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When you think about summer or gap year travel, what comes to mind? Adventure, freedom, new cultures, maybe a little sun-soaked beach time? At The Leap, we’re all for those experiences, but what if your travel could also tick some serious future-focused boxes too?
Enter the ultimate win-win: our volunteering programmes aren’t just enriching and exciting, they’re also officially UCAS certified and approved for the residential section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. That means your time abroad can help shape your future, academically and personally, in ways that traditional travel simply can’t match.
First things first, yes, it’s true. All of our summer and gap year Leaps offer the chance to earn a Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering, awarded by the National Open College Network (NOCN). This is a real academic qualification that sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), equivalent to an A-level, and worth up to 16 UCAS points.
Whether you’re applying for university or looking to impress future employers, this qualification shows you’ve gone above and beyond. It’s evidence of your commitment, independence, teamwork, cultural awareness, and genuine contribution to global issues. It makes your personal statement more than just words, it shows action.
If you’re working toward your Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, you’ll know the Residential section can sometimes be the hardest box to tick. But not anymore.
Every one of our Leaps qualifies as a Gold DofE Residential. That means you’ll spend at least five days and four nights away from home, with people you’ve never met before, contributing to a meaningful project. Think rewilding rainforest in Costa Rica, helping with sustainable gardening in Kenya, or joining a youth empowerment programme in Colombia.
Not only does this tick the DofE requirement, it gives you an incredible experience to talk about in interviews, write about in personal statements, and reflect on long after the journey ends.
Universities receive thousands of applications every year, many with similar grades and academic achievements. What sets candidates apart are the stories, experiences, and real-world skills they bring with them.
Admissions tutors want to see initiative, leadership, resilience, and a global mindset. A Leap demonstrates all of this and more. It shows you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone, contributed to something meaningful, and developed a deeper understanding of the world.
When you write your personal statement, you’ll have something real to say, something beyond school trips and hobbies. You’ll be able to reflect on moments of challenge, growth, teamwork, and discovery.
Forget whiteboards and worksheets, our programmes are about learning through action. You might be:
Every day is packed with purpose. And while the work can be tough, it’s also transformational. You’ll learn practical skills, understand global challenges firsthand, and come home with more confidence, independence, and perspective.
Of course, it’s not all about the CV. These experiences are also incredibly social and satisfying. You’ll meet like-minded people who share your curiosity, compassion, and spirit of adventure. Many of our Leapers make friends for life, people who continue travelling together, support each other through university, and stay connected long after the trip ends.
You’ll share laughter, challenges, and unforgettable moments, from hiking to waterfalls in the jungle, to playing football with local kids, to watching the sunset over the savannah.
It’s a rare mix: a trip that’s both meaningful and magical.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that this kind of travel takes a full year out. Not true. Many of our Leapers join us for just four weeks over their summer holidays, before university, sixth form, or even in between school years.
It’s the perfect window to gain real-world experience, meet new people, and boost your university application, without missing a beat in your academic timeline.
If you’re dreaming of a summer that’s more than just a beach party, a gap year that gives you direction, or a head start before university, then this is your moment.
Our certified, supported, and seriously fun programmes let you make the most of your time, grow as a person, and gain qualifications that open doors.
So go ahead. Make your travels count, for now, and for your future.
Make it meaningful. Choose to Leap.
Open to under 18 students from schools across the UK, this adventure offers the perfect mix of fun, friendship, and impact. Work together as a team on vital marine conservation and community projects in the stunning coastal region of Kuruwitu. From regenerating coral reefs to building sustainable gardens, your efforts will help protect ecosystems and empower local communities.
Swap the ordinary for the extraordinary - explore Costa Rica’s vibrant rainforests, rugged coastlines, and cloud forests while making a real difference. Our 4-week programme blends hands-on conservation work with adrenaline-fuelled adventure, taking you off the beaten track to work with turtles, restore ecosystems, and support local communities.
