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Gap Year Programs in Central America

Every gap year traveler wants their chosen destination to “have it all”—dynamic history to delve into, thriving local culture, all the flora and fauna, mountains that spit fire, beaches spanning multiple oceans (gluttonous much?), the excitement of the unknown blah blah blah—all without breaking the bank. Unrealistic, right? In short, nope. Gappers, it’s time to channel your inner idealist and take a journey through an eclectic region during a gap year in Central America!
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117 Gap Year Programs in Central America

00 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE First Year Abroad in Monteverde

Your First Year Abroad program in Monteverde lasts 12 weeks and i...

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 18 Programs
103 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Cultural Explorer Gap Year

Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and comm...

See All 3 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 15 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 20 Programs
8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey throug...

See All 3 Programs
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...

See All 4 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 2 Programs
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

Joining a Raleigh Costa Rica Expedition is a truly unique experie...

8.85 reviews

Gapforce

Costa Rica Adventure with Gapforce

Adventure and animal lovers rejoice! Alongside its stunning jungl...

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00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica

Spend 7 to 10 weeks in a valley off the beaten path, surrounded b...

9.1926 reviews

Carpe Diem Education

Central America Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year

Venture through Guatemala and Costa Rica, exploring lush tropical...

8.859 reviews

EF Education First

EF - Ultimate Gap Year

Spend a year discovering the world and yourself with EF Gap Year....

See All 3 Programs
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
102 reviews

Where There Be Dragons

Guatemala & Mexico Semester: Spanish & Activism (Gap Year)

A narrow strip of mountains, jungles, and fiery volcanoes unites ...

00 reviews

Love Volunteers

Gap Year Adventures with Love Volunteers

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

8.514 reviews

Volunteer World

Volunteer World: Best Volunteer Abroad Programs Worldwide

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

See All 7 Programs
00 reviews

GapGuru

Gap Year in Panama with GapGuru

Discover Panama - a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landsca...

9.6198 reviews

Arcos Learning Abroad

Arcos Learning Abroad in Heredia, Costa Rica

Study abroad in the highlands of central Costa Rica, in the charm...

00 reviews

ARCC Programs

ARCC Gap: Central America - Belize, Costa Rica, Panama

Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions...

A Guide to Gap Years in Central America

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Latest Program Reviews

I grew so much and had the time of my life doing so.

April 28, 2025by: Kate McLain - United StatesProgram: EF - Ultimate Gap Year
8

The voyager program was the best possible program that I could’ve taken. Between the people I was surrounded with, the staff, and the cultures I was immersed in, I was able to learn and connect. I have grown so much and I will be so grateful to EF for that. Throughout the journey, I mostly felt supported, especially with having food allergies, however, in Japan, the first tour guide, and myself did not always see eye to eye, therefore I did not feel supported. However, once this situation was remedied, we were given a lovely tour director named Mari. She was kind and cordial with the group and very knowledgeable about the area which made our experience all the more wonderful we learned so much and I am so grateful to EF for having this program. Shout out to my blue group.

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