4 Full-On Gap Year Programs for Ambitious Teens

Regardless of the years of lectures you’ve endured about the linear path of life you’re supposed to follow, everyone grows at their own pace. There is not one track you must un-swervingly stay on to achieve “success.” So if you’ve finished cleaning up your high school graduation party decorations, and aren’t quite ready to beeline to college graduation, a gap year program may be just what your adventurous soul needs.

Get out there & make a dent in the world. Take a gap year!

A gap year isn’t merely a hole to be filled as you aimlessly drift through life. Gap year programs abroad create an intentional space for you to grow into who you are. So resist your tendency to search for the easiest route through life and choose to be adventurous and get going with a gap year! 

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Full of ambition? These gap year programs are for you

A gap year program fortified with a strong dose of adventure travel gives you the chance to explore new corners of the globe on foot, by bike, or surfboard, all while gaining technical skills and challenging yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. These types of gap year programs come in many shapes and sizes and will often pair other interests, such as volunteering or environmental education, to assure that your gap year isn’t just about catching the sickest wave. So check out the best gap year programs abroad for adventurous teens before taking the next step—wherever your path may lead.

1. The Explorer Program in India with Love Volunteers

Have a meaningful and adventure-filled time in India with this program that combines community service with exploration. You will gain insight into India’s culture, traditions, and cuisine while visiting various locations, from historical monuments to authentic restaurants.

Start checking things off your bucket list sooner, rather than later with gap year programs abroad.

Pros: This program is fully guided, ensuring your safety and keeping you in the know in a culture much different than you may have ever experienced. 

Cons: Western luxuries you have become accustomed to having may be scarce in India. However, what India lacks in five star amenities, it makes up for in atmosphere. 

Not enough?

• Read Love Volunteers reviews 
• Browse all gap year programs in India

2. Shark Conservation in Fiji with Projects Abroad

Get the opportunity to work on shark protection projects with respected scientists and shark research experts. Volunteers get to be directly involved in scientific shark research and share data with local and international marine conservation organizations. 

Who knows how far you’ll go on this adventure?

Pros: Gorgeous turquoise waters, white sand beaches, sun, bliss. 

Cons: Swimming with sharks instead of going to college? This is one of those gap year programs abroad that might be a tough sell to the parentals.

Not enough?

• Read Projects Abroad reviews 
• Browse all gap year programs in Fiji

3. Sustainability Fieldwork in Costa Rica with Academic Programs International

If field trips were your favorite part of high school, then look no further. Take part in extensive coursework and field trips focusing on Costa Rica’s biodiversity and the effects of human activities on local ecosystems. You will travel to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, as well as visit a variety of different ecosystems.

A gap year doesn’t mean you’ll be Costa-ing through life. Especially not in Costa Rica.

Pros: This gap year program allows you to earn real college credit!

Cons: Yes, prerequisites still apply to be eligible for the college credit. Having a good grasp on Spanish es necesario for this gap year program.

Not enough?

• Read Academic Programs International reviews
• Browse all gap year programs in Costa Rica

4. Spiritual Journey in Nepal with Pacific Discovery

 Experience Nepali language and culture immersion while staying in a rural village and volunteering on a valuable community development project. You will also have opportunities for meaningful connections with local people that will deepen your own global perspective.

All you do is trek, trek, trek, trek, trek—and that’s ideal in a gap year!

Pros: Trek the Annapurna Circuit, raft down the Kali Gandaki River, check out Everest Base Camp—you will explore some seriously noteworthy sites during this gap year program.

Cons: It can be tough to immerse yourself in a culture that challenges your thinking and everything you ever knew about life. Whether you agree with these new ideals or not, you will cultivate a patience that can withstand anything (even parents nagging you to come home and get your butt in a classroom).

Not enough?

• Read Pacific Discovery reviews
• Browse all gap year programs in Nepal

You’ll be Mo’rockin life in no time after a gap year program abroad.

Next steps for gap year travel programs

 What makes your heart race, your blood pump, and your spirit soar? Once you’ve got a grip on which gap year program is calling your name, check out some of GoAbroad’s additional resources and make the decision to travel meaningfully and adventurously!

• Save and compare gap year programs with MyGoAbroad
• Get free, custom program advice from one of GoAbroad’s Online Advisor
• Read our Guide to Gap Year Programs Abroad
• Check out the Pros & Cons of Organized Gap Year Programs Abroad
• So, you’re graduating soon? Take a Gap Year Before College
• What to Avoid When Taking a Gap Year

Take your ambition & run with it

It's time to jump into your best year yet.

Uprooting from familiarity and venturing out to experience life in another culture will prompt revelations about yourself and the world as you know it. But why stop there? Adventurous gap year programs abroad will be daring, exciting, and will call for boldness and enthusiasm that invites you deeper into life. So just do it! Take it from anyone who has taken “time off” to travel—it’s worth it. And the truth is, it’s not really time off at all.