.svg)
Choosing the right travel experience is an important decision. Whether you're considering a Gap Year Leap, a School Expedition or an Under-18 Adventure, you'll naturally have questions about how it all works, what students gain from the experience and how we keep participants safe and supported.
We've gathered the answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If there's anything else you'd like to know, we're only a phone call or email away.
We work with carefully selected conservation organisations, charities, NGOs and social enterprises that are already creating positive change within their communities.
Many of our partnerships have been developed over years, and in some cases decades. We look for organisations with strong local leadership, clear objectives and projects where participants can contribute in a meaningful and responsible way.
By building long-term relationships rather than constantly changing projects, we can ensure our programmes support ongoing initiatives while providing participants with authentic and impactful experiences.
Because you'll do far more than simply visit a destination.
A Leap combines cultural immersion, meaningful contribution and personal challenge to create an experience that helps you grow as an individual. You'll work alongside local organisations, contribute to projects that matter and gain insights into communities and cultures that most travellers never experience.
At the same time, you'll develop confidence, independence and skills that can benefit your future studies and career.
You'll come home with incredible memories, but also with experiences, perspectives and achievements that last far longer than a typical holiday.
Every Leap programme is designed to help participants develop valuable life and employability skills.
Depending on the destination and projects involved, participants often strengthen their communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience, adaptability, cultural awareness and problem-solving abilities.
These skills are developed naturally through working on real projects, living as part of a team, navigating unfamiliar environments and stepping outside your comfort zone.
The result is greater confidence, independence and practical experience that can be applied throughout university, employment and everyday life.
Almost certainly.
The vast majority of Leapers join their programme without knowing anyone else. Because everyone arrives in the same position, friendships tend to form very quickly.
Living, travelling and taking part in challenges together creates strong bonds, and many participants leave with friends they continue travelling with after the programme or stay in touch with for years afterwards.
For many Leapers, the friendships they make become one of the highlights of the entire experience.
In an increasingly competitive world, strong grades alone are often no longer enough.
Universities, employers and apprenticeship providers are looking for evidence of initiative, resilience, communication skills, leadership potential and the ability to thrive outside your comfort zone. A Leap programme is designed to help you develop exactly these qualities.
Through meaningful project work, cultural immersion and shared challenges, you'll gain real-world experience that demonstrates far more than academic achievement alone. Whether you're restoring coral reefs in Kenya, supporting conservation projects in Costa Rica or working alongside community organisations in Cambodia, you'll be building practical skills while gaining experiences that make applications, interviews and personal statements far more compelling.
A Leap also provides tangible examples of teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability and responsibility - qualities that are difficult to develop in a classroom but highly valued in higher education and the workplace.
Most importantly, you'll return home with greater confidence, independence and perspective. These are often the qualities that help young people stand out, not just on paper, but in life.
Backpacking can be an incredible experience, but many young people find that starting with a Leap gives them a stronger foundation.
A Leap combines adventure and independence with the support of experienced leaders, a team of like-minded travellers and meaningful project work. You'll develop confidence, make friends, gain practical skills and experience a destination more deeply than most tourists ever do.
Many participants use their four-week Leap as the first part of a longer gap year, continuing on to travel independently with greater confidence, experience and purpose.
Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits of a Leap programme is the opportunity to gain real-world experience outside the classroom.
Participants work alongside conservationists, community leaders, social entrepreneurs and NGO professionals who are tackling genuine environmental and social challenges. Rather than simply observing, you'll be involved in meaningful projects that require teamwork, communication, initiative and problem-solving.
These experiences help develop transferable skills that universities and employers increasingly value, while giving you practical examples to talk about in applications, interviews and personal statements.
Culture, Contribution and Challenge are the three principles that shape every Leap adventure.
We believe the most rewarding gap year experiences go beyond sightseeing and combine meaningful travel with personal growth and real-world impact.
