La Carta Category: Gap Program

Who should take a gap year or semester? You! Yes, that’s right, YOU! Not convinced that taking a gap year is for you? Let’s talk about it. There is a common misconception that students taking a gap year must be totally lost, rejected from their dream school, or fooling around with their parent’s money. In … Read More

There is a bridge that I cross 4 times a day to go to work that always makes me smile when I walk over it. In front of me, I can see the city of Cuenca spanning in every direction, beautiful mountains lining the horizon in the distance, and a sky that seems so close … Read More

Although I don’t like to admit it, I’m the kind of person who likes to have things figured out. Ever since I was in middle school, my favorite subjects were science and math because there was never any ambiguity. Two plus two equals four. There is no grey area. The comfort I have in certainty … Read More

We caught up with Max, a student at Tufts University who joined our Gap Program in Cuenca, Ecuador for the 2017-18 school year. Here, he shares his experience. On choosing a gap year The Tufts 1+4 program opened the door for me. From there, I thought the opportunity to improve my Spanish and experience the … Read More

Like an idiot, I came to Ecuador carrying expectations. Last August I looked ahead and saw “cool traveler adventurer Audrey,” the girl that could solve any problem. The girl that could speak fluent Spanish, change the world with her art, maybe even has a cool haircut. Independent, strong, and a citizen of the world: I … Read More

I have had more adventures in the last few weeks in Ecuador than in the last few years of my life. I have been to the mountains, the beach, and the rainforest. I have traveled across water, over mountains, and on highways with nothing between me and the horizon. Waterfalls as tall as skyscrapers rain … Read More

Last month, AMIGOS staff visited Ecuador to check in with the Gap Program in Cuenca, visit with partner agencies, talk to host families, and chat with gap participants. Here are some photos from their trip!   There are still spots available for our Gap Year and Semester Program in Cuenca, Ecuador for the 2018-19 school … Read More

Are you or your child considering a summer or gap program in another country? Here are some questions to ask providers (and our answers!) to help you find the right program.   How long have you been running programs? More than 53 years! AMIGOS was founded in 1965 by a group of students who traveled … Read More

Audrey is among the first cohort of AMIGOS gap participants in Ecuador. Permanent staff and AMIGOS participants throughout the year increase project sustainability and build stronger relationships in local communities. “You need to speak slowly to Audrey please, she is not stupid, only learning Spanish. We are very proud of her.” This note, scribbled in … Read More

Start to a Gap Year in Nicaragua Thank you to Nicaragua gap participants Brenna and Nadia for writing about the beginning of their gap year in Leon!     The first and most noticeable difference between my home and León are the sounds. The city wakes up early in the morning and makes itself known … Read More