Gap Year Fairs Programs
The USA Gap Year Fairs website offers a listing of a variety of different Gap Year programs. All the programs listed below are Keystone Programs; they are registered to participate in the majority of our fairs across the country. Below you will find a profile of each and a link to their full website. If there is a specific program you are interested in or a question you have regarding these programs, please feel free to contact them directly!
Dynamy Internship Year
Dynamy Internship Year - http://www.internshipyear.org
Dynamy Internship Year is the oldest and only residential internship program in the country. Our mission is to offer young people, ages 17-22, a transformational gap year (or semester) opportunity. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Dynamy Internship Year integrates full-time mentored internships in over 240 organizations with urban and backcountry leadership experiences, personal and college/career advising, city apartment living, optional college seminars and the company of a remarkable group of peers.
Thinking Beyond Borders
Thinking Beyond Borders - http://www.thinkingbeyondborders.org
Thinking Beyond Borders empowers and inspires students through education to address critical global issues. Our gap year programs provide learning and personal growth opportunities unlike any other. You'll gain new perspectives through fieldwork, homestays, and academic study in developing communities where people face real issues. Program Leaders with Master's degrees in International Development and education will support your learning with seminars and mentoring. TBB's full-year and semester options include a 7-country Global Gap Year, the Ecuador Gap Semester, and the Thailand Gap Semester.
Adventures Cross Country
Adventures Cross Country - http://www.arccgap.com
ARCC has been offering programs for young adults since 1983. ARCC GAP Semesters are an opportunity to live and learn in some of the greatest classrooms on earth. Our Semester programs embark on a journey of discovery of local peoples, places, cultures and ideas. Along the way we weave together our first person experiences with a curriculum comprising five important themes: Public Health, Literacy & Education, Urbanization and the Movement of People, Environment & Conservation, and Microfinance & Economic Growth. ARCC offers GAP Semesters in Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) and Asia (China, Tibet and Thailand).
Africa & Asia Venture, Ltd.
Africa & Asia Venture, Ltd. - http://www.aventure.co.uk
"Established in 1993, Africa & Asia Venture (known as AV) is a small UK-based organisation specialising in gap year volunteering projects in the developing world for 18 - 25 year olds. Over 5,500 people from 30+ countries have together contributed more than 1,200 man-years of service to the communities in which we operate.
We offer a unique blend of group-based projects in rural communities, where the volunteers live the way the locals live, and after which they have a period of independent travel time to go wherever they wish, all supported by our dedicated, 24/7, in-country management teams."
Amigos de las Américas
Amigos de las Américas - http://www.amigoslink.org/
Founded in 1965, AMIGOS operates community service and immersion programs in Latin America in order to empower youth leaders. Gap Year Volunteers are placed in partnerships and live with host families in small communities in Nicaragua. They serve as interns with local development organizations and collaborate with community leaders to carry out sustainable development projects. Additionally, volunteers organize and lead extra-curricular activities for local youth, and create multimedia projects to track and share their projects. As a group, volunteers participate in monthly workshops and cultural and historical excursions around the country.
ANDEO
ANDEO - http://www.andeo.org
ANDEO's Gap programs are very flexible and can be customized to fit your goals and interests - and your schedule and budget, too. They all start with four or more weeks of small-group language classes. Consider this your 'landing pad'! From there, you can choose your own path. For example, join art workshops in Spain, explore the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, or get involved with a community service project in China! Programs can be as short as four weeks or as long as several months and are available year-round. All programs include a homestay with a local family.
Art History Abroad
Art History Abroad - http://www.arthistoryabroad.com/
Study art, architecture and European Culture throughout Italy, Paris and London. Our carefully structured gap year courses last twelve weeks in the autumn semester, or six weeks at other times. There are shorter summer courses too. All tuition is delivered in front of many of the masterpieces of art from the ancient world, through the Renaissance and up to Modernism. Unstuffy, engaging tutors deliver brilliant tuition in tutorial groups of 9 or fewer. Art History Abroad (AHA) will expand your horizons and give you an appreciation of art for life and a love of Venice, Florence and Rome.
