Updated for 2024-2025
Thinking about a gap year abroad?
That’s awesome! You’re moving in the right direction.
In recent years, the gap year has gone increasingly mainstream. 35% of high school students contemplate doing a gap year, according to a CNBC report. And it’s easy to see why.
A gap year, or taking a year off school, gives you time to ponder your next step, learn new things, travel abroad, and make friends. Whether you want a year off before high school or graduate school, a gap year abroad or at home can benefit you tremendously.
So, where will you go? You could explore your home country. Or, you could do a gap year in Europe — a common choice. But the whole world is in front of you.
Enter South America — your destination for the ultimate gap year abroad.
How You Can Spend a Gap Year Abroad in South America
South America delivers when it comes to options for a gap year abroad. During your year on the continent, you could:
Do you see why a gap year abroad is so amazing?
First, you can do something productive for your education and future. Second, you can have tons of fun as you meet people from different backgrounds, see world-famous sites, and experience new places. Think of all the excitement that awaits!
Whether you want to work, volunteer, intern, or study abroad in South America, you can find plenty of opportunities. The region has growing importance in the world, and many countries have been enjoying great economic growth, such as Colombia, Guyana, Peru, and Chile.
In this guide, we’ll cover the ways you can do your gap year abroad in South America, including:
- Volunteering
- Studying abroad
- Doing an internship
- Working, including teaching English
Read on!
Best Volunteer Programs in South America for Your Gap Year
Volunteering in South America enables you to help communities in need and immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll return home with a better perspective, greater cross-cultural awareness, and a wealth of new knowledge and skills, such as the ability to speak Spanish.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best gap year programs in South America for volunteering. Read through and see what projects catch your eye.
Note: Since you’re on a gap year, you most likely wish to stay longer. Fees per day get cheaper the longer you stay, making volunteering a cost-effective way to travel in South America. Programs include accommodation and meals, which further lowers your expenses.
With affordable, year-round programs across more than 50 destinations, any international volunteer should consider IVHQ for service projects. Founded in 2007, International Volunteer HQ has sent more than 112,000 volunteers abroad, including many to South America. Renowned educational institutions, such as UCLA, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan, choose to volunteer abroad through IVHQ. That’s a testament to the quality of their service work.
If you’d like to volunteer in South America during your gap year abroad, IVHQ has a good selection of projects.
Length of stay: 1 to 12+ weeks
IVHQ runs 16 meaningful projects in Cordoba and Buenos Aires, a city known for its Spanish colonial architecture. You could volunteer in childcare and act as a positive role model for disadvantaged children. Or, you may wish to care for the elderly who face abandonment. Other projects include:
By volunteering with IVHQ in Argentina, you can make a big difference and uplift vulnerable communities. Past volunteers give IVHQ excellent reviews for how they manage the program. Here’s what Laurence, a former participant, said:
I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done! I had an amazing time in Argentina and part of the reason why was IVHQ! Thank you for answering all my questions. You really made me feel ready to handle this amazing opportunity.
During your free time, you can put your Spanish to the test as you tour Cordoba. Stroll through Sarmiento Park, look at masterpieces at the Evita Fine Arts Museum, shop and dine, and more.
Discover more about the projects here
Length of stay: 1 to 24+ weeks
Make your way to Medellín! Two popular volunteer projects with IVHQ in Colombia include:
- Elderly Care: Too many elderly people have been abandoned in the city. Join the effort to rescue and provide companionship, food, and shelter for the most vulnerable senior citizens.
- Environmental Conservation: Transform forgotten areas into fruitful gardens, engage in gardening, composting, and environmental education in Medellín.
Already packing your bags? Learn more and apply here
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With GoEco’s 3rd Week Free Grant, enjoy the benefits of a third week free of charge when you sign up for two weeks or more. Check out their great projects in South America.
Join unique conservation projects in the Galápagos and Amazon. Help giant tortoises and sea turtles, teach English, or assist at a wildlife center. Teens can join the Amazon Wildlife Expedition. Make a meaningful impact while exploring stunning landscapes. Apply now for an unforgettable experience!
Join the Amazon Wildlife Rescue & Release Sanctuary to help endangered species like sloths and monkeys. Assist with feeding, care, and center maintenance. Or, join the Cuzco Health and Medical Care program, perfect for medical students seeking hands-on experience. Impact patient lives and enjoy Cuzco’s vibrant culture.
Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) is a non-profit offering global volunteer opportunities worldwide. Partnering with local communities, IVI ensures impactful, ethical, and sustainable projects.
Join Involvement Volunteers International (IVI) in Ecuador for unique volunteer opportunities! IVI offers projects in wildlife rescue, jungle conservation, Galápagos reforestation, and community support. Accommodation is provided in homestays or volunteer houses. One application fee covers multiple countries. Immerse yourself in local culture and make a lasting impact.
In Cusco, IVI offers diverse volunteer projects including English teaching, stray dog rehabilitation, alpaca farming, medical internships, public healthcare, rainforest conservation, and community construction. Volunteers can immerse themselves in local life, supported by experienced coordinators. Enjoy homestays and Peruvian cuisine, and contribute to meaningful social development in a safe, welcoming environment.
Join GVI in Peru for Amazon Rainforest Conservation Volunteering! Spend 1 to 24 weeks immersed in the Tambopata National Reserve, working alongside biologists and students.
Help protect vulnerable species like pumas, jaguars, and sloths through hands-on projects. Enjoy unique experiences, contribute to essential research, and live in a biodiverse paradise.
Best Study Abroad Programs in South America for Your Gap Year
As we’ve said before, a gap year abroad should be fun. But it shouldn’t just be fun. You should focus on your learning and growth and think about your future. That’s why many choose to study abroad in South America on their gap year.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best study abroad programs in South America for those taking a gap year. See what classes fit your interests and goals!
If you’re planning a gap year in South America, look through Maximo Nivel’s programs. Founded in 2003, Maximo Nivel has become the leader in volunteer, intern, and study abroad programs in Latin America. An internationally accredited organization, Maximo Nivel runs four local institutes in Latin America.
For study abroad in South America, Maximo Nivel offers affordable tuition fees, high-quality courses, around-the-clock student support, and the ability to transfer credits to your university. You can earn college credit during your gap year abroad!
Few study abroad destinations top Peru. From the Spanish language to education to veterinary science, you can choose from all sorts of subjects. You’ll find the anthropology and sociology classes amazing, especially since Peru is one of the greatest ancient centers of civilization. With its natural beauty and incredible biodiversity, Peru also makes the perfect location for environmental studies, which Maximo Nivel offers. Other courses include:
Unsure of what to study? Take a combination of courses to see what you like. You’ll return home with a better idea of where you want to take your education. When you enroll, you can opt for classes during the fall, winter, spring, and/or summer. There’s a lot of flexibility with how long you study, and any credits should transfer to your home university (ask in advance).
You’ll stay on Maximo Nivel’s campus, which includes free Wi-Fi, an onsite snack bar, and 24/7 support. During your free time, explore Cusco and the surrounding landscape and historical sites. So, are you ready to go?
Find out more and apply here
Want to speak Spanish? Then register for Maximo Nivel’s Spanish Immersion program in Cusco. They run one of the best-rated Spanish schools in Latin America. You’ll learn from a certified, native Spanish teacher. And you can choose the type of class that fits you best: one-on-one sessions, small group lessons, language exchange, or university courses. The courses also make a point to take you beyond the classroom with immersion activities. Learn Spanish naturally as you explore the local culture.
You’ll stay near Plaza de Armas and Cusco’s best nightlife and sites. Practice your Spanish as you get to know the city! Learn more and sign up here
Best Internship Programs in South America for Your Gap Year
Gain real-world experience during your gap year abroad! An internship is a great way to see if a certain career path suits you. No matter what you plan to study at university, you can find a related internship in South America.
To streamline your search, we’ve listed some of the best intern abroad programs in South America below. Apply for one, and jumpstart your career during your gap year.
Projects Abroad began in 1992 and have placed more than 122,000 volunteers and interns abroad. As champions of responsible volunteer travel, Projects Abroad aims to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Many of their internships in South America have big goals, such as improving human rights, empowering women, and providing greater access to medicine.
If you want to intern in South America during your gap year abroad, Projects Abroad’s programs in Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador are worth your consideration. Upon completion of the internship, you’ll receive a professional evaluation and a Certificate of Hours worked (which can help with obtaining academic credit).
Get your medical career off on the right track with this internship in Cordoba, a beautiful city in the foothills of the Sierra Chicas. As an intern, you’ll rotate departments, learning directly from nurses and doctors. Former students have been able to work in a variety of roles during one internship, from kinesiology and dermatology to cardiology and surgery. As you observe doctors and nurses in each role and attend medical lectures, you’ll find out what specialties interest you most. You’ll also get to participate in community outreach and improve medical services in rural areas. How awesome is that?
