Pre-College and Gap Year Programs Abroad

Education abroad professionals use a variety of labels for pre-college students who want to study abroad before starting their college or university career, making it somewhat problematic to search for programs through online databases. Terms currently used for this student population include: Pre-College, Pre-Freshman, Prematriculated, January/February Admitted Students, Second Semester Admits, Gap Year Students, and High School Graduates.

For the best inside information and recommendations, see the comprehesive article "The Allure of the Gap Year" by Susan Griffith, author of Your Gap Year, and our interview with Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson, Taking Time Off Before College: What Is the Gap Year Abroad Advantage?

SPI College Credit Study Abroad — Homestay Immersion Study abroad and earn college credit this summer in Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Costa Rica, or Italy! SPI programs truly let you experience the language and culture from an insider's perspective as you live with a local homestay family, travel to amazing sites, take fun classes for college credit, and prepare yourself for college. Dates: Summer June - July Costs: $2000-6000 All Inclusive Program Fees! Contact: SPI Study Abroad, 11149 Research Blvd Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 Phone: 866-502-7505. Fax: 512-532-0803 Email: info@spiabroad.com Website: www.spiabroad.com

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The Learning Traveller — Gap Year Language Immersion Programs Gap year programs are gaining popularity! While many students will choose to work, volunteer or simply travel, more and more high school grads are enrolling in language immersion programs with a view to furthering their language skills, expanding their horizons, refreshing themselves intellectually and gaining some real life experience before committing to the next phase of their academic lives. The Learning Traveller offers year-round language immersion programs for students 16+ in 6 key languages and more than 9 wonderful locations. Programs can be booked for as little as two weeks and for stays up to 12 months. All levels from beginner to advanced are accommodated and all programs offer at least one, if not two or three, accommodation options including homestay, residence and shared/private apartments. Programs attract students from around the world, offering students an exciting and truly international experience. Providing the highest levels of program knowledge and customer support, let us help you choose the perfect gap year language immersion program.
	Dates Offered: Summer and Year-Round Programs Costs: From US$1700 Contact: The Learning Traveller Inc, 121 Wyndham St., Ste. 201, North Guelph, Ont. N1H 4E9, Canada Phone: Toll free 1 888 386 1411. +1 519 821 3202. Fax: +1 519 821 7490. Email: info@learningtraveller.com Website: www.learningtraveller.com
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The Learning Traveller Teen Homestay Program in Costa Rica The Learning Traveller Teen Homestay Program in Costa Rica is the perfect combination of Spanish classes, volunteering, culturally enriching activities and a chance to stay with warm and welcoming host families. Participants will see their Spanish improve while learning about daily life in Costa Rica. Activities include a full schedule of sightseeing to volcanoes, coffee plantations and gorgeous sandy beaches as well as cooking classes, dance lessons, art workshops and lots of time for soccer, swimming and other leisure sports. This is a high quality, high supervision program open to teens from 13 to 17.  All levels of Spanish speaking ability are welcome!
	Dates: End of June to end of August, 2010 Costs: From $1850 for 2 weeks Contact: The Learning Traveller Inc. Suite 201, 121 Wyndham Street North Guelph, Ontario, N1H 4E9 Canada  Phone: Toll free 1 888 386 1411. +1 519 821 3202. Fax: +1 519 821 7490. Email: info@learningtraveller.com Website: www.learningtraveller.com
