampshire and focused on teaching skills to craft a hand-made life. Gap at Glen Brook takes place in local forests, fields, and farms, all in view of Mt. Monadnock — a fine classroom for learning the breadth and depth of your consequence, and for apprenticing in the art of responsibility. Students engage their bodies, hands, and minds while stewarding cultivated and wild land, building naturalist and expedition skills, and practicing the alchemy of cooking. Radical and courageous personal development underscores the core questions of a gap year: What is worth striving for? What is necessary for an authentic life? What does it mean to be an adult? Programs in the spring and fall.
Global Citizen Year
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10 month facilitated Gap Year program focused on International Development, apprenticeships, and language-learning. Applications close in May of each year to start in August.
High Mountain Institute
Traveling through Patagonia and the American West, students embark on a journey that emphasizes developing outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental awareness. With options to choose a rock climbing or wilderness travel focus, students explore these rugged landscapes, investigate critical environmental issues, and gain experience as environmental stewards. Through living and traveling with a small group of peers and instructors, students focus on practicing leadership and the ability to work effectively in a team.
Irish Gap Year
Irish Gap Year provides semester length, community based, gap year programs in the Northwest of Ireland, internship programs in both Dublin and the Northwest and expeditionary programs across Europe. Students focus on personal development using core values of community, outdoor adventure, service and immersion in Irish culture.
NOLS -
National Outdoor Leadership School
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is the leader in wilderness education. Whether through field-based courses or classroom-based courses, NOLS offers a focus on leadership and outdoors skills in some of the most awe-inspiring locations in the world. Emerge an active leader with lifelong skills.
Omprakash (EdGE)
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Omprakash Education through Global Engagement (EdGE): Gap Year opportunities to volunteer with 180+ vetted grassroots social impact organizations in 40+ countries around the globe. Omprakash does not sell volunteer or internship ‘placements’; instead, volunteers will be able to connect directly with host organizations and will not pay a fee to volunteer. Omprakash Partners offer individual programs with customizable departure dates, and lengths of stay ranging from 3-12 months. Omprakash EdGE (Education for Global Engagement) is a purposeful online training and mentorship program designed to increase students' learning, engagement, and overall impact before, during and after their time abroad. Grants and scholarships are available to offset the cost of EdGE tuition and subsidize the costs of travel and living abroad.
Outward Bound
Featuring 3 month and shorter Gap Year courses. For over 50 years Outward Bound has been a premier provider of experiential and outdoor education programs for youth and adults. Outward Bound offers courses in some of the most spectacular and inspiring settings in the United States and in Central and South America, successfully preparing students to confront the challenges they face today with self-confidence, tenacity and compassion.
Pacific Discovery
Pacific Discovery offers semester and Gap Year programs abroad since 2001. Programs are overland journeys combining authentic immersion, meaningful service, and wilderness adventure - fostering empathy for other cultures, ethical and sustainable travel practices, and awareness of international issues. Students leave with a deepened sense of their identity, passion, and purpose. Programs are a 10 week journey with an optional 3-week independent extension to apply newly developed travel skills. Programs in New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, Cuba, Galapagos Islands, India, Nepal, Tibet, China. Fall, Spring, and Summer departures can be taken consecutively for an in-depth and transformative Gap Year experience. Scholarships and academic credit options available.
Outward Bound Costa Rica
Outward Bound Costa Rica offers Gap Year & Semester Programs that immerses students in the rainforests, rivers and reefs of Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua. Students can choose between one or both of our courses that run every Fall and Spring: Outdoor Leader Semester or Coast to Coast Expedition. On each course students develop their leadership and outdoor skills, while earning 10-12 academic credits and internationally-recognized certifications. Students additionally interact with local communities, become knowledgeable in Central American cultures, and may participate in community service projects. Top graduates may be offered a Field Instructor Internship.
The Camphill School
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The Camphill School, outside of Philadelphia, PA, offers gap year volunteers a paid educational experience at their residential facility. The school follows the Waldorf tradition and works primarily with children with Intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers work in the school’s flagship programming: residential, day academic and prevocational programs, as well as therapeutic care, for children in Kindergarten through Grade 12, as well as a Transition Program. Volunteers get free room and board, a monthly stipend, health insurance and other benefits all while living and working alongside dedicated staff members and incredible students.
Aardvark Israel
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Aardvark Israel's mission is to bring together in Israel a diverse group of students from all over the world for meaningful, life-changing experiences that strengthen their Jewish identity, deepen their commitment to Israel, and foster their personal growth.
Aardvark combines volunteering/interning and learning while living in apartments in Israel and experiencing Israeli society from many different perspectives. Student activities include volunteering, interning, touring around Israel, deepening their connection to Israel and exploring their Jewish identity. Students have the opportunity to choose a sub-focus that might include: Marva (Army); Magen David Adom; Entrepreneurship, Sea Sports, Aardvark Extreme & Selah (Jewish learning). Participants can earn up to 30 college credits through a relationship with the American Jewish University located in Los Angeles, California. Program options are also available in European countries, as well as Ethiopia, Chin, and Nepal.
