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Gap Year Programs in Asia

Looking for a break from the daily grind? Take a gap year in Asia! For maximum adventure on a limited budget, Asia is the perfect place to go. It’s easy to country-hop and experience a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and activities here. There are plenty of beaches, mountains, and jungles to explore, complete with exotic animals, tiny villages, and oceanfront bungalows. There are also many opportunities to work if you need some cash to fuel your journey, and equally as many places to relax, generally for pennies a day compared to a normal western prices. Ready for your gap year in Asia?
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

302 Gap Year Programs in Asia

101 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE Gap Year in Kyoto, Japan: Japanese Language & Culture

In Kyoto, enjoy the perfect balance of structure and independence...

See All 5 Programs
9.2251 reviews

The Intern Group

International Internships in Tokyo

Tokyo, a global powerhouse of finance and business, awaits you! G...

See All 3 Programs
9.55788 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Worlds #1 Volunteer Programs. 40+ Countries from $20/day!

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...

See All 51 Programs
93 reviews

Impact Gap Year

South Africa, France and Thailand Gap Year Exploration

Explore the dream destinations of South Africa, France, and Thail...

See All 6 Programs
9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

See All 19 Programs
9.6837 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...

See All 52 Programs
8.859 reviews

EF Education First

Top Rated Program Gap Year in Japan 2025
EF Gap Year - The Globetrotter

Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, t...

See All 7 Programs
9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

See All 3 Programs
9.6444 reviews

Semester at Sea

Top Rated Program Gap Year in Multiple Countries 2025
Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester ...

See All 7 Programs
00 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in Borneo - Adventure with Purpose

Take urgent action and immerse yourself in one of the world's mos...

9.3523 reviews

Gapforce

Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week ...

See All 3 Programs
9.6913 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the...

See All 2 Programs
9.7975 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

Top Rated Program Gap Year in China 2025
GAC Gap Year Learn Chinese & Internship in China Program

Are you looking for meaningful activities to fill the all-too-imp...

See All 2 Programs
9.5531 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Lao...

See All 9 Programs
8.54 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Become a Ski Instructor in Japan, with Training and Job

EA Ski and Snowboard Training are looking for eager skiers to joi...

See All 3 Programs
8.1916 reviews

LoPair Culture Exchange

Learning through Living Together -- LoPair Au Pair China

Are you hoping to experience life in China? Work with LoPair Au P...

9.51361 reviews

LTL Language School

LTL Language School || Learn Chinese (11 Cities)

LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to impr...

See All 4 Programs
101 reviews

ARCC Programs

ARCC Gap: Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand

This 70-day Southeast Asia Gap Program takes you beyond the tradi...

See All 2 Programs
103 reviews

That's Mandarin

Gap Year in China Programs

Taking a long break from school? Use this period to travel the wo...

9.119 reviews

Where There Be Dragons

Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies (Gap Year)

The Himalayas. Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with t...

See All 6 Programs
9.4439 reviews

Internship in Japan

Internship Program in Japan by ICC Consultants

Internship in Japan by ICC Consultants. Inc. is the leading inter...

00 reviews

Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways Gap Semester

Sign up for one of our Rustic Pathways Gap programs, which run fo...

71 reviews

VOYAGE KOREA

Fun Living in Seoul with VOYAGE Korea

Fun living in Seoul! VOYAGE Korea offers the "Fun Living Seoul" ...

9.41296 reviews

Projects Abroad

Global Leader In Meaningful Travel. Trusted By 130,000

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose....

See All 3 Programs
9.2172 reviews

Intern Abroad HQ

Intern Abroad HQ - Affordable Internships From Just 2 weeks!

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...

See All 4 Programs
00 reviews

GapGuru

Gap Year in Cambodia with GapGuru

Discover Cambodia's hidden treasures while making a real differen...

00 reviews

Premier TEFL

120-Hour Accredited TEFL Course in South Korea

Begin your international teaching adventure with an accredited 12...

