Embarking on a transformative journey is exciting yet significant. We’re here to ensure you feel confident and prepared with all the essential details—programme info, safety, packing tips, and ongoing support. Find answers to common questions here, and feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!
Our gap year volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team.
This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities.
Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless gap year students evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme.
This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other gap year options where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.Our teams consist of 18-20-year-olds, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation.
These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out on UCAS applications and during job interviews.Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
No. We welcome gap year travellers from all over the world, some from as far as Australia. Whilst the teams are predominately made up of British gap year students, we typically welcome travellers from America and European countries.
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If you're unsure which gap year programme is right for you, give our office a call on 01672 219922. Share a bit about yourself, what you're looking for, and your interests, and we’ll recommend the gap year programmes that best suit you.
All of our gap year programmes are 4 weeks long.
Our busiest period is from January to March, as many gappers work through the autumn and start their travels in the new year. Team programmes during this time tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early to secure your spot. We also see a surge in interest over the summer months, with many participants looking to squeeze in an adventure before starting university or work in September. Planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on your preferred programme and dates.
Most participants on our gap year programmes are between 18 and 21 years old, though we also welcome individuals up to the age of 25. The majority of our teams are made up of students on their gap year, but we also have university students joining us during their summer breaks. This creates a dynamic and relatable group environment for everyone involved.
Team sizes vary depending on the programme and destination. In Costa Rica, teams can include up to 24 participants, while most of our other programs average around 12. Minimum team sizes are typically about 5, ensuring a close-knit group dynamic wherever you go.
Traveling as a group fosters a sense of camaraderie right from the start, helping you bond with like-minded peers who share your goals and excitement. It’s also incredibly reassuring to know you’re not navigating a new country alone - your team provides support, safety, and companionship throughout the journey. Plus, arriving together ensures a smooth transition into your volunteer placement, as you can collectively dive into the adventure, culture, and challenges ahead. From sharing laughs to working side by side on meaningful projects, team travel transforms the trip into a shared story of growth, connection, and impact.
Yes, you can slide onto another programme providing that there is space available and you have only paid your deposit. If you need to cancel the programme for a medical reason, for example, you can claim from your insurance company.
No, you don’t. If you would prefer then you can pay in monthly installments, split the payment however you want, or just pay the whole thing in one go. As long as the full balance is paid by the time your programme starts then we can be flexible around you.
The dates on the website are always provisional and may change a day or two either side once we’ve sourced a flight. We try and find a flight that’s the best value for money, and therefore that might be a day or two earlier or later than the date on the website.
That’s totally fine too. We understand that with the rise in air fares that you might want to try and find something cheaper, especially if you’ve booked last-minute. We ask that you try and arrive on or before the day of the team flight, as it’s easier for us to organise an early arrival rather than a late one. We also ask that you run any non-team flights by us before you book so we can check that the logistics work.
Absolutely. Around 2-3 months before departure, we’ll provide details on booking your team flight through our recommended travel company, Trailfinders. This ensures you’ll arrive in-country at the same time as your team. Our group flights depart from London, but if you’re traveling from outside the UK, we can assist in coordinating your arrival to align as closely as possible with the team flight.
Complete our online booking form on our website and you’ll be prompted to secure your spot with a non-refundable £150 deposit. If we’ve already started the pre-departure admin, we’ll send you the details within a few days of booking. If you're booking a programme ahead, we’ll get in touch with you 2-3 months before your departure.
We’ll also send you the invoice approximately 2 months before your programme starts, unless you’ve arranged to pay in instalments. If you need any assistance with the booking process, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Yes, you will get an opportunity to meet everyone on a Zoom call prior to departure, plus a WhatsApp group will be set up for your programme.
This is one of our most-asked questions and the answer is a backpack or something soft like a duffel bag. Hard-shelled suitcases are a big no, they’re more at risk of being damaged and they’re harder to store when you arrive, unlike a rucksack which can be shoved under beds/crammed into a wardrobe etc. Take an 70/80litre backpack and a smaller day rucksack and you’ll be set.