Friends of Spannochia
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Spannocchia has offered a farm internship program for more than 25 years. Three-month internship sessions are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall. Interns work alongside Italian farm staff to help run the organic farm and agritourism business in rural Tuscany. The farm internship program is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people by providing them with a unique, educational experience on a community-oriented organic farm in Tuscany. Participants learn about Italian language, local cultural history, conservation, maintenance and restoration, animal care and organic farming. Spannocchia supports a model of sustainability for current and future generations through education, agriculture and historic preservation.
Chinese Language Institute
The Chinese Language Institute (CLI) is a Chinese language and culture school in China. Students on gap years live in China, learning Mandarin through one-on-one language instructions and complete immersion with the rhythms of local life. Located in the southern city of Guilin and officially affiliated with Guangxi Normal University, CLI offers fully customizable for-credit gap year programs of varying lengths and welcomes students from around the world.
Give and Surf
Give & Surf operates a three month Gap Year Semester in Panama designed to provide a hands-on educational experience that is service-oriented and immerses participants in the local culture of the island archipelago. Participants volunteer, learn Spanish, and engage in a wide range of activities & excursions including surfing and scuba diving in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Participants will volunteer in the local schools by helping to teach preschool & primary school as well as lead extracurricular activities.
SOAR
GAP Year at SOAR is an adventure-based program designed for participants with ADHD and Learning Differences. Their mission is to build independence, maturity, and confidence in participants through life skills, college courses, and adventure expeditions. Participants will travel the Western United States backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, and more. GAP Year is community living with other participants and dedicated mentors who coach and guide participants to find personal growth while learning new skills and gaining new experiences that will become lifelong memories.
Picton Castle Tall Ship
No previous sailing experience is necessary to sign on as a trainee crew member. Sailing programs go as long as 30,000 nautical miles on a world circumnavigation (Picton Castle’s 8th World Voyage), where students learn traditional marlinspike seamanship; steering, rigging, splicing, sailmaking, chartwork, navigation, and small boat handling. Students learn by being a full member of a wind ship's crew.
The ship will set sail from Nova Scotia, Canada in May of 2021, visiting ports like Panama, Pitcairn Island, Tahiti, Fiji, Bali, Cape Town, St. Helena, Grenada, Bermuda, and more. Many trainees go on to get jobs on other tall ships, or in other parts of the maritime industry, and all gain skills sought after by any employer: teamwork, problem solving, creativity, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, initiative, leadership, communication.
Expedition Education Institute
Expedition Education Institute works in partnership with Marlboro College. With locations in the foothills of Vermont’s Green Mountains and downtown Brattleboro, Marlboro College provides independent thinkers with opportunities to broaden their intellectual horizons, benefit from a small and close-knit learning community, create a strong framework for personal and career fulfillment, and make a positive difference in the world. "On the bus", and at their undergraduate campus in the town of Marlboro, partnered with the Center for Graduate and Professional Studies in Brattleboro, students engage in deep exploration of their interests and discover new avenues for using their skills to benefit themselves and others—in an atmosphere that emphasizes critical and creative thinking, independence, social justice, sustainability, and community.
Trek Epic
Trek Epic offers transformational opportunities to emerging young adults seeking to expand their understanding of their unique gifts and how they might offer them to the world. Trek Epic has designed short international walking treks and a gap year option as vehicles for guided personal reflection and small group work. Throughout their time on trek emerging adults develop a personal statement of their "core gifts" and begin exploring how they can purposefully apply these passions, interests and talents to their future. A Trek Epic participant comes out of their trek experience with specific ideas for next steps in their lives and an increased sense of confidence and purpose.
The Leap
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Overland service and adventure programs departing every semester with shorter summer options. These programs include a mix of different project and adventure phases to keep students challenged and motivated travelling around a country as part of a Leap team of volunteers who join together from all over the world. The Leap hires local leaders to avoid the tourist trail while contributing to communities who are trying to improve the quality of their lives. As well, The Leap also offers career-focused internships in medical, law or business. All volunteers/families are appointed their own Leap gap advisor who will make sure they are fully briefed and prepared pre-departure and the families are kept up to date with their progress while they are away. Programs are available across Africa, Asia and South America.
Where There Be Dragons
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3 month Gap Year programs in China, Tibetan Himalayas, Southeast Asia, South America, West Africa, Indonesia, Central America, and the Middle East. Fall and Spring departures.
Art History Abroad
Study art, architecture and European culture in Italy, France and London for a semester in the fall, or shorter in the spring and summer months. Art History Abroad programs are carefully structured and taught so that art and culture come to life. They believe in a few simple truths: that art is best taught in the presence of the real thing, and that tutor groups (of 9 students or fewer) should encourage discourse and expression. AHA tutors travel with the course, a recipe that is 30 years strong. Open to students of all disciplines, students need only an enquiring mind.
