Written by Zoe Faulkner on 30 / 03 / 2022
Gap Year Advice
We like to think we're pretty great at our jobs here at The Leap HQ. We've learnt to speak the language of COVID, navigated countless flight changes, health pass forms, PCR tests, quarantine regulations and the dreaded INS Insurance. Don't mind us while we polish our halos. All jokes aside, don't take our word for it - read what our Leapers and their parents have to say of their experience with The Leap and their gap year during a pandemic. None of this would be possible without our lovely Leapers and their parents being so flexible, patient and determined. Thank you.
'The Leap were amazing from start to finish. Always answered emails quickly, and I always felt that I could go to them in a crisis. Really amazing trip for my daughter who’s gap year hadn’t gone to plan prior to the Leap". - Henrietta
"From the initial enquiry to support after leaving the program, The Leap have been amazing. As an adventurous (but nervous due to the pandemic) parent, I was impressed with the organisation and guidance throughout. My daughter had the most amazing time and felt so privileged to have been able to travel during these challenging times. Would definitely recommend." - Julia
"The
Leap team were organised and thorough throughout. As a parent I felt
that they had a positive yet protective interaction with our daughter in
the planning of the trip. Giving lots of information about how to go
about doing things and answering email questions very quickly. On the
trip, it was well organised. COVID 19 precautions had been thought
through. Our daughter loved the actual volunteering projects which
seemed to be well thought out and organised by Leap. Leap also kept in
touch with the parents with occasional updates. This service seemed very
good for first time gap year students rather than the seasoned
traveller. The cost reflects that, I think a student could organise a
gap year project cheaper but be without the support network given." - Lucy
"Outstanding organisation, support and flexibility. Great experience had, and would thoroughly recommend them to others wishing to make a similar trip." - Harriette
"The
Leap was consistently helpful and encouraging from the word go. I had
thought about economising and sending my son to Costa Rica independently
but am absolutely convinced that I made the right decision to send him
under the incredibly reassuring Leap umbrella. Zoe was amazing, as was
Millie, in obliterating parental worry and neurosis, especially in
uncertain times. I am so glad he went with them. He has made friends
for life and told me only yesterday he had had the best time of his
whole life! Result! Thanks to almost entirely to the Leap. He will
never forget it and I will remain eternally grateful to the home team!" - Candida
"The program was so well organised, and it was one of the best things I’ve ever done." - Amani
"As a parent of an 18 yr old travelling for the first time abroad on her own I cannot recommend the leap highly enough. They provided my daughter with the opportunity to travel at a very difficult time (middle of a covid pandemic) and gave excellent support before and during the trip. Their advice was comprehensive and when a few things didn’t go to plan whilst out there they provided immediate back up. My daughter has returned having had an amazing experience and full of tales of Costa Rica and her later onward travels. Milly, Liv and team really care that the young people they send out have these opportunities and work hard to ensure all goes smoothly. Thank you to them all!" - Eleanor
"The Leap are super organised. They are professional and are quick to respond to changes in rules when travelling at this time. They continue to provide support and share information even after the programme is finished. They do not pressurise you into joining the programmes. They understand that gap year students change their minds with travel and are flexible and accommodating as can be. Would definitely recommend. Wonderful team to work with Speaking as a parent." - Karen
"The Leap was fantastic throughout. January 2021 was a difficult time for travel and The Leap handled everything competently and efficiently." - Tania