A gap year is anything but a year off. Deciding to defer university for a semester or a year is often the most important educational decision a student makes, and is supported by top colleges and universities. Gap years are formative experiences that encourage personal growth while helping students determine how they want to spend the next four years and beyond.
Rustic Pathways Gap Year programs each last for one semester and are designed to provide different opportunities for travel, cultural immersion, service and non-cognitive skills development. Among the many possibilities, students can immerse themselves in Latin American culture, learn marine conservation in the South Pacific, or intern with a partner organisation.
Spend time exploring, learning, and volunteering in the South Pacific, Africa, or Southeast Asia. Intentionally designed to provide adventurous, well-rounded, and team-oriented experiences, these students learn valuable skills by contributing to community-driven service projects, immersing themselves in local culture, and embarking on outdoor adventures.
Discover the stunning natural wonders, friendly people, and rich cultures of Latin America while studying Spanish and engaging in meaningful community-driven service projects in Costa Rica, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Personal Spanish language classes, homestays with local families, and service projects will offer you endless opportunities to practice and learn Spanish.
For independent students and those seeking career-development opportunities, this program offers internships in Rustic Pathways’ destination countries. Varying by country, internships are offered with local NGOs and trusted partners in diverse fields, from marine conservation to secondary education. The program culminates in a group reflection session that allows students to evaluate their work abroad and confidently prepare for university life.
We offer scholarships to outstanding students from all over the world who demonstrate commitment to success on our gap year programs. These scholarships are awarded to qualified students based on a combination of merit and financial need. They may cover up to 100 percent of the program cost of a gap semester. Visit rusticpathways.com/financial-aid for more information.