The most popular gap year ideas and why they’re worth it

But here’s the catch: a gap year isn’t a “year off.” It’s a “year on” for growth, learning, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re volunteering abroad, teaching English in Asia, or learning Spanish in South America, there’s a gap year path for every personality. In this article, you’ll discover some of the most popular gap year ideas on GoAbroad (including amazing programs to consider!), how to match your goals to the right experience, and even how to capture it all using Travel Diaries.

Why take a gap year?

A gap year isn’t about pressing pause. It’s about pressing reset—so you can move forward with energy, clarity, and intention. After years of nonstop studying, exams, and routines, stepping outside your comfort zone for a few months can help you rediscover your curiosity and build confidence in ways a classroom never could.

Students who take gap years often return more focused, adaptable, and resilient. Whether you're hiking through Southeast Asia, shadowing a healthcare professional in Spain, or volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya, you're building cultural awareness, soft skills, and a much deeper understanding of the world—and yourself. It also looks great on resumes and college applications, especially when you can reflect on what you learned and how you grew.

^{Freedom of a gap year adventure hike}

The 6 most popular gap year ideas around the world

With so many ways to travel meaningfully, the most challenging part might just be choosing what kind of gap year suits you best. Here are some of the most popular ideas, and the programs that bring them to life.

1. Volunteer abroad

Volunteering abroad is one of the most fulfilling ways to spend a gap year. It allows you to give back to communities while gaining perspective and practical experience. Whether you're planting coral in the South Pacific or tutoring schoolchildren in rural villages, each day is rich with purpose.

Popular volunteer fields:

• Wildlife conservation
• Education and youth mentorship
• Community development

Recommended programs:

• GoEco sea turtle conservation in Greece – Protect endangered species on sun-drenched shores, focusing on the maximum success rate of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings.
• IVHQ childcare volunteering in Ghana – Support the education and provide care to underprivileged children from urban and rural communities in Accra and its surrounding areas.

^{Volunteering at a beach cleanup}

2. Work & travel on a working holiday visa

A working holiday is the perfect gap year solution for travelers who want to earn while they explore. Countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada offer visas that let you work legally, so you can support your travels and gain job experience along the way.

Why it’s worth it:

• Builds independence and budgeting skills
• Offers a deep cultural dive through everyday life
• Encourages friendships with fellow travelers

Recommended programs:

• Greenheart Travel working holiday in Australia – Find jobs in hospitality, tourism, or farms while exploring the best of Aussie beaches and bushland.
• Internex seasonal resort jobs in Canada – Work in ski resorts or mountain lodges while enjoying the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

^{Working abroad with a view on the Canadian Rocky Mountains}

3. Learn a new language abroad

Full immersion is one of the fastest, most effective ways to learn a new language—and there’s no better time than during a gap year. Beyond the grammar lessons, you'll gain cultural insight and complete confidence speaking with locals in everyday settings.

Top language gap year benefits:

• Boosts brainpower and communication skills
• Enhances travel and career opportunities
• Deepens cultural understanding

Recommended programs:

• KCP language & culture program in Tokyo – Dive into Japanese language and traditions in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
• MAXIMO NIVEL Spanish immersion in Latin America – Study Spanish in Guatemala, Peru, or Costa Rica with homestays, cultural workshops, and excursions.

_{A gap year is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a new language}

4. Adventure & outdoor travel

If you’re the kind of person who feels alive on a mountaintop or underwater, an adventure-focused gap year is calling. These programs challenge your body and mind, whether you’re trekking remote trails, rafting wild rivers, or exploring biodiversity hotspots.

What you’ll gain:

• Physical fitness and endurance
• Courage and teamwork
• Once-in-a-lifetime memories

Recommended programs:

• Pacific Discovery gap semester in Southeast Asia – Travel across Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia through service, adventure, and cultural experiences.
• Pure Exploration adventure guide program in New Zealand – Train to become a certified outdoor leader while hiking, climbing, and canyoning in New Zealand’s epic wilderness.

^{Adventurous hiking in New Zealand}

5. Intern or shadow professionals abroad

Interning or job shadowing during a gap year helps bridge the space between school and career. It’s ideal for students exploring future paths or wanting to build their resumes before college or a job.

Popular internship fields:

• Healthcare and pre-med
• Business and marketing
• Journalism and media

Recommended programs:

• The Intern Group global internships – Choose from placements in cities like London, Madrid, or Buenos Aires in industries tailored to your goals.
• Absolute Internship international placements – Work in a high-impact role while building cross-cultural communication skills and global networks.

^{Dive into new experiences and learning on the job during an internship}

6. Take courses or get certified

For students who want to keep learning during their gap year, there are plenty of programs that combine travel with academics or certifications. From TEFL courses to photography workshops, these programs let you pick up new skills with real-world relevance.

Why it’s valuable:

• Adds structure to your gap year
• Leads to future teaching, travel, or academic opportunities
• Makes your gap year even more enriching

Recommended programs:

• Where There Be Dragons gap semester in the Himalayas – Dive deep into Himalayan culture, language, religion, and politics on this immersive academic program based in the Kathmandu Valley.
• EF Gap Year semester programs in multiple destinations – Build your language skills and take university-style classes in Asia, Europe, Oceania, or Latin America.

^{Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Himalayan culture}

What’s the right gap year for you?

With so many inspiring and exciting possibilities, choosing the right gap year can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. A little self-reflection and planning go a long way in matching you with an experience that fits your goals, values, and budget.

Here are a few quick tips to guide your decision:

• Clarify your goals. Are you hoping to build career skills, learn a language, dive into a new culture, or have an epic outdoor adventure?
• Read reviews. Learn from past participants on GoAbroad who’ve been there and done that.
• Use GoAbroad’s Online Advisor. Get personalized gap year program recommendations based on your interests!
• Create a MyGoAbroad account. Save and organize your favorite programs, track your applications, and stay organized.
• Don’t skip the logistics. Use our recommended travel resources to check visa requirements, budgeting details, and travel insurance. Plus, find out what’s included in your chosen program.

Taking the time to plan ensures a smoother, more rewarding journey so you can focus on making the most of every moment.

Capture your gap year story with Travel Diaries

One of the most powerful parts of your gap year will be the memories you make—and how you choose to remember them. That’s where the partnership between GoAbroad and Travel Diaries comes in. Get the chance to create a personalized, online record of your gap year as it happens.

Write daily updates, add photos, mark your route on an interactive map, and share your journey with friends and family. When it’s all over, turn your entries into a professionally printed travel book—a keepsake that preserves not just where you went, but how you changed along the way.

Start your travel journal as soon as you start planning. Trust us, even your pre-departure jitters and packing mishaps will be fun to look back on.

^{Document your gap year adventures with Travel Diaries}

Your gap year, your way

The most popular gap year ideas all have one thing in common: they help you grow while you go. Whether you’re volunteering with sea turtles in Greece, working a ski season in Canada, learning Spanish in Peru, or shadowing professionals in Madrid, you’re stepping into a journey that will shape your worldview and your future.

There’s no one right way to take a gap year. But there is your way. Explore GoAbroad’s Gap Year directory to find the program that speaks to your passions, goals, and curiosity. Then pack your bags (and your journal), and get ready to make this year unforgettable.

This article is written by GoAbroad, a leading resource for meaningful travel and international education, connecting students and travelers with life-changing programs around the world. From study abroad to volunteer experiences, GoAbroad empowers global citizens to explore with purpose.