Culture means immersing yourself in the destination rather than simply passing through it. You'll experience local traditions, food, communities and ways of life, gaining a deeper understanding of the people and places you visit.
Contribution means working alongside trusted local partners on projects that are already making a difference. Depending on your destination, this could involve marine conservation, wildlife protection, community development, environmental projects or social enterprise initiatives. The goal is to contribute to something meaningful while gaining valuable insight into real-world challenges.
Challenge is what helps transform an experience into a life-changing adventure. Whether it's trekking through the Andes, learning to live in a different culture, stepping outside your comfort zone or working as part of a team, challenge builds confidence, resilience, independence and adaptability.
Together, Culture, Contribution and Challenge create experiences that are not only memorable and enjoyable, but also help participants develop the skills, perspective and confidence that universities and employers increasingly value.
It's this combination that makes a Leap more than just a holiday or a volunteering trip. It's an experience designed to help you grow while making a positive impact on the world around you.
The Leap has been organising overseas gap year and volunteering programmes since 2002, helping thousands of young people travel with purpose, develop valuable life skills and experience the world beyond the classroom.
Over the past two decades, we've built long-term partnerships with conservation organisations, community projects and social enterprises across Africa, Asia and Latin America. These partnerships allow participants to contribute to meaningful, ongoing initiatives while gaining real-world experience and a deeper understanding of global issues.
Since launching, our programmes have supported a wide range of projects, from marine conservation and wildlife protection to community development, education and environmental initiatives. More importantly, we've seen thousands of young people return home with greater confidence, independence, resilience and perspective.
While destinations and projects have evolved over the years, our mission remains the same: to create life-changing travel experiences that combine adventure, personal growth and meaningful contribution.
With more than 20 years of experience, The Leap is one of the UK's most established and trusted gap year travel providers.
The Leap is designed to be more than just travel.
While many gap year programmes focus on a single project or destination, our experiences combine real-world work experience, meaningful contribution, cultural immersion and adventure to help young people develop skills that will benefit them long after they return home.
We work with carefully selected conservation organisations, charities, NGOs and social enterprises that are tackling genuine environmental and social challenges. Rather than simply observing, participants work alongside professionals, gaining first-hand insight into how these organisations operate and the impact they create.
Every programme is built around our three pillars: Culture, Contribution and Challenge. Whether you're restoring coral reefs in Kenya, working with wildlife in Costa Rica or supporting community projects in Cambodia, you'll be developing valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, resilience and leadership.
Our four-week programmes are intentionally designed to maximise personal growth. Long enough to build meaningful relationships and make a genuine contribution, yet short enough to fit around university, work or further travel plans.
Travel is also about having fun. Alongside project work, participants enjoy unforgettable adventures, cultural experiences and the opportunity to explore extraordinary destinations with a team of like-minded people.
Most importantly, The Leap helps young people return home with more than memories. They gain confidence, independence, real-world experience and evidence of transferable skills that can strengthen university applications, CVs and future career prospects.
That's why so many participants describe a Leap as one of the most valuable investments they have made in their future.
Feeling nervous or homesick is completely normal, particularly if it's your first time travelling away from home.
Our experienced leaders are used to supporting young people through those first few days of adjustment. Most participants quickly settle into life with their team, become absorbed in the activities and start building friendships.
Being busy, sharing experiences with others and having support available when needed usually helps participants gain confidence and feel at home surprisingly quickly.
Many Leapers who were initially nervous go on to describe the experience as one of the most rewarding and confidence-building things they have ever done.
Absolutely. You do not need to be a UK resident to join a Leap programme.
We welcome gap year travellers from around the world and regularly have participants joining us from countries including the United States, across Europe and as far afield as Australia. While most of our participants are British students taking a gap year, our programmes are international in outlook and attract young people from a variety of backgrounds.
If you're travelling from outside the UK, we'll help you coordinate your flights and arrival plans so that you can join your team as smoothly as possible.