CIEE
Founded in 1947, CIEE offers gap year abroad programs in more than 15 global destinations. Programs can last from a single semester to a full academic year and focus on either language learning, service, or an internship. $100,000 in scholarships are available each year.
Dynamy Internship Year
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Dynamy is a domestic gap program for students ages 17-22 who are interested in exploring and discovering their future career paths. Students will work with an advisor to select from 100 different internship opportunities throughout Worcester, MA. In conjunction with their internship, students benefit from city apartment living, life skills workshops, personal and college advising and optional college seminars through Clark University.
Edu-Pal China
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Edu-Pal China offers an immersive language & cultural exchange experience between English-speaking young adults, who are eager to discover Chinese language and culture, and like-minded Chinese host families, who are interested in sharing their home and learning English. In exchange for Edu-Pal's English teaching to host siblings, Edu-Pals gain airfare compensation, freeboard & lodge, high-quality Chinese language classes, various cultural events and excursions, travel opportunities, and more. For this program, participants will receive two certificates: a program certificate for Edu-Pal’s Chinese language & cultural learning achievement, and a program certificate for Edu-Pal’s English teaching practice (or internship certificate for education majored Edu-Pals).
Discover Year
Discover Year is a year-long gap year program that helps young adults build essential skills for their career and life. The program emphasizes the development of self-confidence, self-awareness, adaptability and interpersonal skills such as communication, emotional intelligence and collaboration. In their one year career and leadership development certificate students will experience: Work, Travel, Community Service, Essential Skills Workshops, Career and Life Coaching, and Mentorship.
Resilient Earth Corps at EcoVillage, Ithaca
Resilient Earth Corps offers a program of practical skill building for personal, community, and planetary resilience. From mindfulness to regenerative agriculture and food justice to global climate activism, students learn the skills of conscious resilience in the face of multiple threats to social and ecological health and well being.
EF Gap Year
EF Gap Year help students become citizens of the world and prepare them for success in a global career. EF Gap offers students the ability to explore several countries in depth, learn a language, volunteer for a good cause, engage in meaningful cultural exchange, gain international work experience, and develop leadership skills. Programs are fully accredited so that students can place out of college-level classes and earn advance credit toward graduation. EF Gap students earn a portfolio of official certificates as proof of their global skills.
Rising Earth Immersion at The Eco-Institute
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The Eco-Institute at Pickards Mountain is a learning community, Earth sanctuary, and permaculture farm located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Their residential program for young adults — called The Rising Earth Immersion — is a 10-week semester for young adults between the ages of 18-28 who are concerned about our world’s changing climate. Students live in community on the organic farm, learning practical skills needed to build a sustainable and just future for all people and the planet.
Marco Polo Culture Exchange
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Marco Polo Culture Exchange Program was inspired by Marco Polo, the world famous traveller who lived in China for 17 years before returning home. Marco Polo works with international students interested in Chinese culture, living with Chinese families and their children. Students are shared in Chinese local life, exploration of Chinese culture, learning Chinese language. Students can live in rural countryside areas or downtown, and are immersed in Chinese culture.
InnerPathWorks
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The 4-8 month InnerPathWorks Gap Year provides a holistic, guided and individually tailored exploration of self. The student experiences nature and urban settings in a specialized way that awaken awareness, wisdom and common sense. The student explores the unique workings of his/her mind and learns to shift the brain's personal learning protocol to a curiosity-inspired, solution seeking style (versus rote memory regurgitation). InnerPathWorks provides a blended focus of applied science and indigenous wisdom. The result is a clear sense of personal identity, passion and purpose that manifests in a positive impact on our planet.
InterExchange
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Since 1968 InterExchange has facilitated meaningful and affordable intercultural experiences. Students can embark on Au Pair and Language Homestay programs in Australia, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Spain where they live with a host family as a childcare provider or tutor. Students can otherwise join a Work & Travel program with more self-structured opportunities to explore the host country while earning income through seasonal jobs in Australia, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. The American Summer Exchange program helps students explore and work in a new part of the USA alongside participants from diverse countries. Sustainable Action Costa Rica is a chance to learn about the country's renowned commitment to conservation through site visits and fun outdoor activities. InterExchange is largely focused on helping students and recent graduates develop the skills employers demand in the 21st century through transformative work, volunteer, and experiential education.
Pure Exploration
Pure Exploration offers Semester & Summer Programs to global destinations. Programs set clear learning objectives focused on overcoming challenges and are all about the student journey.
Coral Cay Conservation
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Coral Cay Conservation is an internationally renowned conservation specialist dedicated to providing the resources to help protect coral reefs throughout the developing world. Since 1986, Coral Cay has operated an abundance of marine and terrestrial conservation projects; building critical conservation capacity in host countries, empowering local stakeholders to sustainably manage their resources, and increasing ecosystem resilience to local anthropogenic impacts and global change. Coral Cay's mission statement is "Providing resources to help sustain livelihoods and alleviate poverty through the protection of coral reefs and associated ecosystems".