A kit list will be sent to you in the admin email.
Gap year travel insurance is an absolute essential, and we recommend getting yourself covered as soon as possible once you decide to join one of our trips as this will cover you in case you have to cancel for whatever reason. We recommend Campbell Irvine, but if you’re already covered by family travel insurance then don’t feel like you have to take out another policy. You need to be covered for all aspects of the trip so don’t just settle for the cheapest insurance you can find if it doesn’t properly cover you.
We have recommendations on each programme page, however we always recommend speaking to a medical professional and getting their advice too.
You need to apply for a visa for Kenya or an e-visa for Colombia and Cambodia before you fly, for all our other programmes you’ll get your visa on arrival.
Each destination is different in terms of how easy it is to access WIFI, but you’ll have a chance to connect to some on whatever trip you choose. Some people buy a local SIM card whilst out there so they can use data to send messages home and post to Instagram, some just use the WIFI in cafes and restaurants.
Don’t worry, we’re not going to be working you from dawn until dusk seven days a week. Depending on the programme, most give Leapers the weekends off to chill or explore the local area. During the day you’ll also get down time amongst all the project work you’ll be doing, so you’ll enjoy a good mix of challenge and chilling.
Breakfast and lunch are included in all our programs, with some also providing supper. For others, supper is not included, giving you the opportunity to explore local restaurants. Snacks and alcoholic drinks are at your own expense. We also ensure safe drinking water is available throughout the trip - a feature not all gap year companies offer.
We provide a Leap team house which is pretty comfortable, usually in rooms of 3-4 people. The house in Kenya is right by the sea. Some accomodation has a pool.
You will be met on arrival at the airport and taken to your first destination via safe, private team vehicles. If you are not arriving/departing on the team flight you may need to pay the host a private transfer fee in-country.
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Yes we can. Providing we have as much information as possible prior to departure, we can accommodate for all Leapers.
We provide 24/7 backup support - the founders have been arranging gap year since 1994, so are experienced with handling in-country situations. We provide professional, caring, qualified leaders, typically 1 leader per 10 leapers. These leaders are in-situ with the leapers throughout their programme and are directly on -hand night and day to deal with accidents and emergencies.
We have thorough, detailed risk assessments for all our programmes that comply with our membership to YOG, the Year Out Group and GYA, the Gap Year Association. We also have BS 8848, the British Standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside the UK.
Yes, of course. If you are booked onto one of our programmes or are about to book, we can of course advise you on where to go once your programme has completed.
Most Leapers form great friendships on our programmes and therefore choose to backpack with them. We adivse waiting to book your return or onward flight until you are in country and know what your plans are. If you are travelling home, then you will return on the team flight.
Some Leapers choose to book onto another programme in a different country. If this is of interest to you, we can help you organise the connecting flights.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Our midlife volunteering programmes are carefully crafted to combine culture, contribution, and challenge into a truly transformative experience. Participants immerse themselves in the rich traditions and daily lives of the communities they work with, gaining a deep appreciation for different cultures.
Through hands-on project work, such as marine conservation, planting trees, protecting wildlife, or teaching children, they make meaningful contributions that leave a lasting impact. To ensure personal growth, we include challenging elements like adventurous treks, adapting to new environments, and collaborating within a team. This unique blend ensures that participants not only give back but also grow as individuals, gaining invaluable skills and memories that last a lifetime.
Our co-founder Milly, hit 50 and as she reached for the HRT and 101 supplements, all her friends were signing up to various spa retreats and yoga holidays. She thought, "we’re all still young, embracing change and nailing challenges so, why can’t we give ourselves that sense of adventure and achievement that we give our gap year teams (and own children)". And just like that, Midlife Leap was born.
Now The Leap organises teams of midlife individuals to venture around the world, nailing their bucket list in an organised bubble of ‘sisterhood’ which invites camaraderie, laughter, and friendship bracelets. A true tonic and just what is needed in midlife.