One of the benefits of joining a Leap programme is the opportunity to travel, learn and build friendships with like-minded young people from different countries and cultures.
Yes. Sustainability is at the heart of how we design our programmes.
We work with long-term local partners, charities, conservation organisations and social enterprises that are already making a positive impact in their communities. Rather than creating short-term projects for travellers, we support existing initiatives that have been developed and led by local people.
Our programmes are designed to ensure that participants contribute to meaningful, ongoing work in areas such as conservation, education, community development and social enterprise. Each group builds on the work of previous teams, helping to support long-term goals rather than one-off activities.
We also believe sustainability is about more than the environment. It includes supporting local economies, respecting local cultures, providing fair employment opportunities and ensuring that communities benefit from tourism and volunteering programmes.
By travelling with The Leap, participants gain a deeper understanding of global challenges while contributing to projects that are designed to create lasting, positive impact.
Choosing the right gap year programme depends on your interests, goals and the type of experience you're looking for.
Some participants are drawn to wildlife conservation and marine projects, while others are looking for cultural immersion, trekking, community projects, social enterprise or adventure travel. The best programme for you will depend on what excites you, challenges you and helps you achieve your personal goals.
If you're not sure where to start, we're here to help. Our team has been advising gap year travellers for over 30 years and can talk you through the different destinations, projects and experiences available.
Simply give our office a call on 01672 219922 and tell us a little about yourself, your interests and what you hope to get out of your gap year. We'll recommend the programmes that are the best fit for you and answer any questions you may have.
There is no one-size-fits-all gap year. The right programme is the one that matches your interests, pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you return home with new skills, confidence and experiences.
All Leap gap year programmes are four weeks long.
We believe four weeks is the ideal length for a meaningful gap year experience. It gives participants enough time to settle into a new culture, build friendships, contribute to projects and develop confidence, while still fitting around university, work or further travel plans.
During the first week, most participants are finding their feet and adjusting to a new environment. By the second and third weeks, they begin to build stronger relationships, take on greater responsibility and gain a deeper understanding of the projects and communities they are working with. By the fourth week, participants are often at their most confident and engaged.
Many Leapers use their four-week programme as the start of a longer gap year, continuing on to backpack, travel independently or join another programme in a different destination.
For those looking for a balance of adventure, personal development, work experience and cultural immersion, four weeks provides the perfect combination of impact and flexibility.
We recommend booking your gap year programme as early as possible, especially if you have specific destinations or departure dates in mind.
Our busiest booking period is typically between January and March, when many students are planning post-school travel and looking to secure their place before programmes fill up. Popular departures during this period can reach capacity several months in advance.
We also see strong demand during the summer months, particularly from students looking to fit in an adventure before starting university, apprenticeships or employment in September.
Booking early not only gives you the best choice of destinations and departure dates, but also provides more time to organise flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations and any fundraising or saving you may wish to do before you travel.
That said, if you're booking closer to departure, it's always worth getting in touch. We occasionally have last-minute availability on selected programmes and would be happy to discuss your options.
Most participants on our gap year programmes are aged between 18 and 21, although we welcome travellers up to the age of 25.
The majority of our Leapers are taking a gap year before university, during university or after completing their studies. We also regularly welcome university students looking for a meaningful adventure during their summer break.
Because most participants are at a similar stage of life, our programmes create a friendly and supportive environment where it's easy to make friends, build confidence and share experiences with like-minded people.
If you're worried about travelling alone or not knowing anyone, don't be. Many participants join without knowing another person on the trip, and the team experience is often one of the highlights of the adventure.
Team sizes vary depending on the destination and programme, but most Leap groups are intentionally kept small enough to create a friendly, supportive and close-knit experience.
Most of our gap year programmes typically have around 12 participants, although some destinations, such as Costa Rica, can accommodate larger groups of up to 24. Minimum group sizes are usually around five participants.
