What to Do on a Gap Year

If you’re wondering what to do on a gap year, why not learn how to make authentic Thai food, dance “Genna Bounce” in Jamaica, or care for capybaras in the Ecuadorian Amazon? If you’re ready for an adventure, read on!

Not Sure What to Do on a Gap Year?

In our humble opinion, the best gap year programs help you explore the world on a deeper level and truly immerse in new cultures and places. If you’re wondering what to do on a gap year, why not consult the experts? We know how to design action-packed, unique programs that help participants explore their interests and get exposed to new ideas. So if you’re just not sure where to begin, here are some great gap year options!

Thailand Culture and Service Gap Year

What can you do on a 6 week gap year program in Thailand? Learn how to cook an authentic Thai dish, experience a Buddhist meditation retreat, visit the gorgeous Surin Sulands and learn from the Moken people, stand under the canopy of a 20 million year old rainforest, walk with elephants at an elephant sanctuary, and that’s just the beginning! Travel the length of Thailand to immerse in local culture, participate in volunteer activities and explore the magnificent landscape from the southern islands to the northern mountains! You’ll travel with a small, tested “pod” to reduce risk of Covid-19 exposure.

To learn more about the details of this trip, visit our project page today, or talk to one of our friendly Placement Advisors!

Jamaica Culture and Community Gap Year

What can you do on a gap year in Jamaica? What about experience sunny Jamaica in full on a 3+ week program that combines cultural immersion and community service? Learn popular dances from locals like “Lebeh Lebeh” and “Genna Bounce” and unearth the secrets of Jamaican food (hint: it’s in the spices!). Meanwhile, assist a local kindergarten teacher and help teach basic Math, Art, English, Drama and/or Sports Coaching, and, if you want to, volunteer in the community on a women’s empowerment project, or help with local environmental conservation initiatives.

You’ll certainly have the experience of a lifetime and get to know Jamaica on a whole new level! Learn more about what you can do on this gap year program by visiting our project page, or chat with us today!

Ecuador Wildlife Conservation Gap Year

And what can you do on a gap year in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest? On this 3-12 week wildlife conservation gap year, you can dive deep into the biodiversity of Ecuador! Become a part of a team at an animal sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates abandoned or trafficked animals with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Work with and learn from parrots, monkeys, turtles, wild cats, capybaras, caymans, and so much more, and have the chance to get to know animal care experts! While you’re there, you’ll get to know local ecosystems and landscapes, enjoy the views and trek through the rainforest. For anyone looking for a truly unique experience, you really can’t beat this!

To learn more about what you can do on our gap year program in Ecuador, visit our project page or reach out today!

Still Not Sure What to Do on a Gap Year?

Here at Kaya, you’re always free to design your own gap year program with us. That way, you can tailor your program to what you want to do. You could explore potential professions with an international internship or volunteer abroad in a field or location you’re interested in. Or, you could travel around a region and add Kaya programs to your itinerary. Basically, for your gap year, the sky really is the limit! And bonus: If you design your own gap year program, start dates are rolling and flexible, and we can work with you if you have a specific budget. So reach out today for more information!

And if you’re still not sure if a gap year is right for you, check out or blog, Should I Take a Gap Year?

To learn more about our gap year programs, connect with one of our Placement Advisors by using the chat now feature or requesting a brochure. We can’t wait to help you!

READ MORE POSTS

Celebrating World Reef Day 2023: How to Conserve Coral Reefs

Why Is It Important To Conserve Coral Reefs? World Reef day is a day dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of our oceans’ rainforests - our coral reefs. This day is devoted to provoking responses to the deterioration of our coral reefs due to increased...

International Guide To Travel Adapters & Plugs

What Travel Adapter Do I Need When I Travel To Other Countries? If you’re anything like us, you love to travel. If you’re planning to go abroad soon, you might be wondering, what type of plug adapter is needed in the country you’re traveling to? If you have came...

A Month-by-Month Guide On When to Travel to Belize

What’s the best month to visit Belize and why? Belize, the beautiful country on the eastern coast of Central America, is full of amazing things to do and experience. Whether you're exploring the jungle or diving in the Caribbean Sea, Belize is rich in Latin island...

Fully Funded Experiences of a Lifetime

We’re honored to be a part of the UK government’s Turing Scheme programme, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our amazing team. Our Turing programming is one of many ways we’re working to inspire inner transformation and the development of more global citizens...

Explore More Ways To Support Indigenous Rights

At Kaya, we focus on inspiring change by working alongside communities that fight for social, economic, and environmental rights. Some of our most impactful projects help to uplift indigenous people and their cultural and natural heritage. We invite you to join our...

Volunteer with Kaya this Winter Break!

Looking to do something different and meaningful this winter break? Join one of Kaya's volunteering projects in Africa or Asia, and truly give back this festive season. Whether you are passionate about wildlife conservation, economic development or community and...