The Amphibian Foundation
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Amphibian Foundation's Conservation Research Bridge Program is a mentored career development experience that is customized together with students. The program curriculum is flexible and ranges in duration from 5 weeks to a full year and includes part-time and full-time options. Students gain first-hand experience doing all the things a conservation organization specializes in from animal husbandry, outreach and communications, formal education, field surveys, captive rearing and headstarting amphibians, to community service and long-term monitoring of imperiled species and focused research projects. Training includes contextualized instruction, career development and transition services to help students explore the fields of conservation and biology and achieve their career goals.
Cow House Studios
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Cow House Studios is a progressive artist-run school and residency set in the farmland of county Wexford, Ireland. An active farm to this day, the 180 acres of land provide an authentic and inspirational backdrop while facilitating multidisciplinary practices for artists in residence and students, focusing on cross-cultural learning and creative exchange. Building on over a decade of experience providing both exceptional educational programming and residency opportunities for artists at all levels, Cow House Studios is thrilled to offer FieldWorks, our art gap year program: a hybrid residency and enrichment program designed to give students ages 18 to 22 an opportunity to make new work in a remarkable location while being challenged to approach their creative practice from new perspectives.
National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education
The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE) is a values-based outdoor education provider for those interested in personal growth, professional development, and the acquisition of technical skills. Eligible for both college or high school credits, students can embark on 25, 60 and 74 day domestic and international programs. Students are able to earn certifications in Outdoor Adventure Education, Emergency Medicine, and Wilderness Medicine. NCOAE offers Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) as an integral part of gap year programming.
Siena Italian Studies
Siena Italian Studies (SIS) is a private learning center for language and culture based in Siena, Italy, which employs high-impact practices for language learning and engaged international education. The center in Siena offers full-immersion semesters, academic years and shorter summer programs with a service-learning focus to interested and motivated students, regardless of their Italian language level.
School of the New York Times
The School of the New York Times focuses on cultivating insightful individuals who care about the ideas and stories that shape our world. The gap year program is for high school graduates seeking a transformative intellectual adventure before they go to college or pursue a future career path. During the program, students interact with some of the world’s leading thinkers who are covering the important issues of our time across global affairs, politics, finance & economics, science & technology, arts & humanities, and more. With New York City as their classroom, gap year students emerge with an expanded world view, a sharp sense of perspective on a wide range of topics, and strong critical thinking and communication skills that will prepare them for college, career and lifelong success.
Gap Force
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2+ month international Gap Year programs focusing on expeditions, service, working holidays, ski instructor training, or medical internships, in Central & South America, Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South Pacific. Ongoing departures.
Student Ventures Academy
Student Ventures, by GeeLearn, offers gap year and startup acceleration programs that immerse participants in entrepreneurship and/or private equity. The program is experientially driven with opportunities ranging from 3 to 12 months that enable students to develop business, marketing, networking, and entrepreneurship know-how. Program immersions are delivered virtually 100% online, requiring only computer hardware and a good internet connection. Students typically form teams and develop virtual team building, processes, platform and management skills that are increasingly important in today's world. Participants in Venture Year will learn how to take an idea to the marketplace rapidly as entrepreneurs. Participants will discover opportunities, research markets, build and test prototypes, plan business strategy, market online, and build global connections that will benefit them beyond their studies in higher education. Alternative student courses include the Venture Year, Venture Semester, Summer Accelerator, Search Fund Accelerator, and Hedge Fund Accelerator.
Adventure Treks
Adventure Treks' Leadership Adventure Gap semester is a 74-day outdoor adventure and life skills program based in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina. Starting with a seven-day backpack in Pisgah National Forest, students will learn how to lead their peers in the outdoors. They'll complete a multi-day whitewater canoe expedition and gain mastery in skills like rock climbing, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking; the semester will culminate in a student-led capstone backpack. Students will deepen their interpersonal skills, be immersed in a close community of peers, learn life skills like basic auto and home maintenance, and give back to the community with meaningful service.
Explore Cottonwood Gulch Program Details
Cottonwood Gulch
Cottonwood Gulch students learn, grow, and gain valuable skills while living in a small community. Students spend 84 days working on a project in a discipline of their choosing and wandering the wilderness of the Southwest. Students join a community dedicated to personal growth, learning, and cultural understanding, while investigating the impacts of climate change on the Southwest and exploring issues surrounding environmental and social justice. Students will experience the wilderness of deserts and mountains; campgrounds in the frontcountry; unique, out-of-the-way towns, and everything in between.
The MYX
MYX is a global network of MYX houses where students participate in learning environments while exploring their communities. All MYX students are engaged in online learning or credits for college while also partaking in a core curricula of: one-on-one life coaching, programming (cooking, language, arts classes and more), as well as an "impact challenge;” at each MYX location students make an impact through a guided process intended to benefit the local community while learning about development issues.
Explore AdventureEXP Program Details
AdventureEXP
AdventureEXP hosts destination work programs for young American job seekers to travel to desirable locations around the US for paid jobs and internships. Their structured and guided programs range from 2-12 months as a gap year or seasonal placement. Students gain interpersonal skills, professional competency and learn to travel with purpose throughout their country. Open to ages 18-25.