Aspire by API
Aspire by API - http://www.aspirebyapi.com
Aspire by API, the gap year and high school division of Academic Programs International (API), is dedicated to providing comprehensive gap year and gap semester programs in France, Ireland, Italy and Spain. Aspire by API’s language and cultural immersion programs provide students with opportunities to get involved with the local community, earn college credits, and to develop relevant global skills in an exciting, enriching, safe, and secure setting.
Carpe Diem International Education, LLC
Carpe Diem International Education, LLC - http://www.carpediemeducation.com
"Hello Carpe Diem - thank you so much for this [Parent Packet]!! What a great idea... it only enhances my original estimation of what an amazing organization you are... you have thought of everything! Danielle is not the first to fly our nest so we are probably a little more seasoned than some parents however your thoughtfulness in the preparation of this trip has made everything run very smoothly for her and has given us confidence that she will be OK." Carpe Diem does traveling group semesters throughout the world, focused on volunteering, language study, group dynamics, and personal development. Students can earn 18 credits through Portland State University and are eligible to receive Federal FAFSA dollars for their educational experience with Carpe Diem.
Center for Interim Programs
Center for Interim Programs - http://www.interimprograms.com
The Center for Interim Programs is a gap year consulting service helping young people experience vetted and meaningful gap year placements worldwide. Since its inception in 1980 as the first organization of its kind in the United States, Interim has designed creative gap year opportunities for over 6,000 students. We have built relationships with organizations worldwide and refer to a database of over 6,000 program opportunities. Our service is good for a lifetime.
CIEE
CIEE - http://www.ciee.org/hsabroad
CIEE offers US high school graduates a unique way to explore the world. A Gap Year Abroad with CIEE offers college-bound graduates an opportunity to acquire a broader global perspective, foster independence and gain self-knowledge. Students seeking to stretch intellectually, explore new vistas, develop leadership and become responsible global citizens are ideal candidates for a CIEE Gap Year.
City Year Inc.
City Year Inc. - http://www.cityyear.org
City Year is an education focused, nonprofit organization that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service to keep students in school and on track to graduation. At City Year’s 21 urban locations across the United States and two international affiliates, teams of trained young people called corps members serve full-time in schools for the academic year as tutors, mentors and role models. By focusing on attendance, behavior and course performance, which identify students who are at risk of dropping out, corps members are uniquely able to help students and schools succeed.
Class Afloat
Class Afloat - http://www.classafloat.com/
Class Afloat is dedicated to bringing the classroom to the world. We offer students the opportunity to travel to a variety of ports around the world and learn how to sail on a magnificent, full-rigged tall ship, while earning credits for grade 11, grade 12, or first-year university. Students can choose to come for the full year or for one semester where they will receive unparalleled learning experiences in incomparable settings aboard a tall ship and around the globe.
Gap Year South Africa
Gap Year South Africa - http://www.GapYearSouthAfrica.com
Gap Year South Africa offers you an adventure of a lifetime, specializing in Volunteer, Gap Year, Internship, and Adventure Travel experiences in South Africa.
Experience new cultures, meet new people, explore new places, make a difference and get involved with Gap Year South Africa!
Global Citizen Year
Global Citizen Year - http://www.globalcitizenyear.org
Global Routes
Global Routes - http://www.globalroutes.com
Global Routes is a non-governmental, non-sectarian organization committed to strengthening our global community through volunteer work overseas. To this end, we design foreign exchange programs based on community service, bringing people with different world views together to share stories and learn from one another through profound connection.
Currently we offer Teaching Internship Programs in Kenya, Costa Rica and Ecuador where participants get to connect with students in village schools on a daily basis, in some cases even having their own classrooms.
In East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) as well as in India we offer more general introductions to the culture with group service projects as well as individually-focused internships in medicine, community development, or teaching.