Past interns have had wonderful experiences, such as Emily from the UK. Here’s what she had to say:
During my four weeks in the hospital, I was able to see and experience more than I could have ever imagined and more than I had in the past three years of undergraduate studies. I was very thankful for the generosity shown by the staff at the hospital!
When you’re not at the hospital, have fun in Cordoba. Sing and dance at the pubs, walk along the Suquía River, and visit the Jesuit Block (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). So, are you ready for an adventure in Argentina?
Get all the details and apply here
Have an interest in social work, education, or childcare? Then apply for this internship in Ecuador. Each day, you’ll work with disadvantaged kindergarten children, helping provide them with access to quality education, better nutrition, and a stronger support network. You’ll also help with the care and educational support of special needs students. During your internship, you’ll assess each child inside and outside the classroom. In addition to identifying their strengths, you’ll help develop a plan for them to grow and develop in the best manner possible.
You’ll live and work on the island of San Cristóbal, which is a part of the Galápagos archipelago. You can stay with a local family or in shared lodging with other interns. Be sure to enjoy the splendid nature and wildlife during your free time!
Get your internship spot here
Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) in Peru offers an enriching Dental Elective Internship, gaining hands-on experience by assisting professionals and participating in community health initiatives. Interns work 4 to 5 hours a day, with weekends free for exploration. Accommodations with local host families provide cultural immersion, and meals are included.
Requirements include being a dental student, having an intermediate level of Spanish, and bringing specific medical supplies. This program offers a unique blend of professional growth and cultural adventure.
Best Work Programs in South America for Your Gap Year
Want to work during your gap year abroad? You’re in luck. Job opportunities for those traveling in South America abound. Many industries need extra talent, especially hospitality and tourism, agriculture, and education.
To find the right work abroad program, think about what you want out of the job first. Is it to make money to fund your travels? Is it to build your resume? Do you want to see if you like a certain field? This will help you zone in on work opportunities that you’ll enjoy the most.
English Teaching Programs
Countries like Chile, Brazil, and Peru have rapidly growing English-language learning markets. They need native speakers at schools, universities, training centers, businesses, and other places.
The best way to land a paid position as an English teacher in South America is to get your TEFL/TESOL certification through an organization that also offers job placement services. Some reputable organizations include:
- Maximo Nivel: Earn your TEFL certificate and then get paid to teach English in South America. After completion, you’ll be able to quickly find work as an English teacher for 6 to 12 months or longer. Even better, Maximo Nivel offers lifetime job placement assistance across Latin America.
- International TEFL Academy: The International TEFL Academy can set you up for a great English teaching position during your gap year. After you get your TEFL certificate through them, they’ll help you find paid teaching work in countries worldwide, including the South American nation of Ecuador.
For more information on teaching English overseas, read our guide.
Working Holiday Visa Programs
A working holiday visa combines a job with vacationing, making it the perfect way to spend a gap year abroad in South America. With a working holiday visa, you have permission to find employment at a variety of businesses, from ski resorts and hotels to ranches and fisheries. That means you can earn money to fund your travels!
Lots of South American countries have working holiday agreements with other countries. Before you apply for a visa, make sure your home country has an agreement with your destination country. Many countries have working holiday schemes, including:
- Argentina: 11 countries, including Sweden, Ireland, and Japan, have bilateral agreements with Argentina.
- Brazil: France, Germany, and New Zealand have working holiday agreements with Brazil.
- Chile: As one of South America’s most popular destinations for working holiday programs, Chile has agreements with more than 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, Hungary, and Poland.
For most South American countries with working holiday schemes, you can get a one-year visa to live, work, and travel in the country. Check with each country for specific details.
For more information on working holiday visas, read our guide.
Making Your Gap Year Abroad in South America Happen
Whether you want to volunteer to protect wildlife or study Spanish, you have plenty of ways to have a productive gap year abroad in South America. Even better, you don’t have to limit your choices. You can do it all. During your gap year, you can volunteer, intern, study, and work in South America!
Also, dive into the local culture during your year off.
Finally, so that your gap year in South America goes even better than you’ve imagined, plan ahead! Consider your budget, interests, and goals. This will help you choose the best programs and seek the best experiences.
That wraps up our guide. The only question left is: How will make the most of your gap year adventure in South America?
Nick Callos ยท Writer
With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.