6-Month Gap Year
Take the leap! Your 6 month adventure focusing on your personal growth with a study course in Spain, expedition in South Africa and volunteer stints in Southeast Asia.
2025 Start Dates: Jan 12 | Feb 2 | Mar 9 | Apr 6 | May 4 | Jun 17
Spain | South Africa | Sri Lanka | Cambodia
6 Months
Volunteer + Study Abroad
$ 17,462
ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Overview
Our specialized gap year program, 6-Month Gap Year is an extraordinary journey of learning, adventure, and making a difference. This six-month gap year program is the ultimate blend of excitement and enrichment – combining a study course in Spain, an unforgettable expedition in South Africa tackling community and conservation initiatives, and the chance to make a profound impact by volunteering in Sri Lanka and Cambodia in Asia.
During the second half of the year, you will be traveling around the world not only to observe but immerse yourself in every country you live in.
The 6-Month Adventure Gap Year program is the best fit for you if you are in for an adventurous journey to discover yourself and the world around you!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Live and study Spanish while immersing yourself and exploring the captivating region in Andalusia, Spain.
Live and study Spanish while living amongst the locals in Seville.
Embark on a captivating journey through the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia.
Experience an unforgettable adventure as you encounter Kruger’s magnificent Big 5 animals up close and personal.
Discover the pristine and idyllic beaches of Sri Lanka.
ITINERARY | SPAIN
SUMMER STUDY IN SPAIN
3 Weeks
You will begin with a summer study session program in sunny Spain, where you’ll dive headfirst into its vibrant culture. From learning the Spanish language to exploring rich history and traditions, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly embrace the essence of Spain. Your summer program will happen at the famous Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Seville taking courses in Hispanic Studies focusing on Spanish culture and language, during which you will take either intermediate or advanced Spanish language courses. Create lifelong memories as you wander through the enchanting streets, enjoy the delicious cuisine, and dance to the rhythm of flamenco.
Project Highlights
- Enroll in a comprehensive summer study course in Spain, focusing on language learning and cultural immersion.
- Enhance your language skills, expand your vocabulary, and improve your fluency through interactive classes and practical activities.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture, explore historical landmarks, and engage in cultural exchanges with locals.
Accommodation
Participants will live with host families in order to fully embrace the culture and learn Spanish both inside and outside of the classroom. You will receive three meals a day prepared by your host family.
ITINERARY | SOUTH AFRICA
Immersive Expedition in South Africa
7 Weeks
After you’ll head straight down to South Africa, where breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife await, immersing yourself in the heart of expedition and leadership volunteer activities. Work among local leaders and volunteer hands-on with environmental projects, in addition to raising awareness of social and economic issues relevant to the community. As you make a difference, you’ll also develop invaluable leadership skills that will empower you to become a catalyst for change.
Project Highlights
- Discover yourself in the abundance of South Africa’s natural landscape and resources.
- Participate in hands-on, sustainable community development initiatives.
- Experience cultural exchange with local communities and gain insights into South African traditions and customs by working with social development programs.
Accommodation
All expedition projects in South Africa provide high-quality shared living arrangements. Depending on your specific project, you may be accommodated in a school, a camping site, or a community building.
ITINERARY | SRI LANKA
TURTLE CONSERVATION
8 Weeks
After completing an expedition in South Africa, your next destination is in Asia for another fulfilling adventure. You’ll work in a town called Kosgoda where you’ll stay in the beach working for the conservation of turtles. As a volunteer, your tasks will include protecting turtle nests through beach patrols and beach cleaning, collecting turtle eggs to enable them to hatch in a safer environment and feeding turtles and releasing turtles back into the sea. You will help a local team protect five endangered species of turtle – Hawksbill, Green, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Leatherback varieties of turtles which are highly sought after.
Project Highlights
- Help protect Sri Lanka’s endangered turtle population.
- Become a responsible global citizen through education and conservation.
- Spend your days at the beach.
