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Gap Year Programs in South America

Picture this: Ancient Incan ruins alongside Spanish colonial cobblestone streets, while the beats of an African-Brazilian drum pour out of the city plaza. South American gap years do not disappoint! This is a continent with layers of history and natural landscapes that stop you in your tracks. When you’re hiking the cool Andean mountaintops or canoeing the misty Amazon River, you’ll have to take a pause to enjoy those views. Your gap year in South America happens only once, so savor the panorama! Hey...that’s the same word in Spanish. ;)
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148 Gap Year Programs in South America

00 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE Gap Internship Abroad in Buenos Aires

Intern in Buenos Aires, where an up-and-coming startup scene meet...

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9.4657 reviews

The Intern Group

International Internship Programs in Colombia

The Intern Group is the leading provider of internship programs i...

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9.55787 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 36 Programs
102 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Conservation Explorer Gap Year

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing ...

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9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

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

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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...

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9.4122 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands Gap Semester

Discover the soul of South America on a 10-week journey through P...

8.867 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Country Jumper Gap Year - Costa Rica | Guatemala | Peru

In three of the world's most beautiful countries—Costa Rica, Guat...

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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...

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9.6444 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

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

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916 reviews

Gapforce

South America Explorer with Gapforce

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuad...

1016 reviews

Mente Argentina

Mente Argentina: Ultra Intensive Spanish Program

The Mente Argentina Ultra Intensive Spanish Program is designed f...

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9.7970 reviews

Intercultural Outreach Initiative (IOI)

Giant Tortoise Breeding Center Volunteer in Galapagos

Volunteer at the Galápagos National Park and get the chance to as...

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9.6428 reviews

Linguistic Horizons

Internship in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Intern abroad with Linguistic Horizons in the Sacred Valley of th...

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9.2273 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 5 Programs
9.336 reviews

Where There Be Dragons

South America Semester: Andes & Amazon (Gap Year)

The Central Andes is a region full of superlatives, existing at e...

00 reviews

Avalon Farm

YLPH Program – Gap Year in Brazil

Explore. Learn. Lead. Join Avalon Farm’s Young Leaders in Pursui...

00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

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

00 reviews

AFS-USA

AFS Intercultural Programs: Peru High School and Gap Year

Andean peaks surround Machu Picchu; lush tropical rainforests, Am...

8.514 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

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

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A Guide to Gap Year in South America

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Latest Program Reviews

BEST DECISION I’VE EVER MADE

August 27, 2025by: Gabriella Goring - United KingdomProgram: International Internship Programs in Colombia
10

I loved every day of my internship, the events at the workplace and those organised by the intern group were incredible. I felt welcomed and encouraged to learn, interact and grow as a person and professional. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Marianna, who taught me so much about Colombia, organised fun cultural events and encouraged me to do some exploring on my own. I always felt I could come to her with any problems and questions, which made the transition into a totally new country and culture exciting. The city was electric with so much to see and do, so many creative passionate people to connect with. The landscape is breathtaking, a definite highlight was exploring the smaller neighbouring towns with gorgeous nature walks, waterfalls and natural pools. I would 100% recommend an internship in Medellin- learn some spanish, eat absolutely everything! and just be one with your surroundings. I found people were excited to share their culture when you make the effort to learn and truly listen to them. I am so grateful for this experience and the person I have become because of it.

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