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Discover the New Era of Gap Year Volunteering Programmes

Written by Zoë Howie on 03 / 07 / 2024

Gap Year Advice

Explore The Leap's Unique Blend of Culture, Challenge, and Contribution

We've been running gap year programmes for nearly 20 years and have seen many a trend come and go, and adapted to meet the ever changing needs of the gap year traveller. So here we are delivering our new era of gap year programmes for this new generation who seek dynamic, explorative and fun experiences. Welcome to The Leap where you can do just that: explore new horizons, push your limits, and make a meaningful impact on the world by focusing on three core elements, we like to call the 3 C's: culture, challenge, and contribution all interwined in every 4 week programme.

The Essence of our Gap Year Programmes

At The Leap, we believe that a gap year should be more than just a break from academics; it should be an opportunity for personal growth and global understanding. Our Gap year programmes are curated to include:

  • Culture: Immersing you in the local traditions, languages, and lifestyles of your destination.
  • Challenge: Pushing you out of your comfort zone with physical and mental tasks.
  • Contribution: Giving back to the community through meaningful projects and initiatives.

By focusing on these elements within a team setting, our gap year programmes ensure that you not only grow individually but also form strong bonds with your fellow Leapers as you springboard across the globe.

Each programme immerses Leapers in diverse cultural experiences, tests their limits through exciting challenges, and involves them in impactful community projects.

This is not just your usual run of the mill gap year; we are all encompassing, and each of our gap year programmes is carefully curated to cover our three key elements to provide you with a well-rounded gap year in a team of like-minded people of the same age. It’s an instant win.

Explore our different Gap Year Programmes

Costa Rica – Cross Country Exploration

Culture

Immerse yourself in the “pura vida” lifestyle of Costa Rica, where happiness and well-being are paramount. Engage with local communities to learn about their way of life, traditional crafts, and proud ‘ticos’ as they call themselves. Participate in cultural exchanges on our 4 week team gap year programme that deepen your understanding of this beautiful Central American country.

Challenge

Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to active volcanoes. Prepare for thrilling adventures such as zip-lining through the canopy, and hiking in the cloud forest. These challenges will test your endurance and courage while providing unforgettable memories.

Contribution

Contribute to environmental sustainability and community projects through various projects. Participate in wildlife conservation efforts at the sanctuary, protect turtle nests at the coast and help tackle the plastic pollution crisis. Your efforts here will guarantee high five moments and great satisfaction while on your gap year programme with us.

Browse our Costa Rica programme

Cambodia - Temples and Teamwork

Culture

Cambodia is a land of ancient temples and enduring traditions. It is a must-see for any Leaper on their gap year. Explore the wonders of Angkor Wat and engage with local communities to learn about their history and culture. Your guide will take you off-grid and show you the real Cambodia alongside all the bucket list highlights one would expect.

Challenge

Cambodia’s varied landscape provides ample opportunities for adventure. Trek through dense jungles, explore remote villages, and kayak along the Mekong River. These challenges will push your boundaries and allow you to discover the hidden gems of this fascinating country.

Contribution

Contribute to community development and environmental conservation in Cambodia. Work on projects such as building clean water systems, teach local children to read and improve living conditions and promote sustainability in the communities you serve.

Browse our Cambodia programme

Peru – Vistas and bucket list gems

Culture

Peru is a country rich in history and traditions, making cultural immersion a cornerstone of our gap year programme. Live with Indigenous Communities and experience daily life in rural Peru, staying with local families and participating in their customs and traditions.

This close interaction provides a profound understanding of the community's values and way of life. Learn Spanish as you enhance your language skills through formal lessons and everyday practice, allowing you to communicate effectively and build deeper connections with locals.

Visit iconic landmarks such as Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and ancient Inca ruins. These excursions provide a historical context that enriches your cultural understanding on your gap year.

Challenge

Living at high altitude isn't easy, but it's all part of the adventure. To help you acclimatize, you'll go on local hikes that prep you for Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment? Unbeatable.

But the adventure doesn't stop there. You'll also explore the ancient ruins of Pisac, wandering through its stunning archaeological site. Plus, you'll hit up the epic market, where you can purchase ponchos, hats, and vibrant textiles as souvenirs of your incredible journey.

Contribution

Your time in Peru will be packed with purpose. By working on community projects, you'll directly contribute to improving lives and helping to create a more diverse diet for the locals. The skills you learn and the help you provide will have a lasting impact on these communities.

