Booking a Leap team programme is the perfect addition to any gap year. Not only do you get the chance to join a volunteering project that will leave a hugely positive impact on the communities you meet, but you get to do all of this with a team of like-minded people your own age. Many gap year companies will advertise their programmes for people age 18-30 but here at The Leap we know that an 18 year old will be at a very different stage in life to someone who's approaching 30! Everyone on our Leap team programmes is between 18-22, meaning that you'll be surrounded by people just like you - perfect if you're looking to make friends to onward travel with after the programme.
If you've not done much backpacking before then this is the perfect way to build your confidence, with team leaders with you throughout to offer support, as well as the UK team, who are available 24/7 should you need us. Everyone in your team will be in the same boat as you, but by the end of your time with The Leap you'll have the confidence and skills you need to continue your backpacking adventures (maybe with your new friends).
So, kick start your gap year with a Leap team programme, all of which combine a mix of locations and contrasting projects, with a broad focus on global warming, climate change, conservation, community, and language skills. Our in-country guides are on hand to take care of all the logistics so you hit the ground running - contributing and exploring from the moment you arrive.
Never has gap year planning, travelling, and volunteering been so easy, so get in touch with the gap year experts.
We've been in this business for over 20 years, and have sent gappers to all corners of the globe. We've had many years of helping intrepid explorers plan their adventures and feel confident helping Leapers find their perfect programme, or independent travellers plan their routes and itineraries. There's no question too weird or wonderful, at this point we really have heard it all and we're here to help you plan a gap year filled with exciting and contrasting experiences.
Starting your gap year travel with us allows you to hit the ground running and everyone can relax knowing you're in safe hands. Through the Leap programme you have the chance to give something back, head off the backpacker trail, make friends for life, and develop many ‘soft skills’ that are coveted in the workplace and will definitely enhance your CV.
Our programmes enable you to become travel savvy, knowing that if anything goes wrong we are on hand 24/7 to assist. We know that after a programme you will be ready for the challenge of independent backpacking, often with the new friends you've made whilst on a Leap team programme.
Travelling on a Leap programme will ensure you develop specific CV worthy skills that make your gap year count. Don't be just another traveller.
We are Duke of Edinburgh award approved. Travel with us on our programme and you will qualify for the 'residential' part of your training.
Travel as part of a team of like-minded gappers providing a guaranteed social scene and great campfire moments.
It's impossible to showcase all our gap year programmes on this page, so we have chosen four gapper favourites to get the ball rolling and inspire you. All our programmes weave a mix of projects and adventures but, of course, some are better for community, others for conservation. Keep scrolling until you find your perfect fit. Alternatively, arrange a Zoom call with Milly or Zoë and they will walk you through each one (without being biased).
All of our Leap gap year programmes contain an element of contributing back to the countries you're visiting. Whether that's building jiko stoves for local women in Kenya, helping baby turtles reach the ocean in Costa Rica, or teaching in a local school in Colombia. We're passionate about the NGOs we work with, and we know that the work that they're doing, that you would help with, is hugely impactful. If you've wanted to help with something bigger than you whilst on your gap year then now is your chance.
Because it's fun and the camaraderie is tangible. 99% of our Leapers join a team without knowing anyone else, so if you're worried that you'll join a team where everyone is already friends then don't be. Everyone joins because they want to experience contributing and adventure with a like minded travellers. Not only will you all have a great time on the programme together, but we've found that many Leapers then go on to backpack together afterwards with their newfound travel buddies.
We're here to help you every step of the way with your travel planning admin. As soon as you've signed up to a team programme, we'll then advise you on what flight to book, what vaccinations you'll need, if you'll need a visa, and what gap year insurance you'll need to buy. Closer to the time Milly will host a Zoom call with the team to talk through any other admin such as money, SIM cards, safety etc. We know that many of our Leapers have never travelled before so we're on hand to offer any advice and help you could need.