Smaller team sizes allow participants to get to know one another quickly, build genuine friendships and receive more personalised support from programme leaders. They also make it easier to immerse yourself in local communities, contribute meaningfully to projects and enjoy a more authentic travel experience.
Whether you're travelling with a team of six or twenty, you'll be part of a supportive group of like-minded young people sharing the adventure together.
For many young people, yes.
Travelling as part of a team combines the independence and adventure of a gap year with the support, friendship and shared experiences that help you get the most from your time abroad.
Most participants join The Leap without knowing anyone else. From the moment you arrive, you'll be surrounded by like-minded people who are also looking for adventure, personal growth and meaningful experiences. Living, travelling and working together creates friendships that often last long after the programme ends.
Team travel also helps ease the transition into a new country and culture. Rather than navigating unfamiliar places alone, you'll have the support of experienced leaders and a group of peers sharing the same journey. This allows you to build confidence, develop independence and step outside your comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment.
Perhaps most importantly, the challenges, achievements and memorable moments are shared. Whether you're trekking through the Andes, restoring coral reefs in Kenya or working alongside local communities, the experience becomes part of a collective story that creates deeper connections and lasting memories.
For many Leapers, the friendships they make are every bit as valuable as the destinations they visit.
Yes. Before departure, you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow Leapers and programme leaders online, helping you feel more confident and excited about the adventure ahead.
Most programmes include a pre-departure Zoom meeting where participants can introduce themselves, ask questions and get to know the rest of the group. We also create a dedicated WhatsApp group for each programme, allowing participants to chat, share travel plans and start building friendships before they even leave home.
Many Leapers arrive at the airport already recognising names and faces from these pre-departure conversations, which helps make those first few days feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Building a strong team is an important part of the Leap experience, and meeting your group before departure is often where those friendships begin.
We recommend travelling with a backpack or soft duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase.
Backpacks are much easier to transport, store and live out of during a gap year adventure. Many of our participants move between different locations, accommodation and activities, making a backpack far more practical than a large suitcase.
Hard-shell suitcases can be bulky, difficult to store and more susceptible to damage during travel. In contrast, a backpack can easily be tucked under a bed, stored in a wardrobe or carried comfortably when moving between destinations.
For most Leap programmes, we recommend:
Don't worry if you've never packed a backpack before. We'll provide detailed packing guidance before departure to help you bring everything you need without overpacking.
Don't worry – we'll make sure you're fully prepared before you travel.
Once you've booked your programme, you'll receive a detailed destination-specific packing list as part of your pre-departure information. This will outline exactly what you need to bring, from clothing and footwear to travel documents, medications and other essential items.
Packing requirements vary depending on the destination and activities involved. For example, a programme in Kenya may require different items from one in Peru or Costa Rica. Your kit list will be tailored to your chosen adventure, ensuring you bring everything you need without overpacking.
We'll also provide practical advice on luggage, travel equipment and what to leave at home, helping you travel comfortably and confidently.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for anyone joining a gap year or volunteering programme abroad.
We strongly recommend arranging your travel insurance as soon as you book your place. This can provide valuable protection if you need to cancel your trip before departure, as well as cover for medical expenses, personal belongings, travel disruption and emergency assistance while overseas.
It's important to choose a policy that covers all aspects of your trip, including your destination, planned activities and the duration of your travel. The cheapest policy is not always the best option if it does not provide adequate cover.
Many of our participants use specialist gap year travel insurance providers such as Campbell Irvine. However, if you are already covered under a family travel insurance policy, you may not need additional insurance. We recommend checking the policy carefully to ensure it provides appropriate cover for your trip.
Before travelling, make sure you understand exactly what your policy includes and excludes so you can travel with confidence.
Vaccination requirements vary depending on the destination you are travelling to, your medical history and the activities included in your programme.