Blackbird Academy
The Blackbird Academy is a Professional School of Audio. Founded in 2013, The Blackbird Academy has achieved a solid reputation for Live Sound & Studio Engineering Programs. Students of The Blackbird Academy have an emphasis on mentor-based, hands-on education with the goal of finding their careers in audio, and augmented by production training and skills.
The Blackbird Academy students have 700+ hours of hands-on training. The curriculum features Blackbird Studio’s gear/facilities for the Studio Program, and access to Clair Global’s massive warehouses of equipment and professional staff for the Live Sound Program.
HistoriCorps
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HistoriCorps is a nonprofit organization that engages volunteers, students, and youth to do the hands-on work necessary to save historic buildings on public lands, like National Forests and National Parks, for public benefit. We team up crews of volunteers from all walks of life with our expert field staff to learn preservation skills and put those skills to work saving historic places that have fallen into disrepair.
Join us for an adventure in the great outdoors! We camp onsite and all meals, tools, training, and equipment are provided. Help us hammer, reroof, chisel, repair, replace, paint, and sand historic buildings back to life. No previous construction experience is required – just a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Pizarts Dance Gap Year
Dance Gap Year offers dancers, choreographers and educators ages 18-36 the opportunity to experience the breadth of the global dance community in New York City, Los Angeles + Abroad while enhancing intellectual growth, promoting community engagement, developing an entrepreneurial spirit, and experiencing cross-cultural exchange.
CET Academic Programs
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CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and delivering educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally "China Educational Tours," CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world. Today, CET offers semester, summer, and short-term customized programs around the world for college, high school, pre-college, and gap year students. Known for strong academics, professional program management, and supportive student services, CET strives to integrate students into their host communities, adopt environmentally conscientious practices, and promote diversity and inclusion across all programs.
Raleigh International Expeditions
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Raleigh Expedition is an international volunteering program delivered by the youth-driven development charity, Raleigh International. Raleigh Expedition engages volunteers in creating long lasting change on community, environmental and adventure leadership projects. These projects help tackle environmental issues, access to education for all, and alleviate poverty. All Raleigh's work contributes towards the sustainable development goals, starting with developing the skills of young people, working with rural communities on meaningful projects, and inspiring young people to continue to make the world a better place. The program runs throughout the year in Costa Rica, Nepal and Tanzania
Idyllwild Arts Academy
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Gap Year students choose arts courses of personal interest while enjoying mentorship in areas that build portfolios or resumes. They also learn how to promote their arts careers, and impact their communities with art, through social media, grant proposals, and crowdsourcing. In addition to a foundational course that focuses on key components of choosing the arts for future study or a career, students can take two other courses in the following arts disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Fashion Design, Film and Digital Media, Music, and Theatre.
Oyster Worldwide
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Oyster's programs support positive contribution to local communities and projects in significant locations around the world. Programs last from 8 to 52 weeks with a variety of options covering animal welfare, conservation, teaching and sports coaching. Shorter options are also available if students have limited time or funds, or simply want to test out the gap year experience before taking a longer plunge. All students have a dedicated program manager to help plan, as well as full support in-country.
Victory Gap Year
Since 2001, over 800 students have come from around the world to equip themselves, and experience the transformative power of God. Situated in Jeffrey's Bay, the surf capital of South Africa, Victory Gap Year is a unique environment for students to learn about life and leadership within the Kingdom of God. Victory Gap Year works with students to identity in Christ and build a solid, Biblical foundation for life while developing leadership skills and character. Victory Gap Year has 3 streams to choose from for the year: Leadership, Worship, and Media.
Downwest Semesters
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DownWest Semesters inspires and educates the next generation of leaders by offering thoughtful adventures rooted in the stories, histories, mountains, rivers and deserts of the West. Primarily using outdoor adventure, and with the support, guidance and leadership of a close-knit team, students engage in thoughtful conversations; and the personal growth that comes from collaborating with a team to design, plan and lead an outdoor expedition. Open to ages 17-22.
Xanterra Travel
The Xanterra Travel Collection is our nation’s largest concessionaire of National Parks in the United States. Students will be able to earn money while working in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Xanterra provides company housing and a meal plan on site, which allows students to live, work, and explore while being able to take advantage of having a National Park as their back yard. Students will have an opportunity to independently pursue learning opportunities provided by the National Park Service and the Cooperative Recreation Program. Students live and work with employees from all states and several countries. No previous works experience is required, although a strong work ethic and positive attitude are.
Pure Life Adventure
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Pure Life Adventure offers an alternative to a traditional gap program. Students engage in cultural, adventure, and leadership experiences of a typical gap program with the added benefit of strong, research based, therapeutic support. Young adults often struggle with anxiety, isolation, fear of failure, and executive functioning issues during their early years of adulthood. Pure Life supports young people as they develop the skills and strategies needed to navigate this difficult time.