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Worldwide — Namibia, Tanzania & Nepal Medical & Nursing work experience placements in Africa and Asia Gap Medics arranges placements for students in carefully selected hospitals in Namibia, Nepal and Tanzania. Following intensive pre-placement preparation, participants gain on-the-job training as well as making a real contribution to the local community and having the experience of a lifetime. With the support and guidance of our dedicated in country teams, the security of our privately rented houses and the unparalleled placement opportunities, we offer the safest and greatest opportunity for students to explore the world of medicine. Gap Medics builds on the success our sister company Work the World, the UK’s number one provider of healthcare elective placements.
	Dates: Throughout the year, placements arranged according to your dates. Cost: Prices start at £1290 Contact: Omar Mohamed & Dave Brown, Work the World, The Brighton Forum, 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1273 573876 / +44 (0)1273 689021 Website: www.gapmedics.com
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International Doorways WELCOME! Bienvenido! Bonjour! Zdravstvuite! Konnichiwa! From the heart of the Southern Hemisphere of Bali, to the Sacred Ancient Inca Ruin Site of Machu Picchu in Peru; participants will travel to, and participate in interactive projects in rarely accessed locations. This will provide students with an exceptional opportunity to explore cultures, ancient and modern; fundamentally different from their own. At International Doorways we seek to stimulate, educate and develop teenagers to partake in positive contributions enhancing global awareness. Programs last from two to six weeks focusing on key elements such as language study, community service, short internships/independent travel study & outdoor adventure.
	Dates: June, July & August (Custom Programs Available Year Round) Cost: $2000-$7000 Full & Partial Scholarships Are Offered Contact: International Doorways. Program Director: Kathleen Vivas, P. O. Box 12721, Raleigh, NC 27605 Tel.: (919) 832-3706 Email: Info@InternationalDoorways.com Website: www.InternationalDoorways.com
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Volunteer in Spain Beef up your resume at Instituto Hemingway. Instituto Hemingway Spanish School is an excellent choice to spend your vacation, enjoy sun, mountain and sea views. Make new friends and learn a new culture. You will have the time of your life! We offer Spanish lessons throughout the year plus jobs, internships and volunteer programs.
	Dates: Throughout the year, any time, any program. Cost: From US $100 per week. Contact: Instituto Hemingway, Bailen 5, 2 Dcha. 48003 – Bilbao 48003 Spain Tel.: +34 94 416 7901. Fax: +34 94 416 57 48 Email: info@institutohemingway.com Website: www.institutohemingway.com
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CIEE: Gap Year Abroad Programs Language / Culture / Challenge Gap Year Abroad with CIEE offers college-bound high school graduates an opportunity to acquire a broader global perspective, foster independence, and gain self-knowledge in six countries. Our programs offer accelerated language growth through classes and immersion into a foreign community, the opportunity to live with a host family, and experience abroad participating in organized volunteer work in the local community. Included in the CIEE program are day and weekend excursions of cultural and historical importance that will provide an important dimension to understanding of the host country. Dates: Semester and Year programs available Contact: CIEE Gap Year Abroad Programs, 300 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101 Tel: 1.800.40.STUDY Email: gapyear@ciee.org Website: www.ciee.org/gap

