Looking for a more independent next step in your Gap Year? For those who have completed a group travel program (+1 month with any provider), we offer more autonomous and self-directed international experiences.
open
open
18-25
Tuition is all inclusive aside from airfare and insurance fees.
Group travel is a great way to explore different cultures, build community with other travelers, and develop important life & travel skills. But after months spent in the close company of peers, you may be feeling the need to spread your wings...
…and yet, it can be hard to know where to start!
How can I break out of the backpacker tourist traps and questionable “voluntourism” industry? How do I build authentic connections with individuals and communities without the benefit of trusted contacts on the ground? Who do I call for support in times of need?
The Independent Spring Experience (ISE) provides opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural engagement outside the structure of a group semester, but still with the support of Dragons resources and mentorship. We work with individual students to co-create a personalized and self-directed experience. Utilizing our decades of expertise in cross-cultural education, international risk management and emergency response, and ethical community engagement, an ISE program is an empowering next step in your Gap Year progression.
Why choose a Dragons Independent Spring Experience (ISE)?
We have heard from past Gap Year students that their independent travels…
…and yet, it can be hard to know where to start!
How can I break out of the backpacker tourist traps and questionable “voluntourism” industry? How do I build authentic connections with individuals and communities without the benefit of trusted contacts on the ground? Who do I call for support in times of need?
The Independent Spring Experience (ISE) provides opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural engagement outside the structure of a group semester, but still with the support of Dragons resources and mentorship. We work with individual students to co-create a personalized and self-directed experience. Utilizing our decades of expertise in cross-cultural education, international risk management and emergency response, and ethical community engagement, an ISE program is an empowering next step in your Gap Year progression.
Why choose a Dragons Independent Spring Experience (ISE)?
We have heard from past Gap Year students that their independent travels have lacked adequate intention and guidance, which left them feeling lost or even conflicted about the ethics and efficacy of a volunteer placement or other aspects of their travels. We also heard a desire for more on-the-ground mentorship and support in order to thrive in a new setting. Based on feedback from students and partner organizations, we created ISE programs to meet the need for a more intentionally supported, independent cross-cultural experience in your Gap Year progression.
What does a ISE program consist of?
ISE programs are offered in places where Dragons has long-established and active community networks. We are currently offering ISE options in Guatemala, Bolivia, Senegal, Nepal, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Each program site is staffed by a Dragons On-Site Coordinator: a veteran Dragons instructor with expertise in the country and extensive experience working with Dragons Gap Year students and our standards of excellence. The On-Site Coordinator has weekly face-to-face meetings with each student, conducts a multi-day orientation focused on safety, cultural norms, and strategies for engagement, and acts as a cultural facilitator and mentor throughout. ISE programs have a strong emphasis on cultural and language immersion and in-depth exploration of critical issues. Participants are placed with a trusted homestay family for the duration of the program, receive intensive language instruction (if desired), and are paired with local mentors for an Independent Study Project (ISP). In addition, participants have 24/7 access to our in-country and international emergency response resources. ISE programs have multiple start dates with a 6-week minimum length and the option for weekly extensions.
Click on the gallery below to browse photos, videos and quotes from our participants and instructors.
Note: Optional weekly extensions at cost of $800 per week up to May 1st
Note: Program fees are based on current circumstances and are subject to change.
Expenses that are not accounted for in program fees may include flight costs, personal travel, immunizations, books and supplies (e.g. for ISP), additional snacks, visa, ISOS evacuation insurance, personal medical insurance and costs, and other personal expenses. Included below are some estimated personal expenses. Some expenses are discretionary and vary based on individual student preferences.
See full Course Offering descriptions.