Length | Requirements | Dates | Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gap Semester: Cuenca, Ecuador (Fall 2023) | 15 Weeks |
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador |
Program Start Date: September 7, 2023 Program End Date: December 15, 2023 |
17–22 |
Final Deadline: July 11, 2023 Apply now! |
Program fee $13,775 Need-based financial assistance is available! All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included. |
Gap Year: Cuenca, Ecuador (2023–2024 Academic Year) | 36 Weeks |
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador |
Program Start Date: September 7, 2023 Program End Date: May 17, 2024 |
17–22 |
Final Deadline: July 11, 2023 Apply now! |
Program fee $24,795 Need-based financial assistance is available! All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included. |
Gap Semester: Cuenca, Ecuador (Spring 2024) | 15 Weeks |
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador |
Program Start Date: January 30, 2024 Program End Date: May 17, 2024 |
17–22 |
Deadline: November 28, 2023 Apply now! |
Program fee $13,775 Need-based financial assistance is available! All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included. |
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador
Program Start Date: September 7, 2023
Program End Date: December 15, 2023
Program fee $13,775
Need-based financial assistance is available!
All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included.
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador
Program Start Date: September 7, 2023
Program End Date: May 17, 2024
Program fee $24,795
Need-based financial assistance is available!
All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included.
Pre-departure training online and group training upon arrival in Ecuador
Program Start Date: January 30, 2024
Program End Date: May 17, 2024
Program fee $13,775
Need-based financial assistance is available!
All in-country expenses are included in the program fee. Flight costs are not included.
All expenses in Ecuador are covered, including:
Spend your first month in intensive Spanish classes, putting your skills into practice with activities like salsa lessons, cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and outings around the city.
After your first month, you’ll begin an internship based on your skills and interests and the partner agency’s needs.
Your day might look like this: Start your day with breakfast and coffee with your host family before heading to your internship. You might lead English classes for kids, harvest vegetables in a community garden, or take photos of handmade products for sale. Share a typical lunch at home with your host family and take an afternoon break before meeting up with some friends for a yoga class. Return home and play card games with your host siblings after dinner.
What is it like to live with a host family?
You’ll get the totally unforgettable experience of immersing yourself in the Ecuadorian way of life! Take part in your host family’s customs and celebrations, like birthdays and holidays. Share meals, play games, and gain a second family.
How is the program staffed and what is the ratio of staff to students?
The program will be led by a Project Director assisted by Project Coordinators. The staff to student ratio is near 1:7. Staff members meet with gap students regularly to make sure they are adjusting well, provide support, and help with any issues that arise. Staff also organize workshops and lead excursions.
What are some of the activities I might take part in?
Hike to high peaks overlooking pristine lakes in Cajas National Park
Learn to cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes
Stroll through Cuenca’s historic center
Play soccer in the park with your friends
Visit an indigenous community and take part in a traditional celebratory pampa mesa style meal
Explore Ingapirca, the largest-known Inca ruins in Ecuador
See if you can spot whales near Machalilla National Park
Do I have to be enrolled in college to participate?
No, you do not need to be enrolled in college or planning on enrolling in college to join. This program is open to all students ages 17–22 who have graduated high school, regardless of college plans. You should have an interest in the Spanish language or Latin American culture and a commitment to your community.
What COVID-19 precautions are you taking?
“The things you will learn and experience and the relationships you will build will remain with you through the rest of your life.”
—Emma, AMIGOS Gap Volunteer
The most anticipated moment of all 🙌🏻✨ finally our Gap volunteers were able to meet their new Ecuadorian families, thank you all for an amazing night 🥰
El momento más esperado de todos 🙌🏻✨ finalmente nuestros voluntarios de Gap pudieron conocer a sus nuevas familias ecuatorianas, gracias a todos por una noche llena de cariño y risas 🥰
This is a small summary of what the briefing week has been like, the volunteers have enjoyed a week full of games, workshops and cultural activities 🇪🇨
Este es un pequeño resumen de lo que ha sido la semana de orientación, los voluntarios han disfrutado de una semana llena de juegos, talleres y actividades culturales 🇪🇨
El día sábado tuvimos nuestra capacitación con familia anfitrionas, y este es un pequeño resumen de lo que fue una mañana muy activa. Todas las familias están ansiosas de conocer a nuestro nuevo grupo de voluntarios✨
On Saturday we had our training with host families, and this is a small summary of what was a very active morning. All families are looking forward to meeting our new cohort of volunteers ✨
¡Gap está de vuelta! recargado y listo para este nuevo ciclo 🙌🏻 Vanessa, Natalia y Leticia están listas para recibir a un nuevo grupo de increíbles jóvenes que se están aventurando en esta experiencia única 🇪🇨
Gap is back!! recharged and ready for this new cycle 🙌🏻 Vanessa, Natalia and Leticia are ready to welcome a new group of incredible youths who are venturing into this unique experience 🇪🇨