Gap Year Programs in Central America
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119 Gap Year Programs in Central America
CIEE High School Grads Abroad
Your First Year Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and i...
International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 9...
See All 18 ProgramsImpact Gap Year
Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...
See All 3 ProgramsInstitute for Global Studies
Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...
See All 15 ProgramsGoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with awa...
See All 20 ProgramsEF Education First
Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, t...
See All 5 ProgramsMAXIMO NIVEL
In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...
See All 4 ProgramsSeamester Study Abroad at Sea
Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...
See All 2 ProgramsRaleigh International
Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...
Gapforce
Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...
See All 3 ProgramsCarpe Diem Education
Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical...
Kaya Responsible Travel
Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded b...
GapGuru
Discover Panama - a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landsca...
Rustic Pathways
Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and t...
See All 2 ProgramsPure Exploration
Get ready for six weeks of non-stop adventure in Costa Rica! This...
ARCC Programs
Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions...
Intern Abroad HQ
Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your c...
See All 5 ProgramsWhere There Be Dragons
A narrow strip of mountains, jungles, and fiery volcanoes unites ...
Love Volunteers
Whether you want to support vulnerable communities in developing ...
Volunteer World
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find ...
See All 7 ProgramsArcos Learning Abroad
Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charm...
Seeds of Change Research
During the Seeds of Change Tropical Rainforest Research Program, ...
Intercultura Costa Rica
Learn the language. Live the culture. Be the change. Join our sum...
See All 2 ProgramsAcademic Programs International
San Joaquín de Flores is a charming, colorful, and quaint colonia...
Global Work & Travel
Costa Rica is a nature lover's paradise. Experience stunning beac...
Pacific Discovery
Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...
See All 3 ProgramsOutward Bound Costa Rica
Go on a life-changing journey abroad through the gap year and sem...
See All 4 ProgramsOyster Worldwide
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...
Give & Surf
Give and Surf’s three-month Gap Year Semester in Panama is design...
Manuel Antonio Spanish School
This language program includes everything you need to learn, prac...
Tico Lingo - Spanish Immersion School
Tico Lingo offers the most comprehensive and expertly designed Sp...
Nosara Spanish Institute
Our intensive Spanish program is offered year-round and is highli...
See All 3 ProgramsAnimal Experience International
Discover the Wildlife Rescue Centre program in Guatemala, a sanct...
Volunteering Journeys
Sea turtle and marine conservation volunteer abroad projects are ...
See All 2 ProgramsThe Leap
Costa Rica may be small, but this sun-drenched Central American c...
United Planet
Honduras awaits you with a multitude of projects from education t...
Universidad LCI Veritas
Universidad Veritas has partnered with the Supportive Immersion I...
A Guide to Gap Years in Central America
Best Countries
Like nearly 10% of the world’s species, you could visit all seven countries on the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor that put the “Central” in Central America...but slowing down to take it all in will ensure you sound really smart when you talk about them.
Belize. Don’t let your mouth gape while snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef or diving the mysterious sinkhole that is the Great Blue Hole in Caye Caulker during Central America gap years. Need a water break? Visit Punta Gorda to admire the ruins of ancient Mayan city Lubaantun.
Guatemala. Architecture buff? Stroll down the colorful streets of Antigua, Guatemala, and admire its Spanish colonial houses. The view of Volcán de Fuego ain’t too shabby either. For more volcano views and endless indigenous villages, Lago de Atitlán won’t disappoint during your gap year in Central America. A visit to the capital, Guatemala City, will have your mouth watering for tamales.
Costa Rica. Wanna join the ranks of the world’s most adventurous surfers, or just lazily lust after them? The Guanacaste province of Costa Rica is perfect for either sport. Artsy-er gappers should visit capitol San Jose to catch a show at the National Theater during gap year programs in Central America. Off the beaten path is Barrio Amón, a neighborhood constructed atop a coffee plantation, boasting the best galleries in the city.
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September 5, 2025
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