On each of our programme pages, we provide guidance on the vaccinations commonly recommended for that destination. However, we always advise participants to speak with their GP, travel clinic or another qualified medical professional before travelling, as they will be able to provide advice based on your individual circumstances and the latest health recommendations.
It's important to arrange any vaccinations well in advance of departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses or need time to become fully effective.
We also recommend checking the latest travel health advice for your destination and ensuring you have discussed any prescription medication or pre-existing medical conditions with your healthcare provider before you travel.
Visa requirements vary depending on the destination you choose and your nationality.
For some Leap destinations, such as Kenya, participants are required to obtain travel authorisation before departure. Other destinations, including Cambodia, may require an e-visa or online entry application prior to travel.
For the remaining destinations, visas are typically issued on arrival, making the entry process straightforward for most participants.
As visa regulations can change, we provide up-to-date guidance before departure and will explain exactly what is required for your chosen programme. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documents and permissions in place before travelling.
If you're unsure about visa requirements, our team is always happy to help point you in the right direction.
Yes. Before departure, you'll have the opportunity to meet your fellow Leapers and programme leaders online, helping you feel more confident and excited about the adventure ahead.
Most programmes include a pre-departure Zoom meeting where participants can introduce themselves, ask questions and get to know the rest of the group. We also create a dedicated WhatsApp group for each programme, allowing participants to chat, share travel plans and start building friendships before they even leave home.
Many Leapers arrive at the airport already recognising names and faces from these pre-departure conversations, which helps make those first few days feel much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Building a strong team is an important part of the Leap experience, and meeting your group before departure is often where those friendships begin.
We recommend travelling with a backpack or soft duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase.
Backpacks are much easier to transport, store and live out of during a gap year adventure. Many of our participants move between different locations, accommodation and activities, making a backpack far more practical than a large suitcase.
Hard-shell suitcases can be bulky, difficult to store and more susceptible to damage during travel. In contrast, a backpack can easily be tucked under a bed, stored in a wardrobe or carried comfortably when moving between destinations.
For most Leap programmes, we recommend:
Don't worry if you've never packed a backpack before. We'll provide detailed packing guidance before departure to help you bring everything you need without overpacking.
Don't worry – we'll make sure you're fully prepared before you travel.
Once you've booked your programme, you'll receive a detailed destination-specific packing list as part of your pre-departure information. This will outline exactly what you need to bring, from clothing and footwear to travel documents, medications and other essential items.
Packing requirements vary depending on the destination and activities involved. For example, a programme in Kenya may require different items from one in Peru or Costa Rica. Your kit list will be tailored to your chosen adventure, ensuring you bring everything you need without overpacking.
We'll also provide practical advice on luggage, travel equipment and what to leave at home, helping you travel comfortably and confidently.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for anyone joining a gap year or volunteering programme abroad.
We strongly recommend arranging your travel insurance as soon as you book your place. This can provide valuable protection if you need to cancel your trip before departure, as well as cover for medical expenses, personal belongings, travel disruption and emergency assistance while overseas.
It's important to choose a policy that covers all aspects of your trip, including your destination, planned activities and the duration of your travel. The cheapest policy is not always the best option if it does not provide adequate cover.
Many of our participants use specialist gap year travel insurance providers such as Campbell Irvine. However, if you are already covered under a family travel insurance policy, you may not need additional insurance. We recommend checking the policy carefully to ensure it provides appropriate cover for your trip.
Before travelling, make sure you understand exactly what your policy includes and excludes so you can travel with confidence.
Vaccination requirements vary depending on the destination you are travelling to, your medical history and the activities included in your programme.
On each of our programme pages, we provide guidance on the vaccinations commonly recommended for that destination. However, we always advise participants to speak with their GP, travel clinic or another qualified medical professional before travelling, as they will be able to provide advice based on your individual circumstances and the latest health recommendations.
It's important to arrange any vaccinations well in advance of departure, as some vaccines require multiple doses or need time to become fully effective.
