Gap Year Leaps

academic growth + personal wellbeing + lifelong transformation

Thrive + Flourish + Connect

The Leap is your essential Gap Year investment.

A Leap is more than a travel experience - it’s a 4-week journey of academic growth, personal wellbeing, and lifelong transformation. Rooted in the power of the three Cs - Challenge, Culture, and Contribution - and the power of the team, The Leap offers an opportunity to reshape your future and discover your potential.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, academic enhancement, or a boost to your mental and physical wellbeing, The Leap is your launchpad to thrive, flourish, and connect.

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The Power of a Leap

Did You Know? Research shows that adventure, connection, and contribution enhance well-being, particularly during midlife transitions. Midlife isn’t a time to slow down—it’s a time to dive in. The Leap offers an extraordinary opportunity to blend adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.

The Leap’s unique approach ensures every journey nurtures your:

Mind

Gain clarity and perspective through cultural immersion and reflection.

Body

Build resilience and strength through physical challenges like hiking and yoga.

Soul

Experience joy and purpose through meaningful connections and contributions.

Short Time, Big Impact

In just 4 weeks, The Leap combines meaningful projects, cultural immersion, and personal challenges to deliver lasting benefits:

  • Mind, Body, and Soul: Strengthen resilience, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
  • Academic and Career Boost: Gain UCAS points, hands-on skills, and standout achievements like the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
  • Team-Powered Connections: Travel with like-minded peers, building lifelong friendships and support networks.

“I needed a reset, and The Leap’s midlife journey was just that. I returned home inspired, energised, and with a new sense of purpose.”  
— Emma

Beyond Travel: Academic + Wellbeing Benefits

Educational Benefits

  • Earn UCAS points and recognized awards like the Gold Duke of Edinburgh.
  • Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural awareness.
  • Gain unique experiences that enhance university applications and interviews.

Wellbeing Benefits

  • Boost mental health and resilience through outdoor activities and meaningful projects.
  • Reconnect with nature, rediscover purpose, and leave feeling refreshed and inspired.

The Power of the Team

No Leap is taken alone. You’ll only travel with people your own age, creating a team dynamic where friendships form quickly, and everyone shares a common perspective.

Together, you’ll tackle challenges, celebrate successes, and create unforgettable memories. Our age-specific approach ensures strong bonds and a supportive environment, making every adventure not just successful but genuinely life-changing.

“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!”

Practical Support Every Step of the Way

From flights and visas to vaccinations and safety tips, we’re with you every step of the way. Milly, our founder, ensures a smooth experience with pre-departure Zoom calls to prepare your team.

  • 100,000+ volunteer hours contributed globally.
  • 90% of participants report increased confidence and independence.
  • 80% leave feeling more resilient and inspired.

Explore Our Gap Year Leaps

Your Gap Year, Transformed

A gap year is more than just a break - it’s a chance to explore, grow, and discover your purpose in the world. Whether you’re pausing before university, taking a career break, or craving adventure, our Gap Year Leaps offer unique experiences designed to challenge, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

Our Leaps are not your typical backpacking trips. They combine meaningful contribution, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-packed adventures, giving you a truly transformative experience. You’ll return not only with incredible memories but also with skills and stories that will set you apart in life.

Through our specially crafted itineraries, every Leap delivers:

  • Academic value: Gain a Diploma in International Volunteering, accredited and worth 16 UCAS points, to elevate your academic and career profile.
  • Well-being benefits: Build resilience, independence, and confidence through challenging projects and unique cultural experiences. These journeys are designed to help you reset, refocus, and thrive.
Peru Gap Year

Peru Gap Year

mountains + rain forest
3 weeks

Discover the ultimate contrast on this 3-week adventure through Peru’s dramatic landscapes. Trek the soaring Andes to iconic sites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, then plunge into the vibrant depths of the Amazon rainforest. Immerse yourself in rich Incan culture, contribute to impactful projects, and experience two breathtaking worlds in one unforgettable journey.

"Trekking to Machu Picchu was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Amazon took my breath away. I felt like I truly made a difference."

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Colombia Gap Year

Colombia Gap Year

Canyons + jungle + Beach
4 weeks

Brace yourself for a 4-week adventure packed with adrenaline, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. Trek through the lush Central Highlands, dive into vibrant Colombian culture, and make a real impact through community volunteering. Then, take on the epic Lost City Challenge, a trek through ancient trails and misty jungles, before unwinding on the stunning turquoise shores of the Caribbean.

"The Lost City trek pushed me beyond my limits, but the sense of achievement was incredible. Colombia’s beauty and culture were unforgettable."

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Costa Rica Gap Year

Costa Rica Gap Year

JUNgle + CLoud FOREST + Beach
4 weeks

Embark on the ultimate 4-week, 4-location adventure where conservation meets pure adrenaline. Protect baby turtles on pristine beaches, work on forest and wildlife projects in lush jungles, then switch gears to surf epic Pacific waves, zip-line through soaring jungle canopies, and chase breathtaking waterfalls. Experience the thrill of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity while making an impact you’ll never forget.

"Costa Rica was a dream come true! From saving baby turtles to zip-lining through rainforests, every moment was unforgettable."

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Cambodia Gap Year

Cambodia Gap Year

city + Jungle + BEACH
4 weeks

Start your adventure living in Siem Reap for two weeks, exploring the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat and helping with impactful social enterprises that change lives. Then, hit the road for an epic journey into the heart of hidden Asia - venturing into jungles, searching for endangered dolphins along the Mekong, and ending with sun-soaked days on the serene Rabbit Island.

"Cambodia opened my eyes to a whole new world. The projects, the people, and the adventures were life-changing."

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Kenya Gap Year

Kenya Gap Year

beach + bush
10 days

Get ready for an unforgettable 4-week adventure in Kenya with our award-winning NGO partners. Dive into marine conservation, protecting vibrant coral reefs and sea life, while contributing to life-changing community projects along the stunning Indian Ocean coast. Then, shift gears for a thrilling safari in the legendary Tsavo National Park, where vast landscapes and iconic wildlife create unforgettable moments.

"From snorkeling with dolphins to seeing elephants in Tsavo, Kenya was beyond my wildest dreams. I left feeling confident and inspired."

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The Power of the 3 Cs: Culture, Contribution + Challenge

Our journeys are thoughtfully crafted around three transformative pillars: Culture, Contribution and Challenge. These elements ensure every Leap is more than just an adventure—it’s a life-changing journey that leaves an indelible mark.

Challenge

Step outside your comfort zone with physical, emotional, and cultural challenges. Build resilience, adaptability, and self-confidence—skills that last a lifetime.

Culture

Immerse yourself in local traditions, food, and ways of life. Forge meaningful connections with communities and experience life beyond the tourist trail.

Contribution

Partner with NGOs to make a real difference through sustainable community and environmental projects.

Examples include building eco-friendly stoves, protecting sea turtles, and teaching in rural schools.

Kickstart your Gap Year

Life’s too short to stay on the side lines. In just 4 weeks, The Leap offers you the chance to make an impact, challenge yourself, and grow in ways you never imagined.  Found your perfect Leap? Then book yourself on.