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Gap Year Experiential Learning Programs

How many students can say they’ve already practiced everything they want to do in their lives in school? Probably none. A gap year can be your chance to actually try something that interests you, whether it’s a potential career or just something you want to learn more about. It can be a time to discover something brand new or learn more about something you already love while working, interning, volunteering, or studying in a new way. If that sounds good to you, just think, “Year off! Hands on!” and go find hands-on learning gap year programs for you!
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302 Gap Year Experiential Learning Programs

Semester at Sea
9.6444 reviews

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea logo
Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

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

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Raleigh International
9.0423 reviews

Raleigh International

Raleigh International logo
Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose

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

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Hawaiʻi Gap
00 reviews

Hawaiʻi Gap

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Hawaii Gap: Environmental Leadership

Immerse yourself in a master class in environmental science, envi...

Experiential Learning
9.435 reviews

Pacific Discovery

New Zealand & Australia Gap Semester | Pacific Discovery

Embark on a transformative 10-week Gap Semester through New Zeala...

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Glacier Bay Semester Program
00 reviews

Tidelines Institute

The Glacier Bay Semester in Civic & Environmental Leadership

The Glacier Bay Semester offers an unparalleled opportunity for y...

102 reviews

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

CIEE Gap Year in Paris, France: French Language & Culture

In Paris, find the perfect balance of structure and independence,...

See All 26 Programs
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 2 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 8 Programs
93 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

Brazil's Most Interesting Internships: 52 Options

Brazil is a country teeming with youth and vivacity. IGS has plac...

See All 3 Programs
9.7726 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Biological Research Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to ...

See All 7 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 5 Programs
9.297 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester: Transatlantic, South Africa to Caribbean 90 Days

This voyage is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail aboard S/...

See All 4 Programs
9.3523 reviews

Gapforce

Southeast Asia Explorer with Gapforce

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

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9.977 reviews

VACorps

Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that ...

9.717 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

High School Language & Cultural Immersion in China for Teens

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Ab...

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...

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00 reviews

Wanderlust Exchange

Government-Sponsored Study Tour Program in China

We are excited to introduce to you an exceptional opportunity for...

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9.8312 reviews

Mente Argentina

Customizable Gap Year in Buenos Aires: Explore, Learn & Grow

Discover the ultimate gap year experience in Buenos Aires with Me...

See All 2 Programs
9.437 reviews

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

Become a Ski Instructor in Canada - Training + Job Included

Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you ...

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A Guide to Gap Year Hands-On Learning Programs

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Latest Program Reviews

Discovering Passion and Community in Cape Town

September 02, 2025by: Audrey Ratcliffe - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps
10

I chose Cape Town because I wanted the second semester of my gap year to be different from the first, which I spent in Spain. I had always heard wonderful things about Cape Town and was eager to finally experience it for myself. From orientation onward, I felt incredibly supported by the VAC team, and that support continued throughout my time here. Embrace the love everyone at VAC has to offer—it truly is such a special program, and I hope more people come to appreciate it as much as I now do. One of my goals was to learn how to be truly passionate about my internship, and I absolutely achieved that. I also loved working with the kids and sharing games from the US with them—it was an unforgettable experience.

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