We also recommend checking the latest travel health advice for your destination and ensuring you have discussed any prescription medication or pre-existing medical conditions with your healthcare provider before you travel.
Visa requirements vary depending on the destination you choose and your nationality.
For some Leap destinations, such as Kenya, participants are required to obtain travel authorisation before departure. Other destinations, including Cambodia, may require an e-visa or online entry application prior to travel.
For the remaining destinations, visas are typically issued on arrival, making the entry process straightforward for most participants.
As visa regulations can change, we provide up-to-date guidance before departure and will explain exactly what is required for your chosen programme. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel documents and permissions in place before travelling.
If you're unsure about visa requirements, our team is always happy to help point you in the right direction.
Yes. All of our destinations offer opportunities to connect to Wi-Fi, although the speed and availability can vary depending on where you are and the nature of the programme.
Most participants stay in touch with family and friends through messaging apps, social media and video calls whenever Wi-Fi is available. Many also choose to purchase a local SIM card or eSIM, giving them access to mobile data throughout their trip.
In some destinations, particularly during treks, safaris or time spent in remote communities, internet access may be limited or unavailable for short periods. However, participants will have regular opportunities to get online and reassure family members that everything is going well.
Many parents are pleasantly surprised to discover that a little time away from constant connectivity often helps young people become more independent, confident and engaged in the experience around them.
Absolutely. A great gap year is about balance.
While you'll spend time contributing to projects, taking part in activities and exploring your destination, there is also plenty of opportunity to relax, socialise and enjoy your surroundings. We believe young people get the most from their experience when there is a healthy mix of challenge, adventure and downtime.
Depending on the programme, participants often have free time in the evenings, opportunities to explore local towns and beaches, and weekends that allow for rest, independent activities or group excursions.
Whether that's grabbing a coffee with friends, heading to the beach, exploring a local market, playing sport or simply taking some time to recharge, you'll have space to enjoy the experience beyond the organised programme.
After all, some of the best memories are made during the moments in between.
Most meals are included in the cost of a Leap programme, helping you budget for your adventure before you travel.
Breakfast and lunch are included across all of our programmes, and some destinations also include evening meals. Where supper is not included, this is usually intentional, giving participants the opportunity to explore local cafés and restaurants, experience the local food culture and enjoy some independence with their friends.
Snacks, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are not included and should be budgeted for separately.
We also ensure that safe drinking water is available throughout the programme, helping participants stay hydrated while reducing the need to purchase bottled water. This is an important part of our duty of care and is not something offered by all gap year providers.
Before departure, we'll provide detailed information about exactly what is included in your chosen destination so you can plan your spending money with confidence.
We want our participants to feel comfortable, safe and at home while they're away.
On most Leap programmes, you'll stay in dedicated Leap accommodation, sharing rooms with a small group of fellow participants, typically between three and four people. Accommodation is chosen for its safety, comfort, location and suitability for young travellers.
Every destination is different, but our accommodation is designed to be sociable and relaxed, helping participants build friendships and enjoy life as part of a team. Many properties have communal spaces where you can unwind, socialise and reflect on the day's adventures.
Some locations offer additional facilities such as swimming pools, gardens or outdoor spaces. In Kenya, for example, participants stay just moments from the Indian Ocean, providing a fantastic base for both project work and downtime.
Accommodation standards vary around the world, but you can always expect somewhere clean, secure and comfortable, with access to the facilities you need to enjoy your experience.
We've got it covered. From the moment you arrive, you'll be supported by The Leap team.
Participants arriving on the designated team flight will be met at the airport by a member of our local team and transferred directly to the programme accommodation in safe, private vehicles. This ensures a smooth and stress-free start to your adventure, especially if it's your first time travelling independently.
During your first few days, you'll have the opportunity to settle in, meet your fellow Leapers, get to know your leaders and receive a full orientation covering the programme, local culture, safety procedures and what to expect during your time abroad.