The Pure Life's two to three month program integrates adventure activities (surfing, rafting, and backpacking) with cognitive behavioral therapy which help our students overcome challenges and build a ‘tool box’ for difficult times. In addition, Pure Life provides students with opportunities for cultural immersion, community service, and nationally recognized adventure certifications. Through this nature based approach, the program prepares young adults for the challenges they will face as they conquer college, career, and independence.
Good Life Gap Term
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Students live on a 60-acre homestead peninsula on the coast of Maine where they join a community of learners, read great books, paddle sturdy canoes, get their hands dirty in the garden, explore nature and gain perspective on what really matters in times like these. Students are encouraged to take powerful intellectual risks, to connect meaningfully to their environment, to grow from direct experiences in real time, to feed their bodies and souls, and to build the skills necessary to nourish the communities to which they belong. All programs can be taken for college credit.
Agöra Learning Community
Agöra Learning Community is an international association, with partners in 10 countries in Europe. A part of Erasmus+ projects the program is built for young leaders and youth workers with different backgrounds: technical degrees, arts, social sciences...
Chinese Gap Year in Taipei
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Chinese Gap Year (CGY) in Taipei is a nine-month gap year program for recent high school graduates who want to improve their Mandarin Chinese, experience life in Taiwan, and grow as young people. CGY is open to students of all Chinese proficiency levels, and provides language and cultural immersion, along with personalized attention and support. CGY is formed out of the world-renowned International Chinese Language Program (ICLP), which has been educating students and scholars of Chinese for nearly 60 years, and is housed on the campus of National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan.
SEA Semester
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SEA is based out of the oceanographic research village of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Since 1971, they have worked with more than 10,000 students focusing on the oceans through preparatory studies on shore followed by a tall ship sailing research voyage at sea. Modeled after their Boston University accredited SEA Semester undergraduate program, SEA gap year programs offer students interested in the oceans, an opportunity to study the marine environment through the disciplines of science, maritime history & culture, policy, and leadership. No sailing experience is required.
Visions Service Adventure
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VISIONS programs are grounded in a philosophy that has been changing the lives of students for 30 years. They believe it is best to do one thing and do it well. That’s why across all programs they have one model, built on the pillars of meaningful service, full cultural immersion and adventurous exploration. Program options are available in the U.S. and around the world.
Alzar Gap
Alzar School + Gap brings students to Patagonia, Chile and the American West to focus on leadership training, cultural exchange and outdoor adventure. Alzar has permanent campuses in both the mountains of Idaho and the heart of Patagonia. All gap programs include a focused exploration of whitewater rafting and kayaking, and some include backpacking and skiing activities.
Warriors Academy
Warriors Academy offers 4 quests of 7 weeks each, starting in February and ending in October. With a focus on experiential education and personal development short-courses, throughout South Africa, Mozambique, and Swaziland. Each Quest is a stand-alone program and participants can choose the combination that suits their individual agenda. Quests are a blend of flagship activities, and a wide range of supportive tasks, ensuring a dynamic and adventurous experience delivered by highly qualified facilitators.
Adelphi University Gap Year
Adelphi University's Gap Year Experience is for students at any point in their academic journey, allowing students to take it as a stand-alone course or in conjunction with their current course load. The virtual program enables students to hone their skills by working in small teams on a consulting project covering any of a wide range of subjects in strategy, marketing, social work, health, and other areas according to student interest and partner company/nonprofit engagement.
Partnering with the Adelphi Innovation Center, students have access to a guest speaker series, lectures, company meetings, and team-building exercises. Participants can earn three college credits or certification.
Point School Puerto Rico
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Point School Puerto Rico is a hybrid gap year program for young adult males, ages 18-22. PSPR blends cultural immersion, experiential learning, and service-learning with an intentional positive self-discovery experience. Young men who attend Point School Puerto Rico have the opportunity to explore their personal and professional interests, character strengths, and capabilities as they develop confidence, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. PSPR promotes healthy and successful emergence into adulthood so that our young men can be their best selves and thrive
Virtual Gap Program at Champlain College
The Virtual Gap Program at Champlain College is an innovative and exploratory experience for high school graduates who are looking for a transformative, cohort-based learning adventure before they officially start college. The Virtual Gap Program is a journey into academic college life, holistic well-being, and career exploration. It was designed for high school graduates who are deferring college enrollment or taking a semester off from college—but who still want to move forward. In the program students will explore the world, ponder big ideas, improve their well-being and gain virtual internship experience—all from the safety and comfort of their own home.
Deer Hill Expeditions
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Founded in 1984, Deer Hill Expeditions has pioneered experiential education and service learning opportunities. The new Deer Hill Gap Semester uses white water rafting, canyon backpacking, mountaineering, and community service opportunities to create academic experiences centered in the American Southwest. Participants will become qualified river guides, receive wilderness medicine training, and explore the Four Corners through the lens of geography, history, and anthropology. Deer Hill's mission remains, “to empower the individual to create authentic connection to self and community through wilderness and service experiences."
