Taking a gap year can be the most rewarding decision you’ll ever make, and you don’t even have to leave the U.S. For the best gap year programs, you’ll need to find something that actually makes sense for you. Think about what you want to do on a gap year: volunteer, travel, get college credit, or to figure out your interests. In the United States, from the students that took a gap year: 89% traveled abroad, 79% volunteered, and 76% studied languages (Gap Year Association 13-14). Finding the best gap year program for you is the first step to your adventure. This guide breaks down the top gap year programs for 2025 to help make your decision a bit easier. Gap Year Program Comparison Grid
Illustration of top gap year programs in the U.S. Hand-drawn illustration for editorial use. What Makes the Best Gap Year Programs Actually Good? A good gap year program is one that helps you grow and develop. That growth can come in various forms from personal to professional, and for many it even helps them perform better in their studies when they return. In fact, researcher from the Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College conducted a study in 2012 and found that U.S. gap year alumni outperformed their predicted GPAs as freshmen, with the academic boost lasting all four years (“Academic Outcomes” 3). Read More: How Gap Years Affect Admissions and Academics Here’s what makes a gap year program great: You’re learning stuff that matters. Like real-world skills, new languages or professional skills. You actually get to experience another culture. Living with locals or helping out in a real way provides an experience you won’t be able to replicate anywhere else. You come back more confident and independent. The challenges will force you to grow. It’s safe and organized. There’s support when you need it, and it’s not just random people running things. Just make sure you pick something that fits what you want: chill or structured, local or international. I just finished my interviews for residency, and after 20 interviews, I can tell you that the number one thing I talked about was the things I did during my gap years. And those are the things that help me stand out from other applicants. @claudiagreen Instagram Not sure whether a structured program or going solo is best for you? Check with our tool here. Top Gap Year Programs in the U.S. (So You Don’t Have to Leave the Country) Outdoor adventures like canyoning are a highlight of the best gap year programs USA. Want to do something meaningful without hopping on a plane? These U.S.-based gap year programs let you build skills, help others, and develop personally and professionally, all while staying closer to home. AmeriCorps (NCCC & City Year) What it is: Community projects, helping in schools, even disaster relief. Why it’s cool: You get a stipend (aka money), housing, and even funds for college later. Segal Education Award up to $6,895. Who it’s best for: Anyone who wants to give back and grow as a leader. Outward Bound USA What it is: Wild outdoor adventures that push you physically and mentally. Why it’s cool: Builds serious confidence and teamwork skills. Who it’s best for: People who want to challenge themselves and get off the grid. Global Citizen Year – U.S. Fellowship What it is: A mix of internships and leadership training, all focused on equity and change. Why it’s cool: You get real-world experience plus mentorship. Who it’s best for: Students into social justice and making an impact in their communities. You don’t have to go abroad to grow, there’s a lot you can do right here. Explore different types of gap year programs to match your vibe. Did you know? In 2025, the top 10 countries that searched for “gap year” on Google were: South Africa, Australia, United Kingdom, Nepal, United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Canada (Google Trends). → Get Your Gap Year Planning Kit Best International Gap Year Programs (For U.S. Students Who Want to Go Abroad) Many of the best gap year programs USA include opportunities for international exploration, like visiting Machu Picchu. The best international gap year programs take you to places you could never image, like rural villages in Thailand or the neon-list streets of Tokyo. There are many reasons to choose an international gap year program over a domestic one, including, affordability, language immersion, or volunteering opportunities. Here are the best international gap year programs in 2025 to help you travel and do something meaningful at the same time. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ) What it is: Hands-on volunteer programs across 40 countries. Go to places like: Peru, Thailand, Ghana, Costa Rica, and Nepal. Why it’s cool: You can experience homestays, practice a new language, and even earn college credit. Who it’s best for: Those looking for budget-friendly options while making a difference. Projects Abroad What it is: Internships in areas like conservation, healthcare, and education. Why it’s cool: You get real-world experience and get to work with local organizations. Who it’s best for: Students who want to test out career paths while getting to know a new culture. Rustic Pathways What it is: Adventure, service, and cultural immersion programs across Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific. Why it’s cool: Organized trips with real impact, expert leaders, and focus areas like language, environment, or service. Who it’s best for: Students searching for a safe, impactful and adventurous gap year abroad. GVI (Global Vision International) What it is: Programs focused on long-term change, like saving the ocean or supporting local schools. Why it’s cool: Includes mentorship, tracks your impact, and feels like you’re part of something big. Who it’s best for: People who care about the planet and want their gap year to