If you choose to arrive before the programme starts or travel on a different flight from the main group, we can usually arrange a private airport transfer through our local partners. Additional transfer costs may apply depending on the destination.
Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel welcomed, supported and excited from the moment you land.
Absolutely. Many of our participants use The Leap as the first part of a longer gap year.
Our team has decades of experience helping young people travel confidently and purposefully. Once you've chosen your Leap programme, we're happy to offer guidance on where to go next, whether that's independent backpacking, further volunteering, work experience, language courses or additional travel.
We can help you think about routes, budgets, timings, safety and how to make the most of your time abroad. The aim is to ensure your gap year is not only memorable, but also supports your personal development, future plans and career ambitions.
After all, a great gap year isn't just about where you go, it's about what you come back with.
Many participants use their Leap programme as the starting point for a longer gap year adventure.
Once the programme finishes, you have several options. Some Leapers return home on the scheduled team flight, while others continue travelling independently or with friends they have made during the programme. It's common for participants to spend additional time backpacking, exploring nearby countries or visiting destinations they have always wanted to experience.
We generally recommend waiting until you are in-country before booking onward travel. By then, you'll have met your team, gained confidence and have a much better idea of where you'd like to go next.
Whether you're returning home, travelling independently or extending your adventure, we'll help you plan the next stage of your gap year with confidence.
Yes. We welcome participants with a wide range of physical and mental health conditions and will do everything we can to support you throughout your experience.
The most important thing is that you provide us with as much information as possible before departure. This allows our team to understand your needs, assess the suitability of the programme and put any necessary support measures in place.
Over the years, we have worked with young people with a variety of medical conditions, allergies, disabilities, learning differences and mental health needs. Every participant is different, so we take the time to discuss individual circumstances and ensure that the programme is a good fit.
Your safety, wellbeing and enjoyment are our priority. If you have any concerns about whether a Leap programme is right for you, please get in touch and we'll be happy to talk through your options.
The safety and wellbeing of our participants is our highest priority. If you become ill, injured or require medical attention during your programme, support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Every Leap programme is accompanied by experienced leaders who live and travel alongside participants throughout the adventure. With a typical ratio of one leader for every ten Leapers, there is always someone on hand to provide immediate support, arrange medical care and respond quickly to emergencies.
Our leaders work closely with trusted local clinics, hospitals and healthcare providers, ensuring participants can access appropriate medical treatment as quickly as possible. Whether it's a minor illness, a sports injury or a more serious medical situation, our team will guide and support you every step of the way.
In addition to our in-country leadership team, The Leap's founders have been organising gap year and youth travel programmes since 1994. This means participants and parents benefit from experienced UK-based backup support, available around the clock when needed.
Thankfully, serious incidents are rare. However, should an emergency arise, you can be confident that you will be supported by experienced professionals with clear procedures, strong local networks and decades of experience managing young people overseas.
Yes. Participant safety is at the heart of everything we do.
The Leap has been organising overseas gap year and volunteering programmes since 1994 and operates to rigorous safety standards. Every programme is supported by detailed risk assessments, comprehensive safety procedures and trusted local partners who have been carefully selected and regularly reviewed.
We are proud members of the Year Out Group (YOG), the UK's recognised organisation for gap year providers, and the Gap Year Association (GYA), whose standards promote safety, transparency and best practice across the industry.
In addition, our programmes are designed in line with BS 8848, the British Standard for organising and managing overseas visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities.
Safety is about more than paperwork. Every programme is led by experienced staff, supported by established local partners and backed by 24/7 emergency support. We carefully assess accommodation, transport, activities, medical facilities and emergency procedures to help ensure participants can travel with confidence.
While all travel involves some level of risk, our experience, planning and professional approach help us provide safe, well-supported adventures that allow young people to challenge themselves, grow in confidence and explore the world responsibly.
