Gap Year Programs

Cate discovered a new country by traveling and being taught by experienced instructors…and also staying with families and being involved in their day-to-day life. The length of the program is vital to having this life-changing opportunity. Cate’s heart, body, and mind have been stretched in a wonderful way. We are so grateful.
Cheryl & Dick H., parents of participantNepal Semester

Nepal Semester

Himalayan Studies

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Experience the enchantment of the Himalayas: trek on the roof of the world, study traditional arts with local masters, and sit for a Buddhist meditation retreat. For students interested in high-mountain exploration, eastern spiritual and artistic traditions, and connecting with the kindness of Nepali hospitality. wfa Participants receive a WFA certification

fall

1 Space

spring

Open

Jul 17 - Jul 26, 2025

I’ve traveled a lot in my life and I can 100% say that this was the best, most meaningful trip I’ve been on…What I’d say is the most important part of this trip is how learning about these cultures and having these experiences made me reflect and learn about myself and how I view the world.
Margaux H.Bhutan Program

Bhutan

Happiness in the Himalayas

A 10-Day Abroad Program

Description

Adventure to a remote Himalayan kingdom and explore inspiring conservation projects , sacred cliffside monasteries, and how happiness can be a national measure of success. This 10-day travel intensive program is for students interested in hands-on exposure to Buddhist practices and long-held Himalayan traditions.

summer

3 Spaces

fall

Dec 4 - Dec 13, 2025

Open

Sep 15 - Oct 19, 2025

One of the coolest and most meaningful life experiences I’ve had thus far.
Maggie A.Past Student

Japan Semester

Arts, Food, & Culture

A 5-Week Gap Year Program

Description

Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich arts and traditions through a series of hands-on experiences with the support of language lessons.

fall

8 Spaces

What is so unique about Dragons is that they foster the opportunities and space for experiences like nomadic/rural homestays that would be really rare, hard, or even impossible to do by ourselves independently.
Amanda T.China Semester

China Semester

Mandarin Language Intensive

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Improve your Mandarin through intensive daily practice, immerse yourself in a diversity of Chinese cultural traditions and communities, and gain valuable insights into contemporary China. For students interested in Mandarin language study, cultural immersion, and a broad exposure to daily life in China.

fall

7 Spaces

spring

Open

Just let yourself go through it all. Sometimes you might not feel like you’ve grown or had changed perspectives, but it will all come together at the end.
Anna H.Indonesia Semester

Indonesia Semester

Conservation & Culture in the World’s Largest Archipelago

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Join one of our most adventurous and diverse programs in Asia. Experience living with a nomadic sea-faring community, explore traditional Javanese arts and crafts and gain insight into complex climate change issues in the world’s most diverse archipelago. For students interested in grassroots environmental initiatives, meaningful community engagement, and exploring Indonesia’s diverse cultural traditions.

fall

5 Spaces

spring

Open

Sep 15 - Oct 26, 2025

“I learned so much from the different people that we met and the people on the course. I learned a lot just from being in a place that’s so different from anywhere else I’ve been. And each activity or lesson we had taught me something new.”
Maeve CosgroveIndia Semester

India Semester

Environmental & Climate Change Intensive

A 6-Week Gap Year Program

Description

Trek in the Himalayas, witness the immediate impacts of climate change from the mountains to the delta, and access the vast diversity of India’s people, cultures, and landscapes. For students interested in engaging with environmental issues, experiencing the incredible diversity of India, and moving through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

fall

Open

“The Mekong course offered life-changing opportunities to live with and learn from people whose experiences and culture differ immensely from my own. I formed deep and meaningful relationships with those around me and challenged my preconceived notions of a beautiful region through intellectual, cultural and personal exploration that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Myles H.Southeast Asia Semester

Southeast Asia & China Semester

A Regional Travel Intensive By Land & Water

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Gain essential travel skills, cross-cultural competencies, and broad exposure to pressing contemporary topics while traveling across Southeast Asia and southern China. For students interested in a comprehensive travel experience that strengthens leadership skills, travel savvy, and understanding of the region.

fall

Open

spring

Open

Africa 2 programs

Sep 15 - Oct 26, 2025

Meeting with local speakers, especially NGO workers, was particularly powerful because we saw first hand how development issues and themes affected the local population and what was being done to address them. The village homestay was incredible and I felt more welcomed there than I have anywhere in the world.
Claire R.West Africa Semester

Senegal Semester

Youth Leadership, Arts, & Culture

A 6-week Gap Year Program

Description

Experience one of the most vibrant and welcoming countries in the world. Connect with inspiring artists, local youth movements, and diverse community members. For students interested in exploring an artistic craft or skill, working with Senegalese youth, and gaining exposure to complex social and environmental challenges and solutions.

fall

7 Spaces

The most enjoyable activity was the time spent with my younger sister at my rural homestay. She taught me to read Arabic, and I taught her some English and the bonding was powerful.
Anna K.Morocco Program

Morocco & Spain Semester

Crossroads of Culture & Borderlands

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Gain exposure to the different languages, faiths, and cultures that create the living history across the Straits of Gibraltar from Morocco to Spain. For students interested in exploring contemporary ties between North Africa and Europe while gaining valuable insights into Islam, migration, and Arabic language.

fall

7 Spaces

spring

Open

Latin America 2 programs

“My biggest goal coming into this was to leave the trip more present, curious, and inspired. I didn’t know how to explain it but I think I was really trying to come more alive. I came alive on this trip.”
El W.South America Semester

South America Semester

Andes & Amazon

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Immerse yourself in the language and culture of the Andes and Amazon regions: trek along glaciated peaks, connect with indigenous communities, and build Spanish proficiency in a range of beautiful settings. For students interested in deepening their language confidence, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, engaging with Indigenous movements, and exploring pre-colonial civilizations. wfa Participants receive a WFA certification

fall

4 Spaces

spring

Open

The most impactful moments for me was during both homestays and seeing how much the family members cared for each other and me. Both times they said that I was a part of their family and could come back anytime and stay with them. This was so meaningful because they had only known me for a couple of days and I want to bring this kind of compassion back to the US.
Ben W.Guatemala Program

Guatemala & Mexico Semester

Spanish Language & Community Movements

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Build Spanish language fluency: learn from grassroots activists, and engage with diverse Mesoamerican communities, cultures, and territories throughout Guatemala and southern Mexico. For students interested in exploring grassroots activism, sustainable agriculture, Latin American colonial history, and dramatically improving their Spanish-speaking skills through classes and cultural immersion.

fall

Open

spring