TEFLPros
TEFLPros is a digital gap program providing high quality certification to teach English as a foreign language. Through 120-hours of accredited content, over 50 hours of video training, and a step-by-step intuitive approach to online learning, TEFLPros is a leader at bringing the classroom to you. Once certified, take your TEFL wherever life takes you - teaching online, volunteering in schools abroad, or working overseas!
Take Me Up
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Take Me Up adventure was designed to allow young people the space they need to find meaning in their future, figure out what they really want in life, and make well-thought-out choices. The program was designed for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who, either directly after high school or at another point in their education, feel the need to take a break from formal education to travel internationally and make sure their lives are headed in the direction that suits them best.
Take Me Up is a two-part program:
First semester in Lyon or Paris- France: Self-discovery, soft-skills development and French classes.
Second semester in France or abroad: depending on interests, participants will choose their Take Me Up experience among volunteer work, internship in France or study abroad in Italy, Spain, Russia or Asia.
Western Colorado University
Western Colorado University's Mountain Resilience Semester: Immersion in People, Places, and Environment, is an experiential undergraduate gap semester integrating climate change resiliency, sustainability, alpine ecosystems, wilderness expeditions, and mountain communities in partnership with the Center for Mountain Transitions at Western Colorado University. Students from across the nation come together in Colorado’s mountains to explore this question: What does resiliency in mountain communities look like in the face of climate change? Through this landscape-based experiential immersive semester program students will build community, earn undergraduate credits, explore wilderness, and learn how to take action back in their home communities building resiliency and stronger relationships.
Global Works Travel
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Founded in 1990, Global Works was established to provide a unique learning experience to young adults through rewarding service, language learning, and adventure travel programs. These programs foster personal growth and instill social and cultural awareness to participants and local communities. The staff ensures high standards of quality and safety to individuals. Global Works programs are ideal for students who are adventurous, open-minded, curious, and passionate about having an impact on the world, while learning more about other people and cultures.
Slam Academy
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Slam Academy was founded in 2012 by a group of producers and DJs that wanted to share their craft with their community. Students are provided a fast-paced, high-quality, and affordable educational experience in the digital arts, exploring music production, DJing, Sound Design, and more with professionals. Class is available either online or in person at our Minneapolis or Denver campuses.
Wonderbench
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Wonderbench works with college students to advance their early careers. The Wonderbench Gap Year Career Launch Course engages youth with experts to integrate their passions, capabilities, and evolving future job market dynamics into a college major and career launch plan. The course begins with mentors and established assessments to help students discover career path options with a job fit to individual passions, personality preferences, and strengths. Students will next review future industry growth trends to hone in on a target career area that offers financial durability, meaningful impact, and growth. Then, working in small groups with industry professionals, students take virtual company tours, engage in job workshops, and partner with an education counselor. Finally, students will build an active job candidate profile that communicates their skills and interests for potential internships and job opportunities.
Denver Gap Year
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Denver Gap Year is a Christian based program that utilizes community service, adventure trips, a wide array of teachers, international travel and one to one mentorship to guide young adults on their spiritual journey. They believe that when you know who you are that you can thrive wherever you are. They focus their attention on the identity of each participant and help explore how that connects to their passions and purpose in life.
Participants in Denver Gap Year do not have to practice the Christian faith but they do expect participants to have an openness, curiosity and willingness to learn about themselves and the Christian faith. Students from all genders, races, sexual orientations, religions and different abilities are encouraged to apply.
Tahoe Residential Leadership Program
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Located in Truckee, California, Tahoe Forest Church (TFC) is situated on 52 acres bordering the Truckee River. The Tahoe Resident Leadership Program (TRLP) develops and guides aspiring Christian leaders for one year through experiential ministry training. The TRLP Program provides participants with professional skills for planning, organizing, and developing Christian ministries. Tahoe Residential Leaders experience a unique perspective into vocational ministry through leadership training and serving alongside pastors and ministry leaders. The program will be tailored to the skill sets and interests of the selected leaders and allow each to complete an in-depth project of their choice that contributes to the Church community. Participants will live in a house on the property as part of the residential program, which will foster close-knit relationships.
APA Paris Program
APA is a boutique program provider in Paris, France that unites academic excellence with the beauty and richness of French and Francophone culture. For over 30 years, students from more than 80 US colleges and universities have received a personalized, immersive education abroad in Paris; Dakar, Senegal; Rabat, Morocco; and Fort-de-France, Martinique.