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GLA Pre-College Enrichment Programs Global Leadership Adventures offers pre-college enrichment trips to Asia, Latin America, and Africa. We have trips designed to foster personal growth and help students prepare for college. Through immersion and community service, students develop an understanding of a country's arts, culture and history in a way no textbook alone could ever convey. Program themes include healthcare, political-economic issues, international relations, poverty alleviation, wildlife and environmental protection, and children's rights. You'll go on exciting excursions. Imagine hiking the Great Wall of China, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru, or going on a safari to see lions in Africa!
	Dates: Mid June to Late August 2011 Cost: $1,995 - $4,395 Contact: Global Leadership Adventures, 3636 Camino del Rio North, Suite 120, San Diego, CA 92108 Tel: 858-771-0645 Email: info@experienceGLA.com Website: www.experiencegla.com
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Aidan College Switzerland — A programme of intellectual and physical challenges Get a head start in life! Join us in an outstanding alpine environment to pursue your passions with a tailor-made programme and new friends from all over the world! Develop skills for life such as creativity, teamwork, initiative or leadership by joining our programme of intellectual and physical challenges in Switzerland. Select stimulating courses and projects to help you reach your university and career goals. Choose a challenge: working in a group, pick a project related to an issue of global significance, apply yourself to developing solutions and implement your solution in the real world. Experience immersion in the French language. And finally, embark on our expeditions to explore some of Switzerland's richness and most spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers where endless opportunities for exciting adventures await you!
	Dates: Fall term, Winter term, Spring term, Summer camp, Academic Year. Please see our website for detailed dates. Cost: Varies according to the length and type of programme chosen. Please see our website for details. Contact: Véronique Bertrand Bouffard, director, Aidan College, Route de Vasselin 2, 1892 Lavey-Village, Switzerland. Tel: 024 485 11 23 Email: info@aidancollege.ch Website: www.aidancollege.ch
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Costa Rica Experience Explore Costa Rica’s most incredible sights and get first-hand experience of local life! Take in everything from the Arenal Volcano to the idyllic Bocas del Toro islands and get ready for a truly Costa Rican adventure. Volunteer to save the sea turtles on the Pacific Coast, take a kayak trip, explore life above the canopy line, get adrenaline pumping on a zip line, try surfing, and build homes for underprivileged families. A jam-packed adventure that leaves no stone unturned in this beautiful Central American country!
	Dates: Monthly departures January to November. Cost: $2,549. Contact: Will Jones, Marketing Manager, Real Gap, 1 Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2YG, UK. Tel.: +44 1892 701 888 Email: will.jones@realgap.com Website: www.realgap.org
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Kruger to Coast Volunteer Adventure Get ready for an adventure that gives you the chance to experience Southern Africa’s wonders; set off on safari, spend 5 days in Kruger National Park, take a dip with Whale Sharks and get a taste of Swazi life! Camp in Kruger National Park, the most famous wildlife spot in South Africa, and spend two weeks working in care centers that offer support to orphans and children affected by the AIDS pandemic, aged between 3 and 13 years old. Head to Mozambique and help on a whale shark conservation project in the Indian Ocean!
	Dates: Monthly departures year-round. Cost: $3,079. Contact: Will Jones, Marketing Manager, Real Gap, 1 Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2YG, UK. Tel.: +44 1892 701 888 Email: will.jones@realgap.com Website: www.realgap.org
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Thailand Experience Explore Asia’s brightest gem! See the best of Bangkok and rural Thailand, get spiritual with a trip to a Buddhist temple and take part in a variety of volunteer projects or prepare for adventure in Sangkhlaburi! From tiered waterfalls to grand palaces, meditation lessons to elephant rides and more adventure than you can shake a chopstick at, Thailand is chock full of delights. Visit hill tribes, volunteer with orphans, and kick back on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches on the Thailand Experience.
	Dates: Weekly departures year-round. Cost: $1,699. Contact: Will Jones, Marketing Manager, Real Gap, 1 Meadow Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2YG, UK. Tel.: +44 1892 701 888 Email: will.jones@realgap.com Website: www.realgap.org
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Where There Be Dragons Summer and Gap Year Semester Programs in Asia, Latin America and Africa Where There Be Dragons offers summer and gap year learning adventures in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Through off-the-beaten-path travel, home-stays, language study, service, and wilderness exploration, Dragons provides an authentic survey of culture, landscape and development issues in the world's most intriguing locales.
	Cost: $5,050 - $10,375 Dates: Fall Semester: September 6th- December 8th. Spring Semester: February 9th- May 12th Contact: Where There Be Dragons, 3200 Carbon Place, Unit 102, Boulder, CO 80301, USA. Tel/Fax: 303-413-0822, 303-413-0857 Email: info@wheretherebedragons.com Website: www.wheretherebedragons.com
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abroadco
Gap year programs in Paris and Cannes, France.

