Gap Year Programs

Suggested ages 17-22

Travel abroad with Dragons for your Gap Year. Hear new stories, discover fresh perspective, and engage with critical global issues through cultural immersion, wilderness exploration, language study, hands-on apprenticeships, and community engagement. Each semester is custom-crafted and led by expert instructors to ensure the most profound levels of immersion and mentorship. Dragons offers Gap Year programs for high school and college students in India, China, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more. Summer & Gap Home Page

Asia  6 programs


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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. Live in a farming village and sit for a Buddhist meditation retreat.

Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • Session A - Full
  • Session B - Limited Space
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Session A - Open
  • Session B - Open
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“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

On The Front Lines of Climate Change

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Investigate the impacts of climate change: travel to Himalayan glaciers and the Indian plains, examine environmental activism in rural and urban settings, and experience India's incredible cultural traditions.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • Open
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Open
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I loved my experience! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the unknown, whether that be the rolling mountains, the local people, or the unexpectedly delicious food.

Jack H.Bhutan Program

Bhutan Extension

A 10-Day Extension Program for Semesters

Description

Explore a Himalayan kingdom: travel to vast and ancient landscapes, examine Buddhism and sustainability with monks and environmentalists, and hike to sacred cliffside monasteries.

fall
Dec 3 - Dec 12, 2024
  • Open
spring
May 1 - May 10, 2025
  • Open
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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 & Taiwan Semester

Tapestry of Language & Culture

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Experience living historical connections: develop Mandarin skills by speaking with homestay families and immersive language study, and explore the depth of shared cultural traditions in China and Taiwan.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • 2 Spaces
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Open
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“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 Semester

Ecology & Spirituality Along the Mekong River

A 3-Month Gap Year Program

Description

Examine issues of transboundary resource management within Southeast Asia’s largest river basin, explore diverse belief systems, and participate in community-driven learning service.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • Open
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Open
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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

Experience the majesty of the most diverse archipelago on Earth: explore Javanese arts, trek to hidden jungle hot springs, spearfish with sea nomads, and discuss conservation initiatives with local experts.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • 4 Spaces
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Open

Latin America  3 programs


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“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: trek along glaciated peaks, connect with local communities, and build Spanish proficiency in a range of dramatic settings.

Note: This program may offer multiple sessions (same dates, separate groups). TBD sessions open based on demand.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • Session A - Full
  • Session B - Limited Space
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Session A - Open
  • Session B - Open
View program

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 & Social Justice

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.

fall
Sep 15 - Dec 3, 2024
  • Limited Space
spring
Feb 11 - May 1, 2025
  • Open