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the local community and culture by staying with a welcoming host family. While the accommodations may be simple, you will always have running water and electricity. The accommodation will include a shared bedroom with 3 beds in a simple local homestay, with mosquito nets, access to a flushing toilet and TV.
ITINERARY | CAMBODIA
BUILDING AND GARDEN VOLUNTEER WORK
8 Weeks
You will then embark on a transformative journey that takes you from Sri Lanka to its neighbor country Cambodia, where you’ll become vital to community preservation. Being a building and gardening volunteer, you’ll work to help with sustainable farming and construction traditions. Together with local organizations and community residents, you’ll plant, tend to crops, and tend to the land. Additionally, you’ll also spend some time constructing classrooms and community structures paving a brighter future for the community.
Project Highlights
- Work alongside local organizations and community members to build and restore community buildings.
- Participate in activities such as planting seeds, tending to crops, and maintaining the gardens.
- Contribute to promoting food security, self-sufficiency, and environmental consciousness within the community.
Accommodation
You’ll stay in a guest house offering single rooms with private bathrooms. This cozy and comfortable accommodation provides a peaceful retreat for volunteers. You’ll also have the opportunity to bond with fellow participants in the communal dining area while enjoying delicious meals prepared for you.
What You Pay For:
- Airport welcome and transfers
- Meals
- 3 meals a day (Spain)
- 2 meals a day (South Africa)
- Breakfast (Cambodia)
- Tuition (Spain)
- Academic transcript from Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Spain)
- Accommodation
- 24/7 emergency travel assistance
- Safety expertise
- Extensive pre-departure information and support
- Pre and post arrival orientation
- Local onsite coordinator with 24/7 availability
- Local orientation, project training & equipment
Exclusions:
- Flights
- Visa expenses
- Vaccinations
- Personal expenses
- Medical and travel insurance
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
- Police/government background check
Program Reviews
What our past alumni say
Frequently asked questions
Where will I spend my summer study in Spain?
Students who take the summer courses (focused on Hispanic Studies, encompassing Spanish culture and language) will attend classes at the famous Universidad Pablo de Olavide. The university is located in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain and the home of flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and some of Europe’s most vivacious and colorful festivals.
What can I expect in my South Africa expedition?
You will be assigned into 3 phases of your South Africa experience: community (helping with community projects), environment (helping with environment preservation) and adventure leadership (trekking through the north of South Africa).
Where is the Big 5 conservation project located?
The Greater Kruger Area consists of over 20 private wildlife reserves adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa, forming one large reserve. Covering almost 5.5 million acres of unfenced land, it serves as a crucial wildlife conservation effort, protecting one of the world’s last remaining wildlife strongholds. This area is a significant hotspot for conservation, providing abundant opportunities to observe endangered or vulnerable animals like elephants, lions, rhinos, and wild dogs roaming freely in the wild savannah.
What will I be doing in a wildlife conservation project in South Africa?
Participants get to be part of valuable research on the iconic African Big 5 and other wildlife in the stunning Greater Kruger Area. Through regular game drives and research, volunteers contribute to understanding the health, behavior, and populations of these creatures, ultimately aiding in conservation strategies to protect South Africa’s wildlife effectively.
What animals are in Africa’s Big 5?
You will be working with other volunteers on the conservation of lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo.
What skills do I need to be a conservation volunteer in Sri Lanka?
Volunteers must possess energy and enthusiasm to work on the beach with the local team. Duties will include beach cleaning and patrol, educating the local community about conservation initiatives and taking care of turtles (especially if they are injured).
What is the building and garden volunteer work?
NGOs in Cambodia seek volunteers for various manual tasks like building, gardening, and agriculture due to limited funds for paid labor. Volunteers are needed to assist with gardening and agriculture projects, involving tasks like digging, weeding, and planting. Additionally, some projects require support in preparing, decorating, or constructing structures under the guidance of the local team.
We are here to help
We are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Need more information?
Find out all about Impact Gap Year and your gap year experiences in out information guide.
Contact Us
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