Global Vision International
Global Vision International - http://www.gviusa.com
GVI was formed in 1998 to provide support to international charities, non-profits and governmental agencies through volunteering opportunities, internship programs and direct funding. GVI is a recognized leader in international volunteering and has sent over 10,000 volunteers overseas to aid critical environmental and humanitarian programs. We work hand in hand with local communities, international and local charities and governmental organizations to ensure the long term sustainability of all our programs. GVI's in country staff are highly qualified professionals ensuring your placement is safe, fun and beneficial to all concerned.
International School for Earth Studies (ISES)
International School for Earth Studies (ISES) - http://www.earth-studies.ca/
Our principal goal is to immerse our students in environmental education, outdoor recreation and wildlife rehabilitation in order to promote environmental responsibility inspired through appreciation for natural places and the Earth.
International Studies Abroad ISA & Learning Programs International LPI
International Studies Abroad ISA & Learning Programs International LPI - http://www.studiesabroad.com/gapyear
ISA Gap Year Programs offer high school graduates the opportunity to study abroad before entering college. Students can choose from a variety of ISA programs in over 14 countries. Gap Year is ideal for students who want to explore their interests, delve into unfamiliar territory, and enter college more focused and independent. LPI is designed especially for students who are currently enrolled in high school. LPI's summer programs emphasize language acquisition and cultural immersion for students at various levels of proficiency. Students take classes at an accredited foreign university and earn college credit while living with a homestay.
LEAPNOW: Transforming Education
LEAPNOW: Transforming Education - http://www.leapnow.org
A gap year leader since 1994, LEAPNOW programs bring together international travel and study, academic credit & access to Federal financial aid, and an intentional focus on the development of the whole human being. LEAPNOW has full-year and fall and spring semester programs, group travel and individual internships – allowing gap year students to tailor their time “on” while continuing to make progress toward an undergraduate degree. Each program focuses on learning how to “be the change” that is needed to transform this world, with group travel to India, Central America, South America, and Africa, and individual access to over 6,000 internships in 126 countries.
Map the Gap International
Map the Gap International - https://www.mapthegapinternational.com/index.html
Map the Gap International offers exciting "service-learning" programs, combining language and cultural immersion with community service to create a meaningful adventure abroad. Our 12-week programs in Mexico, Nicaragua, and Italy include: host country orientation; 3 weeks of intensive language learning followed by ongoing part-time language classes; 8-10 cultural and recreational excursions; community service placements; presentations by local residents about issues affecting the communities served; room and board (homestay with a family); international health insurance coverage; transportation to/from airport as well as for all planned activities; and 24-hour local support. 5-week summer versions of these programs are also available.
Masa Israel Journey
Masa Israel Journey - http://www.MasaIsrael.org
Intrigued by the opportunity to spend a semester or year experiencing another culture, volunteering, interning, studying, or having an adventure before you head off to college? A gap year in Israel with Masa Israel Journey offers college-bound high school graduates the opportunity to acquire a global perspective and to gain a taste of independent living all while having an incredible Israel experience. Many leading universities in North America encourage admitted students to defer entrance for a semester or a year to explore their interests before deciding what to study in college. Israel offers thousands of years of Jewish history, cities that fuse the ancient with the modern, a variety of ethnic communities living side by side and global leadership in many of today’s most relevant fields—it's the ideal place to take a year "on" before college.
Masa Israel Journey offers young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 immersive, life-changing gap year, study abroad, post-college and volunteer experiences in Israel, connecting them to programs that meet their interests, offering scholarships, providing expertise, and supporting them throughout the entire process.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) - http://www.nols.edu/
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) takes people of all ages on real wilderness expeditions, teaching outdoors skills, environmental ethics, and leadership in some of the most wild classroom in the world. With courses ranging from the 10 days to a full academic year, students can earn up to 19 credits a semester while learning the skills to be competent, responsible wilderness travelers and leaders long after their course is over..
Australia. Alaska. Patagonia. Inda. New Zealand. The list goes on. Where could a NOLS course take you? Check out www.nols.edu today and start dreaming.