Plus, you'll get to boost your language skills with four 1-hour Spanish lessons throughout the week. Spanish isn't just handy for Peru – it's useful across South America. You'll leave feeling more confident and ready to explore even more of this beautiful continent.

So, are you ready for a gap year programme that combines culture, challenge, and contribution in one unforgettable 3 week package?

Browse our Peru programme here

Where will you discover?

Which of our ultimate gap year programmes is the right one for you...?

Browse team programmes

Kenya – marine conservation and safari

Culture

Wake up to the sounds of the Indian Ocean and dive into the vibrant culture of Kenya. You'll stay at the Leap House near Kilifi, a coastal gem known for kite surfing and the laid-back Salties bar. Experience local life, from beachside living to engaging with the community, and soak up the beauty of white sands, warm waters, and lively marine life.

Challenge

Get ready to push your limits with thrilling adventures and hands-on projects. Join the Oceans Alive Trust (OAT) in marine conservation efforts, including coral regeneration, mangrove planting, and marine surveys. Explore the stunning landscapes with safaris in Tsavo National Park and take on PADI scuba diving courses. Every day promises new and exciting challenges that will leave you feeling accomplished and inspired.

Contribution

Leave a positive mark on the world by contributing to meaningful community and environmental projects. Help build jiko stoves, participate in beach clean-ups, and support permaculture farming initiatives. Your efforts will make a real impact on marine conservation and the local community, giving you a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Join us for a life-changing gap year programme in Kenya. You'll return home with unforgettable memories, new skills, and the motivation to champion conservation efforts. This isn't just a programme – it's a transformative experience that will stay with you forever.

Browse our Kenya programme here

Colombia – where old meets new

Culture

Experience Colombia through the eyes of our local team, who will immerse you in the vibrant culture. You'll engage in lively card games and sports with the community and fellow gap year adventurers, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your journey. Explore the hidden gems of this incredible country and discover its true heart and soul.

Challenge

Get ready for thrilling adventures as you trek through massive canyons and take on the epic Lost City Trek. Push your boundaries and conquer the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. End your journey on the pristine Caribbean beaches of Santa Marta, where you can tube down meandering rivers and soak up the sun. Every step of this journey is designed to challenge you and leave a positive imprint.

Contribution

Leave your mark by participating in life-changing community projects. You'll start in the rural town of Barichara, where you can engage with locals and make a real difference. From building and teaching to playing lively matches of football and rugby, your contributions will be felt long after you leave. Your efforts will help create lasting change and strengthen the community.

Browse our Colombia programme here

Why Choose The Leap?

Our gap year programmes are not just about travel; they are about transformation. By focusing on culture, challenge, and contribution, we ensure that every Leaper leaves with a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

The team-based approach creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual support, creating a network of friends who share your passion for making a difference as well as springboarding onwards to do your own travel post-programme.

What next?

Choosing a gap year programme with The Leap means embarking on a journey that will challenge you, immerse you in new cultures, and allow you to contribute meaningfully to communities around the world. Each of our programmes is designed to provide a balanced experience that encompasses culture, challenge, and contribution, all within a supportive team environment. Whether you're trekking through the jungles of Cambodia, coral regeneration in Kenya, or conserving wildlife in Costa Rica, you'll be making memories that last a lifetime and leaving a positive impact on the world.

Ready to leap into your adventure? Explore our programmes and find the perfect fit for your gap year at here. Join us and transform your gap year into an extraordinary journey of growth, discovery, and contribution.

Explore our programme here

FAQs

How early do i need to book a gap year programme? The million dollar question - as early as possible. We have limited numbers per departure and have particularly busy months of the year. Enquire here and let us help you. P.s the earlier the book, the longer you have to save for it.

Do most people join the programmes with a friend or solo? Solo! We can of course take pairs of friends but what makes our programmes so special is that we take a group of individuals and create the perfect team atmosphere where logistics are all taken care of and friendships thrive.

What is the booking process like? Simple. You fill in the form online here (takes 2 minutes) then we send you a confirmation email and then your admin instructions (invoice and team flight etc) will be sent approximately 2-3 months prior to departure. In the meantime you can watch your team size grow in your My Leap account.

Get in contact

Where will you discover?

Which of our ultimate gap year programmes is the right one for you...?

Browse team programmes

Need inspiration and direction?

Get in contact with the gap year travel specialists.

Here at The Leap we can help both team traveller through our programmes and/or the backpacker.

Jot a message below or call us on +44 1672 519 9222

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