Since our inception in 2002, we've proudly guided thousands of Leapers on transformative overseas volunteering projects across Africa, Asia, and South America, earning accolades along the way. Originally a gap year travel company, in 2018, we launched 9-day trips to Namibia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Madagascar for teams of midlifers who want to embark on a volunteering adventure.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve cultivated a reputation for creating life-changing journeys that benefit not only our participants but also the communities we serve. A proud milestone in 2012 marked over £3 million spent overseas, reflecting our commitment to meaningful impact. Together with our Leapers, we’ve built schools and orphanages, educated children, protected endangered wildlife, planted trees, and improved health and hygiene in remote communities. Throughout this journey, we have witnessed countless Leapers, evolve into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals ready to make a difference in the world. This rich history of success and impact underscores our dedication to both personal and global transformation.
Our programs are uniquely designed to offer a combination of culture, contribution, and challenge. While many organisations focus on a single project in one location, our programmes provide a mix of project work across various locations, allowing participants to experience diverse environments and cultures.
We also integrate adventure into our programmes, such as the iconic Machu Picchu trek, something not commonly offered by other companies. Participants join small, close-knit teams, staying together throughout the entire programme. This structure fosters strong friendships and a supportive atmosphere, in contrast to other travel companies where individuals may travel solo or only with a friend.
Our teams consist of midlife-aged individuals only, ensuring everyone is on the same wavelength. Unlike other organisations that mix age groups - where, for example, a 19-year-old might volunteer alongside someone in their 50s - our approach creates a more cohesive and relatable group dynamic.
Our thoughtfully planned programmes equip participants with life-enhancing skills, such as teamwork, resilience, confidence, problem-solving, empathy, budgeting, and organisation. These skills not only enrich their experiences but also stand out during job interviews.
Additionally, we provide professional, caring, and qualified leaders who stay in situ with the group throughout the programme, ensuring consistent support and guidance. This contrasts with other organisations that rely on local representatives who may be located far away.
Safety and comfort are also top priorities. We transport participants in safe, private vehicles, provide three home-cooked meals daily (including weekends), and offer accommodations in dedicated Leap team houses. This is a significant difference from programmes that expect volunteers to use public transport, live in homestays, or be dispersed across separate houses. Our approach ensures a cohesive and nurturing environment for all participants.
Yes we can. Providing we have as much information as possible prior to departure, we can accommodate for all Leapers.
We provide 24/7 backup support - the founders have been arranging adventure travel since 1994, so are experienced with handling in-country situations. We provide professional, caring, qualified leaders, typically 1 leader per 10 leapers. These leaders are in-situ with the leapers throughout their programme and are directly on -hand night and day to deal with accidents and emergencies .
We have thorough, detailed risk assessments for all our programmes that comply with our membership to YOG, the Year Out Group and GYA, the Gap Year Association. We also have BS 8848, the British Standard for organising and managing visits, fieldwork, expeditions, and adventurous activities outside the UK.
We only partner with ethical, long-term projects that create a genuine impact. Our focus is on:
We have trained first aiders on every trip, local medical contacts, and a 24/7 emergency support line for parents and schools.
Students are accompanied by:
Flights, visas (if applicable), vaccinations, personal expenses, and optional extras such as the UCAS diploma.
The trip cost covers:
Accommodation, all in-country transport, Food & purified drinking water, Project materials
Experienced in-country guides & Leap staff support
We conduct comprehensive risk assessments, including:
No. Two teachers can join the trip for free – minimum 12 students.
A minimum of 12 students is required to run the expedition.
Yes. Our Leap experiences help develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience—all valuable for UCAS personal statements. The optional CGCS Diploma in International Volunteering provides extra recognition by earning 16 UCAS points and is available for £395 per person, payable to The Leap.
Our school expeditions are designed for students aged 16 to 18. The best time to go is after GCSEs or in Year 12 (first year of sixth form).