top of page

Gap Year & Travel Opportunities – Build Confidence, Explore the World, and Learn Beyond the Classroom

 

Taking a gap year can be one of the most transformational decisions a student makes.

Looking to travel, volunteer abroad, study a new language, gain outdoor leadership skills, or simply take a structured break before college? There are hundreds of immersive gap year programs designed to help you grow—personally, academically, and professionally.

This curated guide highlights top-rated gap year programs, volunteer travel opportunities, and study abroad options for high school students. You'll find trusted organizations offering cultural immersion, environmental service, outdoor expeditions, and leadership development across every continent. For students passionate about sustainability, conservation, or global citizenship, many programs also integrate real-world impact through hands-on projects in local communities.

You’ll also find resources for gap year funding, including scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid designed to make these experiences accessible to all—including first-generation, low-income, or underrepresented students. 
 

 


General Gap Year Programs

Tilting Futures (Global Citizen Year)

Immersive service-learning gap year for leadership development.

GO

NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School)

Outdoor leadership and adventure programs in global locations.

GO

Outward Bound USA

​

Wilderness-based experiential learning with service components.​

GO

Global Vision
International (GVI)

Offers adventure and conservation-focused gap year programs around the world.

GO

 


Service Based Programs

Global Leadership Adventures (GLA)

Volunteer abroad programs for teens with leadership focus.

GO

Rustic Pathways

​

​Service-learning programs in communities worldwide.​

GO

Projects Abroad

​

Volunteer opportunities in over 25 countries.​

GO

​Visions Service Adventures

Community service and cultural exchange programs in Peru, Dominican Republic, Montana.

GO

 

​
Personal Growth Programs

Carpe Diem Education

​

 Accredited experiential gap year programs focused on cultural immersion, service learning, and sustainability. 

GO

Pacific Discovery

​

Outdoor adventure and service-learning programs across Asia, South America, and Oceania.​

​

GO

Adventures Rolling Cross-Country (ARCC)

Experiential options that blend service, cultural immersion, and leadership development.

​

GO

Education First (EF)

 

Flexible, customizable gap year experiences combining travel, service, internships, and language immersion.

GO

 


Environmental Programs

Conservation Corps

Hands-on service programs in natural resource management, including trail building, erosion control, and wildfire mitigation.

GO

Americorps

Service opportunities with projects such as habitat restoration, energy efficiency, and water conservation.

GO

Greenpeace

Volunteer and activism opportunities in campaigns on climate change, deforestation, and ocean protection.

GO

Earthwatch Institute

​Expeditions where participants join scientists on climate change, wildlife conservation, and sustainability projects.

GO

 

​
Inclusive Programs

Global Glimpse

Service‑learning, leadership, and travel programs for high school juniors that emphasize cultural immersion, leadership, and global perspectives.

GO

Tilting Futures Fellowship 

Students defer acceptance at UNC and design high-impact gap years; the program is designed as a fellowship, and includes scholarships.

GO

Rustic Pathways

​has gender sensitivity training for staff and partnerships (like with Gender Spectrum) to support LGBTQ+ students and families.

GO

Go Overseas

Their Western U.S. gap programs explicitly say they provide inclusive environments for students with neurodivergence.

GO

 

Gap Year Planning & Advising Services

Gap Year Association

Offers an advisor directory, program accreditation, and planning resources.

GO

En Route Consulting

Personalized gap year advising, scholarships, and a BIPOC student grant.

GO

J2 Guides

Sliding-scale gap year counseling with an emphasis on equity and affordability.

GO

Teen Life Gap Year

Vetted gap year programs, advisors, scholarships, and student reviews.

GO

 

​
High School Study Abroad

AFS Intercultural Programs

Academic year and semester exchanges.

GO

​School Year Abroad (SYA)

​Selective high school programs in France, Spain, and Italy.

GO

U.S. State Department 

Opportunities for high school students to study abroad.

GO

 


Gap Year Funding

The Experiment in Interntional Living

​Scholarships and need-based funding for cultural exchange programs.

GO

USA Gap Year Fairs Scholarships

​A list of gap year scholarships from multiple providers and partners.

GO

GoOverseas Gap Year Scholarships

Offers funding for students taking part in gap year or study abroad experiences.

GO

​ARCC Gap Year Scholarships

Provides financial aid for service, cultural, and leadership programs.

GO
bottom of page