See All 3 Programs
00 reviews

The TEFL Institute of Ireland

Teach English & Explore Cambodia: Paid Gap Year Adventure

Live and teach in Cambodia—one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant a...

9.52 reviews

Asia Exchange

Study 1-2 Semesters Abroad in Bali - Warmadewa University

Study for 1-2 semesters in Bali, Indonesia, with the Warmadewa In...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...

00 reviews

The TEFL Institute

Pack your bags for a paid TEFL internship in Thailand

Training? Sorted. Support? Always. Flexibility? 100%. Drop the c...

See All 2 Programs
8.6916 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...

See All 17 Programs
9.676 reviews

Greenheart Travel

Study Abroad in Japan with Greenheart Travel

Spend a trimester, semester, or year studying abroad in Japan as ...

00 reviews

RealStep

Gap Year in South Korea

Experience life in Korea like a local through this Study & Work p...

9.410 reviews

SN Mandarin Chinese School

Intensive Chinese Study Program in Shanghai - Visa Provided

Choose our Intensive Course in Shanghai to immerse yourself deepl...

9.45 reviews

Asia Hope Camp Organization

NGO Operating K-Pop Entertainment & Korean Languge School

Live together with K-pop Trainees Waiting for Their Debut! Asia ...

See All 2 Programs
9.7322 reviews

Lingoinn Teacher Homestay

Immersive Learning: Homestay with Professional Teachers

Lingoinn offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the C...

See All 9 Programs
00 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Study Japanese in Fukuoka | Learn Japanese the Authentic Way

Learn Japanese authentically and have an experience you will neve...

See All 6 Programs
71 reviews

Volunteer for the Visayans

Teach English in the Philippines

Children in the Philippines begin learning English in grade one, ...

9.4613 reviews

Pure Exploration

12 Weeks Adventure Guide Program | Nepal

Experience high altitudes, cultural immersion, and remote backpac...

See All 2 Programs
9.6151 reviews

Absolute Internship

Intern in Singapore with Absolute Internship

Spend the summer gaining valuable work experience on Absolute Int...

See All 5 Programs
9.0966 reviews

Wanderlust Exchange

Wanderlust Culture Home-stay English Teaching Program

Wanderlust Au Pair China Program integrates educational travel, M...

See All 4 Programs
102 reviews

Cultural Homestay International

Teach English to a Host Family in China!

CHI works with trusted overseas partners in Beijing and in Shangh...

94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

See All 3 Programs
104 reviews

ICLP | National Taiwan University

Chinese Gap Year in Taipei | Learn, Live, Grow

Set on the beautiful campus of National Taiwan University in the ...

9.754 reviews

Art History Abroad

6-week Spring India Course

Discover the wonders of India on an enriching 6-week journey thro...

103 reviews

Carla's Au Pairs

Live Abroad as an Au Pair – USA, Europe & Asia

Ready to travel the world, gain independence, and experience life...

9.7512 reviews

GlobalYouth Aupair In China

Global Youth: Au Pair Program in China

At Global Youth Au Pair in China, we are committed to promoting m...

101 reviews

Baret Scholars

Baret Scholars Gap Year Program

Before and beyond college, Baret Scholars explores 7 regions of t...

102 reviews

LEX Language Project

A Gap Year for All in Japan

World Internship Project interns spend 1-3 months working with LE...

101 reviews

Legend Diving

Legend Diving's Marine Science & Diving Internship

Legend Diving Marine Environmental Internship is a thrilling, car...

91 reviews

China Xinhua Aupair

Cultural Homestay: English Tutoring with Chinese Host Family

Explore China through travel, Mandarin learning, childcare, and E...

See All 2 Programs
9.7731 reviews

World Class Programs

Japanese Immersion Summer Program

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Lan...

00 reviews

CET Academic Programs

CET Academic Programs - College Study Abroad & Gap Year

Whether you’re focused on gaining fluency in Japanese, studying s...