Visit: www.abroadcohigh.com

Center for Interim Programs
The Center for INTERIM Programs was founded in 1980 to match clients’ interests with a database of thoursands of non-academic but structured opportunities worldwide (from art to zoology, Australia to Zimbabwe) many of which provide room and board. They also arrange and provide for gap year counseling for students who wish to study, work, volunteer, and travel around the world in many creative combinations.

Visit: www.interimprograms.com/Students/ExploringTheGapYear.asp

El Casal
El Casal is a gap year program for high school graduates who want to challenge themselves, renew their sense of discovery and gain perspective on the world around them. It offers an academic program as well as cultural activites, community service opportunities and travel. The idea is to provide a stimulating and enjoyable experience before students set off for college.

Contact: www.elcasalbarcelona.com; info@elcasalbarcelona.com

Global Routes
High School Summer Community Service Programs — Gap Year & College Semesters — Custom Programs in Africa, Asia, Central and South America
Offers teen community service programs for those from the 9th to the 12th grades as well as gap year and semester internships for college students.

Visit: www.globalroutes.org

ISA (International Studies Abroad),
Programs include gap year experiences in Spain, Italy, France, U.K., Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. There are a few exceptions that do require college time.

Visit: www.studiesabroad.com/programs/document/gap

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education
LEAPNOW offers group and individual programs bringing together academic credit, strong intentional focus on personal evolution, and a database of thousands of ways to travel, study, and work in countries around the world for ages 17-24. Some have used the program to independently complete their high school work.

Contact: info@leapnow.org, www.leapnow.org/leapyear/

Living Routes
Study Abroad programs based in eco-villages around the world to help students gain the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to build a sustainable lifestyle. High school and gap year students have participated in many of the programs.

Contact: info@LivingRoutes.org, www.LivingRoutes.org

Masa Israel Journey
The Gateway to Long-Term Israel Programs, enables thousands of Jewish young adults to spend a semester or year in Israel on one of over 100 approved programs by providing information, scholarships, and more. Masa’s aim is to help young Jews from around the world build a life-long relationship with Israel and a firm commitment to Jewish life.

Contact: masainfo@masaisrael.org, www.masaisrael.org

Projects Abroad
Global Gap Program
27-week volunteer program designed for high school students. Students are immersed in several countries and continents on multiple projects.

Visit: www.projects-abroad.org/projects/global-gap-program/overview/

School for Field Studies
Programs in environmental studies in the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, Costa Rica, and Kenya.

Contact: admissions@fieldstudies.org, www.fieldstudies.org

SEA Semester
Summer field programs in marine and environmental studies are available to high school graduates seeking a gap experience..

Visit: www.sea.edu

Semester at Sea
Visit ports and communities around the world during a gap or pre-college experience.

Visit: www.semesteratsea.com as well as pre-college programs for 10 to 12th graders.

SAGE Study Abroad: Woodstock Himalayan Gap with SAGE
This program is ideal for the true adventurer looking for a meaningful and diverse experience between high school and college. Studying Indian culture, learning to communicate in Hindi, trekking up snow peaks in Garhwal, exploring the picturesque settlements of Kaza, stumbling across millennia-old monasteries, spotting tigers in Corbett National Park, white-water rafting on the Ganges — there is something for everyone with the Woodstock Himalayan Gap Semester. Highlights of the semester are: Learning Hindi and experiencing the culture of the Western Himalaya; Service-learning projects and homestays in Himalayan villages; Advanced first aid, basic mountaineering and introductory rafting; Wildlife safari and an introduction to human-animal conflict.

Contact: info@sageprogram.org, www.sageprogram.org

VentureCo Worldwide
VentureCo’s opportunities (for students aged 17 – 20) include: Inca Venture; Galapagos Venture; Aztec-Maya Venture; Patagonia Venture; Himalaya Venture; and Kilimanjaro Venture. The programs last a maximum of 16 weeks and offer three phases: learn about the hosts, work as part of the community, and join an expedition. Program fees apply.

Visit: www.ventureco-worldwide.com

Youth International
An experiential education program focusing on international travel and intercultural exchange, adventure, community service, and homestays. Teams of 14, aged 18-25, travel together for 1 semester of 3 1/2 months to Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, and India) or Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia) or South America (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, including the Galapagos islands). Assist refugees, hike the Himalayas or the Andes, live with and help an African tribe, scuba dive in the Galapagos, and much more.

Contact: info@youthinternational.org; www.youthinternational.org