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.
Expand your worldview by diving into another culture. Become a more well-rounded traveler and build lasting friendships.
Travel with purpose and gain skills. Hear stories, discover fresh perspectives, and engage with critical global issues. Download our free Gap Guide.
Engage outside the confines of a group program. Travel independently with the support of Dragons resources and mentorship.
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 27+ 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, offset carbon emissions, and empower students to learn service responsibly.
FAQsEverything from the future of the Gap Year to interviews with our administrators. Explore Dragons in the news.
The best way to get to know us is through the words of our students. Read a few of our student testimonials.
We are continually striving to meet the highest standards of safety, social and environmental performance, and quality international education. View certifications and more.
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 give us a call to be in touch (303.413.0822).
Fill out an application and we’ll guide you through every step of the Enrollment Process and pre-departure preparations.
Travel in response to COVID-19 is evolving rapidly. Not only does this impact our approach to programming, it also deeply affects our global community partners who have made Dragons programs possible over the past 28 years. Visit COVID-19 Updates to read FAQs specific to Dragons programming and to learn what we are doing to support our in-country partners.
Covid-19 UpdatesAcross cultures stories are told about a hero’s journey to distant lands, only to find that what they seek is where the journey began: home. <a href="http://www.wheretherebedragons.com/news/dragons-update-jan-2021" style="color:#61818F;text-decoration:none">Read more »</a>
01.12.21Join us for a series of free webinars in the coming weeks with Dragons Director of Admissions, Eva Vanek, who will help answer your questions about summer, gap year, and college credit travel planning for 2021. Summer Travel Webinar Nov 25th at 5pm MST | Learn More/Register >> Dec 3rd at 5 pm MST | Learn More/Register >> Dec 9th at 5... <a href="http://www.wheretherebedragons.com/news/webinar-study-abroad-2021" style="color:#61818F;text-decoration:none">Read more »</a>
11.17.20Julianne Chandler, Latin America Program Director, shares her experience living in Bolivia as Covid-19 collided with the fallout of a major political crisis. <a href="http://www.wheretherebedragons.com/news/bolivia-webinar" style="color:#61818F;text-decoration:none">Read more »</a>
10.23.20