A student group takes in the sunrise as they prepare to hike out of a rural homestay community in Nepal. Photo by Arvin Singh Uzunov-Dang, instructor.
Travel with meaning and intention. Genuinely experience a different way of life while exploring your interests and developing valuable skills for your future. Learn more about our programs throughout Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the United States.
Our approach is simple: build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with local communities, work with the best instructors, and stay true to our responsible travel ethics.
Dragons students are travelers, not tourists. Course itineraries are built around nine Program Components which engage students in a wide range of hands-on activities such as homestays, trekking, apprenticeships, and language learning.
A typical group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors to ensure each student receives individual support and mentorship. On average our instructors are 30+ years of age, have 4+ years living abroad, and are fluent in the local language.
We run a limited number of programs because we value quality over quantity. And we never run the same trip twice; each program itinerary is intentional and directly infused with the regional expertise and passions of instructors.
Safety is our first priority. Over 30+ years we’ve built robust risk management systems and have been vetted by key partners including Princeton University, Tufts University, the Gap Year Association, and the US Secret Service.
Dragons programs are environmentally conscious and committed to building meaningful connections. We run longer programs that maximize time abroad and empower students to learn service responsibly.
The best way to get to know us is through our students; read a few of our Student Testimonials.
We strive for the highest standards of safety, global education, and social & environmental ethics.
We know there are a lot of things to consider before traveling, and we are here to help! Here are the basics:
Use the Find Your Adventure Tool to learn more about the programs that interest you. You can easily compare programs by emphasis (e.g., more homestays or more trekking) with our Program Comparison Chart.
We’re here to answer your questions. Send us an email, use the chat box, attend a webinar, or schedule a time for a call with our staff.
Fill out an application and we’ll guide you through every step of the Enrollment Process and pre-departure preparations.
Many gap year programs recognize the financial barriers some participants may face and offer various forms of financial assistance to make their programs more accessible. Some forms of funding include scholarships and donations, but most gappers work and save up money on their own. To maximize your ability to find funding, start planning as early... Read more »
08.28.23Gap years are becoming increasingly popular for high school graduates and college students seeking alternative education opportunities. Whether you’re craving a new perspective of the world, a break from traditional class studies, or an in-depth immersion into a new culture, gap year programs offer numerous benefits. Want to go on a gap year but... Read more »
08.21.23Homesickness is a feeling of longing or sadness that arises when someone is away from their familiar home environment when traveling, studying, or living in a new and unfamiliar place. Even seasoned travelers can still get homesick, so it’s important that you don’t let this prevent you from getting the most out of your experience, or... Read more »
08.07.23
Many gap year programs recognize the financial barriers some participants may face and offer various forms of financial assistance to make their programs more accessible. Some forms of funding include scholarships and donations, but most gappers work and save up money on their own. To maximize your ability to find funding, start planning as early... Read more »
08.28.23Gap years are becoming increasingly popular for high school graduates and college students seeking alternative education opportunities. Whether you’re craving a new perspective of the world, a break from traditional class studies, or an in-depth immersion into a new culture, gap year programs offer numerous benefits. Want to go on a gap year but... Read more »
08.21.23Homesickness is a feeling of longing or sadness that arises when someone is away from their familiar home environment when traveling, studying, or living in a new and unfamiliar place. Even seasoned travelers can still get homesick, so it’s important that you don’t let this prevent you from getting the most out of your experience, or... Read more »
08.07.23