matter. Want to volunteer overseas? Here’s where and how to start. “I believe Angelie gained confidence and stronger sense of self. Her ability to adapt was tested and strengthened. Her experience to learn about and immerse into other cultures is immeasurable. It’s tough to put into words the positive outcome it’s made on Angelie. Lastly, her gap year family will be a part of her life forever. A wonderfully treasured family.” — Gina Mazza, Angelie’s Mom (Angelie pictured) | Tigard, Oregon | 2016 South Pacific Service → Download the 20 Life Skills Gap Year Checklist Affordable Gap Year Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank Gap years don’t come free and can be expensive; with 34% of surveyed gap year students reporting spending more than $10,000 during their gap year (Gap Year Association 2020). Thankfully, there are options and ways for every even the most budget-focused student to make gap year work for them. These programs offer flexible pricing, scholarships, and alternative models like work exchange. Program Starting Cost Scholarships? College Credit? AmeriCorps $0 (you get a stipend) Yes (Segal Education Award) Yes (partnered schools) IVHQ $250+ Some available Depends on the program Intern Abroad HQ $600+ Based on your field Yes WWOOF (U.S. & Global) $0 (you work in exchange) X X Money-Saving Tips: Get a part-time job before you leave. Apply early for scholarships or aid. Use our Gap Year Budget Planner to keep things organized How to Pick the Right Gap Year Program Let’s be real, there are a lot of programs out there. Here’s how to narrow it down without losing your mind: Know what you want Are you doing this for personal growth, college credit, career stuff, or just to take a break? Home or away? Are you cool with traveling across the world, or would you rather stay closer to home for now? Check what’s included Does the price cover food, a place to stay, help on the ground, and activities? Or are there hidden costs? Look at reviews Past students will tell you what’s legit and what felt kind of meh. Definitely check out the reviews. Don’t wait too long The best programs (especially the ones with scholarships) fill up fast, sometimes a year in advance. Still on the fence? Take our gap year vs going straight to college quiz. Need help figuring it all out? You can always book a free planning call with a Rustic Pathways Advisor. They’ll help you compare programs, find scholarships, and make a plan that fits you. You can also take our Gap Year Program Finder Quiz to find the perfect match. Rustic Pathways Gap Year Programs Water-based activities like kayaking let students experience new environments during their gap year. Want a gap year that’s actually meaningful and gives you travel vibes? Rustic Pathways sets up super organized programs that mix adventure, volunteering, and real cultural experiences. Here’s what we offer: Semester-long trips in Asia, Latin America, and the South Pacific Focus areas like environmental projects, learning new languages, and working with local teenagers For students ages 17–22 (so, recent grads and college freshmen) Example Programs: South Pacific Service & Ocean Skills: $20,990 Spanish Immersion in Latin America: $17,645 Gap Year in Thailand: $12,200 Want in? You can save a spot or talk to a program advisor to figure out what’s best for you: Explore Rustic Pathways Gap Year Programs Ready to plan your own gap year? Grab your free consultation, download the Gap Year Planning Kit, or check out Rustic Pathways’ gap year programs to get started. Don’t just take time off, live a year that actually means something.
Comparison of Available 2025 Gap Year Programs Program Name Format Region Cost Range Duration Includes Housing/Meals? Best For Scholarships Available? College Credit? Link AmeriCorps (NCCC / City Year) Structured Service U.S. Domestic $0 (stipend-based) 9–12 months Yes Service, Leadership Yes (Segal Award) Yes NCCC / City Year Rustic Pathways: Gap in Thailand Structured Travel Southeast Asia $12,200 1 semester Yes Cultural Immersion Limited No Gap in Thailand Rustic Pathways: Spanish Immersion Structured Travel Latin America $17,645 1 semester Yes Language, Service Limited No Spanish Immersion Rustic Pathways: South Pacific Service Structured Travel South Pacific $20,990 1 semester Yes Ocean Skills, Resilience Limited No South Pacific Service IVHQ Flexible Volunteer Global (40+ countries) $250+ 2 weeks–6 months Sometimes Affordable Volunteer Abroad Limited Some Programs IVHQ Projects Abroad Structured Internship Global $2,000–$6,000+ 2 weeks–6 months Yes Career Exploration Yes Yes Projects Abroad GVI (Global Vision Int’l) Structured Service Global $2,000–$8,000+ 2–12 weeks Yes Conservation, Sustainability Yes Yes GVI (Global Vision Int’l) WWOOF Work Exchange Global ~$0 (membership only) Flexible Usually Farming, Cultural Immersion No No WWOOF
Gap Year Citations & Research Sources @claudiaegreen. “Send this to someone who needs to see it! There are lots of ways you can stand out as a residency applicant. BUT I know there’s a lot of fear surrounding taking a gap year (or 3 like I did hehe), but now that I’m on the other side I can 1000000% see that my gap years have helped me EVERY step of the way. Being a huge talking point during residency interviews is just one of the benefits. Also if you don’t take a gap year there are still plenty of other ways you can stand out as an applicant, I’m just speaking to one of the ways I personally found beneficial! I’ll be talking lots more about my application season coming up!! 💕” Instagram, 3 Apr. 2023. View Reel Gap Year Association. Gap Year Alumni 2020 National Survey Report. Gap Year Association, 2021, pp. 2–4, 13–14. Gap Year Research Consortium at Colorado College. “Academic Outcomes.” Colorado College. View Report Google Trends. “gap year.” trends.google.com. Accessed 21 May 2025.