Oxford Advanced Studies Program
Oxford Advanced Studies Program - http://www.oasp.ac.uk
For over twenty years, the Oxford Advanced Studies Program has offered enthusiastic young people, from the US and elsewhere, the opportunity to study and live in the historic and vibrant city of Oxford, home to one of the world's oldest and most celebrated universities. Our stimulating courses provide an ideal preparation for college-level study. Applications are also invited from High School seniors and from college students who want to spend a term or longer abroad. Alongside the academics, a varied and enjoyable program of weekly visits and activities is arranged, adding an extra dimension to the study abroad experience and ensuring that our students depart with more than just a taste of England’s rich heritage.
Pioneer Ranches Canada Gap Program
Pioneer Ranches Canada Gap Program - http://www.pioneercamps.ab.ca/getinvolved/gap.php
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Pioneer Ranches Alberta has an exciting 4 or 8 month Gap program that provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, sample college courses, minister, try out a trade and experience a working trip to Guatemala & Outback Australia. Students will sample Psychology, Theology, Sociology and International Studies along with Camp Ministry, Horsemanship, Mechanics, Carpentry, Digital Media and ESL Teaching, to name a few. Students are housed at Pioneer Lodge, Sundre, Alberta. Full room, board and the two overseas trips are included in the affordable price.
Projects Abroad
Projects Abroad - http://www.projects-abroad.org
Projects Abroad sends volunteers abroad to 26 developing countries to do internships and service projects. Since being founded in 1992, we have grown to a team of 450 staff members around the world that sends over 8000 volunteers abroad every year. Volunteers get to choose their start dates and can go for as long as they wish. Our destinations include countries throughout Latin America, Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and more. Our projects range from more traditional programs like Teaching, Care and Community Building to more unique programs like Archaeology, Journalism, Medicine, Conservation, and more.
Real Travel
Real Travel - http://www.realgap.com
Real Gap and i to i are the leading volunteer, experience and gap year providers with over 200 projects across 35 countries from 1 week to 2 years. Take your pick of adventure travel, volunteering, round-the-world, sports, languages or paid work. Call 857 233 5389 or email travel@realgap.com for details.
Rustic Pathways
Rustic Pathways - http://rusticpathways.com
- Gap for Good – less structured for independent discovery and culturally immersive service.
- Gap Semesters – comprised of three connecting, one-month segments providing a comprehensive understanding of a specific global region.
- Gap Blocks – Month-long themed programs: choose from GIVE (service), ESSENTIAL (touring), SKILLS (lifelong lessons), or RUSH (high-impact adventures).
- Language Immersion – Mandarin classes at China’s Dali University or intensive Spanish lessons in Costa Rica.
- Custom Gap – Use our programs or your preferences to build the gap year of your dreams.
Sea | mester
Sea | mester - http://www.seamester.com
Sea|mester delivers unique educational journeys where students spend their entire semester at sea, sailing between islands, countries and even continents throughout countless global locations. We offer students the opportunity of discovering...the world by sea, knowledge beyond the classroom and their utmost potential.
SFYI International School
SFYI International School - http://www.sfyi.org
SFYI offers a Gap Year study abroad program for students interested in other cultures, the arts, adventure, travel, and immersion. Located in the quaint French village of Villeseque des Corbieres, students immerse themselves in the language and culture of this proud region. Extensive travel and lessons span from Spain and France to the far reaches of South Africa. While artistry and culture influence our students' experiences, the geography also offers boundless potential for outdoor experiences, such as canyoning in Spain and community service in South Africa. Experience a combination of culture and activities not often offered in most educational settings.
TeenLife
TeenLife - http://www.teenlife.com
TeenLife is the leading school-parent resource for information about experiential and educational opportunities, both locally and nationally, for middle and high school students. We connect families, schools, and high school students with gap year and summer programs, community service opportunities, and after school and weekend activities. We bring all of our proprietary knowledge to our members...online at Teenlife.com, via a variety of handy guides available in print and online, and in person at teen-targeted events. Join now at www.teenlife.com. It’s free!