00 reviews

Korea GapYear 한국갭이어 KGY

Gap Year Programs Around the World

The gap year culture is now widespread in Korea! Thanks to Korea ...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

United Planet

Gap Year: 6-Month + Service Learning in The Philippines

Immerse yourself in the mighty archipelago of The Philippines. Th...

See All 2 Programs
00 reviews

Crawford & Corry

Immersive Career Experience in Vietnam – Crawford & Corry

Crawford & Corry offers immersive professional placements in Viet...

00 reviews

Shanghai Meiji Culture Communications Co.,Ltd

5 Months TEFL Immersion Course in Shanghai + Internship

Pursue your 120-hour TEFL course for 5 months in Shanghai, where ...

00 reviews

Little Star Co.

English Assistant Teacher: Work, Study & Explore Japan

Are you interested in discovering a new culture? If you are e...

00 reviews

Freinet Education Center

Summer STEM Program in China for U.S. Students

Are you a U.S. citizen studying or recently graduated in a STEM f...

00 reviews

Africa & Asia Venture

Gap Year Volunteering Program in Africa and Asia

Make a lasting difference using your talents, skills, and passion...

00 reviews

Yohoo International Culture Exchange

Yohoo Au Pair China Culture Exchange (Homestay Tutor)

Embark on a cultural odyssey with our Au Pair to China Program. I...

00 reviews

National Taiwan University International Chinese Language Program (ICLP)

Chinese Gap Year in Taipei

Are you a high school student ready for an unforgettable gap year...

00 reviews

Ceningan Divers

Divemaster and Research Assistant

At Ceningan Divers, gain hands-on experience in marine conservati...

9.9212 reviews

Volunteering Journeys

Teaching, Women Empowerment, Medical & Disabled Care - India

Our Volunteer programs in India are based in Kerala, Southern Ind...

See All 11 Programs
101 reviews

The Leap

Rural Development and Elephant Conservation

This is Cambodia, but not as you know it. Discover beautiful anci...

00 reviews

The Dragon Trip

31-Day Southeast Asia Adventure Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 31-day adventure through Southeast Asi...

See All 3 Programs
102 reviews

Nepal Hiking Team Pvt. Ltd

16 Days Everest Base Camp Trek

The feeling of accomplishment after traveling from the most dange...

00 reviews

Youth For Understanding (YFU)

Study Abroad in China | YFU

The heart of the Orient, China has long been fascinating the worl...

See All 4 Programs
00 reviews

NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School

NOLS Expeditions: Semester and Year

Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program...

A Guide to Gap Year in Asia

Best Countries

With so many diverse destinations in Asia, it’s hard to pick just one. Whether you want a familiar city vibe filled with expats from all over, or a rustic retreat hidden in a jungle village, there is something for everyone on a gap year in Asia.

Thailand. The Land of Smiles is the perfect friendly introduction to the Southeast Asia region. It’s a popular place to visit and stay longer term for western expats due to its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, marvelous mountains, cheap cost of living, and of course, smiling locals. The amazing, cheap street food (think, best Pad Thai you’ve ever tasted) doesn’t hurt either!

Indonesia. The world’s largest island country and fourth-largest country by population is a mix of different cultures and religions, with a Muslim majority contrasting the many neighboring Buddhist nations. There are literally thousands of islands here to explore, each with a distinct feel. Bali is generally the first stop for tourists and expats alike, as this Hindu island is known for its laid back vibe, cheap and healthy cuisine, and relaxing yoga and meditation retreats—along with some fabulous beaches and monkey-filled forests.

Latest Program Reviews

I had the time of my life!

September 29, 2025by: Elizabeth Fenwick - United KingdomProgram: Global Youth: Au Pair Program in China
10

I spent 1 month in Hangzhou, China as an au pair. It was a wonderful experience and this agency and Mars helped me from the start until the end. It was a life changing experience getting to experience the life in China from the perspective of a native. Getting to teach English was a rewarding experience as it also showed me what I needed to improve on as well. I would recommend this agency as they were so lovely to me the entire time, for instance from helping me set up mobile apps to the visa application.

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