Watson Institute
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Watson Institute is built on the belief that to solve the toughest challenges facing the world, we must equip the next generation with the necessary tools, network, mindset, and courage to unleash a lifetime of impact. They are a reimagined model of education for next-generation innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs, with locations in Boulder, Colorado, at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and at Universidad Francisco Marroquín in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Watson Institute's 223 Scholars and alumni from 53 countries have raised over $77.2 million, created over 500 part or full-time jobs, and impacted 150,000 people around the world through initiatives they help lead. Watson alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship and Forbes' 30 under 30 list, and continued their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
Sea|mester
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Established in 1998, Sea|mester offers unique educational voyages where gap year and university students spend an entire semester at sea, sailing between countries and continents. Coupling accredited academics with real-world application, Sea|mester's goal is to provide an immersive learning experience, engaging students in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Voyages include up to 12 college credits in Marine, Ocean, and Nautical Sciences from the University of South Florida in addition to multiple sailing and scuba diving certifications through International Yacht Training and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
InfiniteU
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Infinite U is an online education alternative for ambitious 18-23 year old entrepreneurs eager to live a meaningful life, crush it in the marketplace and build wealth rather than debt. Students can launch with a 9-week online program that includes 1-on-1 coaching focused on starting a business or landing a sales or marketing job. Students will clarify goals, learn how to effectively manage money, and cultivate good habits that are enhanced through virtual cohorts and assignments. This program is self-paced and takes a few hours a week.
Living City Gap Year
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The Living City Project's CityGAP program is a city-based, outdoor exploration experience for rising college first-years, college students on leave, and high school graduates. CityGAP provides meaningful and challenging experiences in the New York City landscape, creating a safety-conscious and rewarding space for personal and intellectual growth by using the built and natural environment as a collaborative outdoor classroom.
Tivnu
Tivnu Gap Year participants work to connect Jewish life and social justice through individualized internships, intentional community, experiential education, and adventure trips around the Pacific Northwest. Participants work with grassroots and advocacy organizations while living in a house together in Portland, Oregon. Focus areas for internships are based on participants' social justice and professional interests. Past focus areas have included building tiny houses for houseless Portlanders, education, refugees’ rights, climate change advocacy.
Putney Student Travel
For 70 years, Putney has provided travel programs for students who seek authentic travel, cultural immersion, and experiential learning. Putney Gap programs combine adventurous activities and field experiences with a variety of academic perspectives. Programs focus on a variety of themes, with common ones including conservation, history, cooperatives, Womens rights, social entrepreneurship, and adventure.
Institute for Field Education
IFE's Gap Year in Europe programs focus on language acquisition and experiential education in a cross-cultural framework. The IFE Gap Year offers an affordable two-stage year abroad enabling students to become fluent in French or Spanish and gain valuable internship experience, while acquiring cross-cultural skills and increased self confidence and independence.
Westport College Prep
Westport College Prep is a Post Secondary Transition Experience for Neurodiverse Learners. Their mission is to provide an exceptional and engaging transition experience through instruction in the executive functions, metacognition, and social skills required for success in college, work, and life. Students have access to college readiness classes, internship opportunities, dual enrollment with Landmark College, and weekly service learning.
BISP - Berkeley International Study Program
The Berkeley International Study Program (BISP) offers gap year and college students the opportunity to take courses at UC Berkeley, either as enrichment or as credits they can transfer. Students get to experience Berkeley through a cohort-based program, where students have access to personalized advising, language development, mentorship, intercultural competency building, and social activities, while taking courses from highly ranked professors in a variety of subjects. For those who want to focus on a set theme of courses, certificate programs are available which can be completed in as little as one semester and culminates in a final research project. Due to the pandemic, UC Berkeley gap year courses can now be taken online.
Youth International
Established in 1997, Youth International offers experiential learning programs that combine cultural exchange, home stays with local families, volunteer community service work, rugged international travel, and outdoor expeditions. During the fall semester, YI organizes three multi-country trips: South America (Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador), Asia (Nepal, India, and Thailand), and Africa & Near East (Kenya, Egypt, and Jordan). In the spring, there is a short intensive program in Nepal. Participants are immersed in a first-hand education about the cultures of the region, encouraging cross-cultural understanding and self-discovery.
Sanborn Gap Semester
The Colorado Outdoor Education Center is a non-profit organization that began as a summer camp in 1948. The Sanborn Gap Semester operates under the Colorado Outdoor Education Center, located in Florissant, Colorado. The property that hosts this gap semester is 6,000 acres of meadows, forests, and rocky bluffs. The mission of Colorado Outdoor Education Center is to develop the potential of individuals by providing extraordinary educational experiences in the natural world.
Wilderness Adventures
Since 1973, Wilderness Adventures has provided young adults with the opportunity to explore the most pristine wilderness settings on the planet. The Wilderness Adventures Leadership Institute' Gap Semester Programs challenge students by enabling them to improve their outdoor skills, expand their leadership capabilities, and gain life-long professional certifications. Wilderness Adventures is about discovering a part of ourselves, building character, and bringing new perspectives.
Verto Education
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Verto Education is an affordable, full credit-bearing freshman semester or year abroad with guaranteed transfer to a consortium of over 50 universities that have joined the Verto Community. After high school, students can spend a first semester or two of college in either Hawaii, London (UK), Madrid (Spain), Milan (Italy), Costa Rica, The Dominican Republic + Costa Rica, or Fiji + New Zealand + Australia. Students apply to Verto and simultaneously apply to any of Verto's partner colleges to receive a free, non-binding admissions decision within a couple of weeks. Students traveling with Verto are college students with credit transfers that count towards graduation requirements.