The Leap
The Leap - http://www.theleap.co.uk
Established in 2002, The Leap is a gap year company with a difference. The only organization providing opportunities to mix ecotourism, community and conservation projects in safe and sociable surroundings in some of the world’s most exciting destinations. We combine multiple challenges in every volunteer placement to create unforgettable and life-changing overseas travel. Operating in South America, Africa and Asia, The Leap offers those with adventurous spirit the chance to experience unique and sustainable volunteer projects whilst genuinely enriching the communities you meet along the way. Choose between 6-10 week Team placements with like minded individuals aged 18-27, departing in July, September, January and April.
Travellers Worldwide
Travellers Worldwide - http://www.travellersworldwide.org
Lots of Options!! Volunteer projects and internships all over the globe!! Since 1994, Travellers Worldwide has offered project placements for students and adults all over the world. Each participant is assisted in all planning aspects of their chosen international experience which includes options such as care and community projects, teaching, sports coaching, work experience, conservation, language and cultural courses, drama, dance, music and much more.
United Planet
United Planet - http://www.unitedplanet.org
Join us to volunteer abroad during your gap! You can help a community in need while you learn a language, see the sites, and forge lifelong bonds with other volunteers. Choose to go for 6 months or 12 months; choose one of 30 countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, or the Pacific. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949. Through their vast network and 60 years of experience, United Planet and ICYE offer a wide range of programs: environmental preservation, teaching and childcare, women’s empowerment – and more!
Over the past decade, United Planet has brought together thousands of people all over the world in the effort to build cross-cultural understanding and provide vital services to communities in need.
Up with People
Up with People - http://upwithpeople.org
Want to spend 6 or 12 months traveling the world and making a difference? Make the most of your Gap Year with UWP!
UWP offers the most unique Gap Year experience for young people from around the world. In 6 months, you can travel to more than 20 cities on 2-3 continents. In every city, volunteer through community impact projects, live with local host families, and perform a dynamic international musical production. You also have the option to take university courses and earn credit through our partner, Florida Southern College.
Programs begin in January and July each year. Apply to travel for one or two semesters. Learn More! Visit us at www.upwithpeople.org or call +1-303-460-7100. Follow us on Facebook.
Where There Be Dragons
Where There Be Dragons - http://www.wheretherebedragons.com/whydragons.who.html
Now celebrating its twentieth season, Where There Be Dragons ("Dragons" for short) runs small-group learning adventures in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Through off-the-beaten-path travel, service, home-stays, language study and wilderness exploration, Dragons provides an honest and authentic survey of culture, landscape and development issues in the world's most intriguing locales. Since 1993, Dragons has been a pioneer in the field of cross-cultural experiential education. Here’s what a recent parent said: “We wanted a program outside of convention. There are many programs that are glorified teen-tours. We sought an experience that would challenge our son and introduce him to the education involved not only in sojourning within foreign landscapes, but in building relationships within a community.” Dragons has brought students on small-group learning adventures to Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa since 1993. www.wheretherebedragons.com
Woodstock School
Woodstock School - http://www.woodstock.ac.in/gapsemester/
Studying Indian culture, learning to communicate in Hindi, trekking up snow peaks in Garhwal, exploring the picturesque settlements of Kaza, stumbling across millennia-old monasteries, spotting tigers in Corbett National Park, white-water rafting on the Ganges - there is something for every true adventurer in the Woodstock Gap Semester in the Himalaya.
Ask yourself, would you rather be:
Taking Freshman English or having a Hindi conversation with a shepherd in the Himalaya?
Riding the bus to University or going on a jeep safari looking for tigers?
Eating cafeteria food or sharing a meal with Buddhist monks in a 1000 year old monastery?
Walking the stairs to class or climbing a Himalayan peak?
If you are looking for a meaningful way to take a break before college, then the Woodstock Gap Semester in the Himalaya may be for you...
World Challenge
World Challenge - http://www.world-challenge-expeditions.com/home/non-schools/
World Challenge offers students a journey of self discovery packed with leadership training and life skill development. Packed with physical trekking challenges, eye opening cultural exchanges and meaningful service learning programs, World Challenge expeditions are available to individual students, ages 15 - 18, and school groups. Expeditions are available in over 15 developing countries across the globe and take place over 1 to 4 weeks.