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General
A gap year is dedicated time away from formal study—before, during, or after college—to travel, learn, work, and grow through structured experiences. GapGuru programs provide the support and structure to help you use this time intentionally, making it meaningful, purposeful, and transformative.
GapGuru designs structured, supported gap year programs that combine travel, cultural immersion, community engagement, and personal growth. Our programs help students step into the world with confidence, purpose, and global perspective.
Our programs blend cultural immersion, community engagement, personal growth, and adventure in a way that helps you build confidence, global perspective, and real-world skills before college or career. Each experience is thoughtfully supported from start to finish.
Global Semesters are 12-week, two-country group programs that blend travel, community engagement, and guided reflection.
International Internships are 4–12 week individual placements in one community, where students gain real-world experience while contributing to long-term projects with local partners.
Our programs are designed for students taking a gap year—typically between high school and college—who are curious, motivated, and open to new experiences. No prior travel or work experience is required.
Not at all. Many students come to GapGuru unsure which program is right for them. Our team will help you explore your options, ask the right questions, and choose a program that fits your goals, interests, and readiness.
Enrolment & Eligibility
Choose your International Internship or Global Semester and fill out the enrolment form (LINK) , submit your deposit and the GapGuru team will review your application. Once accepted, we guide you through preparation and pre-departure steps.
GapGuru programs are designed for recent high school graduates or gap year students looking for structured, purposeful experiences. You don’t need prior travel experience — just curiosity and a willingness to engage.
Yes — programs tend to fill early. We recommend starting your application as soon as you’re ready so you can secure your preferred destination and project.
Program Structure & Experience
Global Semesters involve groups of students traveling and learning together. Internships are individual placements, though you’ll be supported by local staff and often connect with other GapGuru participants.
Days vary by program but often include cultural activities, community engagement, professional project work (for internships), reflection sessions, and free time to explore and connect.
Yes — you’re welcome to go with a friend, but each participant must apply individually.
Accommodation varies by location and details will be shared in your briefing pack before departure. Students typically stay in trusted local guesthouses where we work regularly, sharing rooms with other participants and having access to communal spaces to relax.
All accommodation is safe and regularly cleaned. While it may be more basic than what you’re used to at home, it’s chosen to support cultural immersion and comfort in the local context.
Yes — we can cater for all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies, and religious needs. Just let us know your requirements during the application process so we can plan accordingly.
To reduce environmental impact and minimize the risk of food-related illness, all meals served on our programs are vegetarian.
Preparing to Travel
Yes. Before departure, you’ll receive a detailed preparation pack that includes a recommended packing list, destination-specific guidance, and practical tips to help you prepare confidently. Our team will also be available to answer questions as you get ready.
Visa requirements depend on your citizenship and destination. We provide clear guidance, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure you meet all visa requirements.
We do not require specific vaccinations unless they are legally required to enter your destination country. We recommend consulting a medical professional or travel clinic to discuss what’s appropriate for you. GapGuru cannot provide medical advice.
In most cases, students meet one another once the program begins. This helps everyone arrive with an open mind and build connections naturally. You may receive limited introductions, online, before departure, through group chats and welcome meetings.
Review all materials we send you carefully. If you’d like to go further, reading books, watching films, or listening to music from your destination can be a great way to build context. Learning a few basic phrases of the local language is also encouraged and can make a big difference once you arrive.
Support, Safety & Wellbeing
We believe growth comes from challenge—but only when risk is managed carefully, professionally, and transparently. Risk management is embedded at every level of GapGuru, from program design and pre-departure preparation to on-the-ground decision-making.
With over 20 years of experience running long-term programs, our teams are trained to respond to a wide range of situations, from minor illness to unexpected events. Our goal is always the same: to support students thoughtfully while prioritizing health, safety, and wellbeing.
GapGuru teams live and work in-country year-round, providing 24/7 support, local insight, orientation, and mentoring to help you navigate challenges and make the most of your experience.
How is safety handled?
Safety is a core part of our planning. We have detailed risk management protocols, trusted accommodation and transport partners, emergency systems, and clear communication channels with families and students.
Before running any program, we conduct a holistic assessment using multiple sources, including government travel advisories, local authority guidance, international media, and regional security updates.
Equally important is our long-term in-country presence. GapGuru teams and partners live and work in our program locations year-round, giving us real-time insight into local conditions, community dynamics, and emerging concerns. Programs only operate where we are confident students can be supported safely and responsibly.
Our programs are designed to be flexible. If conditions change due to health, political, environmental, or group-specific factors, our teams can adapt itineraries quickly and responsibly.
Because we work with small groups and experienced local staff, we’re able to make informed decisions on the ground—adjusting activities, locations, or schedules as needed. Country-specific contingency plans are in place, and student wellbeing always guides decision-making.
Many students with pre-existing physical or mental health needs have successfully participated in GapGuru programs. During the application process, we’ll work closely with you to understand your needs, discuss the realities of the program environment, and determine what support can reasonably be provided.
Open communication is essential. Our goal is to ensure students are set up for a safe, positive, and realistic experience.
GapGuru welcomes students of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We are committed to fostering inclusive, respectful group environments and open communication.
Some cultural contexts may present additional considerations. We approach this with honesty and preparation—supporting students to understand local norms while prioritizing personal safety, dignity, and wellbeing. Pre-departure preparation and on-program support help students navigate these experiences thoughtfully.
We recommend making sure your phone is unlocked so you can purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, allowing you to make calls and access data. You can also choose to buy an eSIM before departure, though availability varies by country.
If you’re unsure what’s best for your destination, just drop us a message and we’re happy to help.
Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations making it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home. In more remote areas, our team can recommend local cafés or spots where Wi-Fi is available.
Yes — all students must purchase fully comprehensive travel insurance that covers their full trip duration and individual needs. We strongly recommend arranging insurance as soon as possible in case you need to cancel your trip.
Once your policy is in place, please send your insurance details to [email protected] before departure.
Learning & Development
Yes — Global Semesters include the option to earn up to 9 college credits through the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies, which may be eligible for use with a 529 plan. Credits are earned through structured coursework tied to your experience.
Students build independence, cross-cultural understanding, adaptability, communication skills, and a deeper sense of purpose — benefits that support academic, personal, and professional growth.
College Credit
Both Global Semesters and International Internships offer optional college credit.
Global Semesters: Students can earn up to 9 college credits through the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies, included in the cost of the program.
International Internships: Students can earn 3 college credits through the International Impact Diploma, which recognizes applied learning, professional skill development, and ethical global engagement.
College credit is built around experiential learning. Rather than traditional classroom teaching, students earn credit through real-world engagement, reflection, and applied coursework connected directly to their program.
Global Semester students complete structured assignments alongside cultural immersion and community engagement across two countries.
Internship students complete reflective and skills-based coursework connected to their placement and professional responsibilities.
All coursework is overseen by qualified instructors and assessed after completion.
Assignments vary by program but typically include reflective journaling, short written responses, guided readings, and a final project or paper submitted after the program.
For Internships, coursework focuses on professional development, ethical engagement, and applied learning connected to the student’s impact area.
Assignments are designed to enhance learning without detracting from the experience.
Many students successfully transfer credits, but policies vary by institution. We recommend speaking with a current or future academic advisor in advance.
Syllabi, course descriptions, and documentation for both Global Semesters and the International Impact Diploma can be provided to support the transfer process.
In many cases, yes. Because Global Semesters offer college credit, families may be able to use 529 plan funds toward the cost of the program. Eligibility for Internship credit may vary by provider, so we recommend confirming directly with your plan administrator.
After completing coursework:
Global Semester students can request an official college transcript through the Centre for Global Citizenship Studies.
Internship students receive certification for the International Impact Diploma, recognizing earned college credit and applied learning outcomes.
Full instructions are provided after program completion.
Logistics & Costs
Your program fee covers accommodations, all meals, in-country transport, all scheduled activities, local leadership and support, community engagement activities, orientation, and mentoring. International flights, visa fees, and insurance are separate.
Your program fee covers accommodations, weekday meals, in-country airport transfers, local leadership and support, community engagement activities, orientation, and mentoring. International flights, visa fees, and insurance are separate.
Often yes as our programs offer college credit. Please note that 529 providers operate differently. Please check with your provider directly to see what kind of expenses are approved under your account.
- Signing up to a GapGuru gap year programme means you are required to show a basic level of commitment to your project. Bear in mind that you may suffer from culture-shock or home-sickness so don’t make any snap judgements! Your GapGuru mentor will help you resolve the situation and in exceptional circumstances may assist you in moving you to an alternative project.
International Internships
Yes — you’ll choose your impact area and destination based on your interests and goals. Because not all impact areas are available in every location, our team is here to guide you if needed and help confirm a placement where your choice is a strong fit and your contribution will be meaningful.
Our International Internships are not paid positions — they are educational and experiential placements. You gain real-world skills and experience rather than a wage.
During your International Internship, you’ll be provided with three meals a day from Monday to Friday, plus Saturday breakfast and Sunday dinner while working on your community project. Meals are served locally and are nutritious, filling, and vegetarian.
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals were outlined in 2015 as a 15-year plan to build a better world. They were an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership.
- The goals recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.
- The UN Goals are the guiding principles that shape the work of the FutureSense Foundation to ensure that together we are part of a coordinated global effort to end inequality. On your program, you will be contributing to the goals and helping to make a change.
Global Semester Specific
Yes, Global Semesters take you across two countries, offering deep cultural immersion and a chance to connect with multiple communities and environments. The travel between these two countries is included in the cost of your program.
Students often choose to explore independently after their program ends. We can offer guidance, but travel beyond the official program dates is at your own discretion and expense.
On Global Semesters, all group meals are included throughout the program. Group meals in the community locations are vegetarian. When students choose to eat independently or explore local cafés and restaurants, snacks and extra treats are a personal choice and paid for individually.
Ready To Start Your Adventure?
Choose from 7 Bucket List Destinations
A gap year is your chance for unforgettable experiences, kickstart yours today!
Cambodia
📍 Battambang
Join an unforgettable adventure in Cambodia, immerse yourself in local culture, make a lasting impact, and explore the country's rich history and stunning sights!
India
📍 Palampur
Embark on a life-changing journey in India, where you’ll contribute to local communities, explore iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture!
Nepal
📍 Kathmandu Valley
Start your adventure with GapGuru in Nepal, where you'll make a real impact, explore stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture!
Panama
📍 El Valle de Anton
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with GapGuru in Panama, support sustainable development, and immerse yourself in vibrant culture!
Peru
📍 Urubamba
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with GapGuru in Peru, where you'll explore stunning landscapes, and immerse yourself in rich cultural heritage!
Tanzania
📍 Arusha
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Tanzania, where you’ll make an impact, explore breathtaking wildlife, and dive into the rich local culture!
Thailand
📍 Mae Sariang
Discover the hidden gems of Thailand with GapGuru, where you'll make a real impact, explore stunning destinations, and connect with local culture!
Need Gap Year Advice?
Need Gap Year Advice?
Need help planning your gap year internship? Whether you’ve already booked with us or are just getting started, our friendly GapGuru team is here to help.
With 20 years of experience creating unforgettable gap years, we’ve answered just about every question you can think of. So don’t hesitate, drop us a message and let’s start planning a gap year internship you’ll never forget!