While any gap year is technically an adventure, on this page we are looking specifically at the types of courses that involve either some form of physical activity, or allow you to gain valuable teaching or coaching qualifications in one or more outdoor adventure activities. Learn to sail on a Royal Yachting Association course in Italy, gain National Governing Body awards on a five week gap year adventure in the Lake District, or simply enjoy the Canadian wilderness on a Mountain Biking Course.
The adventure industry is a perfect match for the profile of your average gap year student. Whether you are taking a gap year before, during or immediately after a university degree, our providers have a range of adventurous courses in countries around the world. Some gap year adventure courses are experience based, such as trekking in the Himalayas, or trying your hand at cattle ranching in the Australian outback. Others are skills or qualifications based, and these are the most popular. Not only can you get to travel to and live in a new part of the world but you will also be training and working towards gaining a recognised qualification that will look great on your CV and can help jumpstart your career in outdoor adventure.
Asia Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education.
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Raleigh International
UK Do you have a passion for adventure? Would you like a career that you love? Become an outdoor instructor with one of the industry's leading outdoor adventure providers on Mendip Activity Cente's 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course.
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Mendip Activity Centre
UK
UKSA's 11-week Watersports Instructor training course will give you all the qualifications needed to work as a Watersports Instructor. Qualify as a multi-disciplined instructor to teach dinghy sailing, windsurfing and multi-hull sailing. More Details..
UKSA
UK
UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry. The cadetship combines the most relevant training and phases of paid employment – a great way to earn while you learn. More Details..
UKSA
Africa
LAUNCHING IN 2026
Join a 5, 7, or 10-week Raleigh Expedition in Kenya! Volunteer on community and environmental projects, take on an adventure challenge, create a sustainable impact, grow personally, immerse in a new culture, and experience amazing wildlife. More Details..
Raleigh International
UK
UKSA's 3-week Superyacht Steward/ess course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional standards of service onboard luxury superyachts. More Details..
UKSA
Asia
Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education. More Details..
Raleigh International
Asia Australasia Europe NorthAmerica
Want to get turn your love of skiing or snowboarding into a career?
Become a ski or snowboard instructor. Receive world-class training, gain internationally-recognised qualifications and get a guaranteed paid job offer at the ski resort of your choice. More Details..
EA Ski and Snowboard
SouthAmerica
Find yourself working with rural communities in the very heart of Costa Rica, working to protect one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Costa Rica. More Details..
Raleigh International
This is an exciting opportunity for students who have completed further education and are leaving school at age 18 or those graduating from higher education to join our new College, located just outside Brighton in the beautiful South Downs area of Sussex. More Details..
Oxford International College Brighton
UK
UKSA’s all-inclusive Yachtmaster training has frequent start dates so you can train when it suits you. Unique to UKSA are the excellent personal development opportunities on offer, which make you more employable. Fast and effective route into the maritime industry. Includes food/accommodation. More Details..
UKSA
Africa
A Safari Tailored to give you a feel of 3 of Uganda Wild Parks, to view many animals which include the Zebras of Lake Mburo, The chance too see the Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi, the climbing Lions of Queen Elizabeth NP's Ishasha Sector and a day in between to relax by the Lake Bunyonyi. More Details..
Volunteers 2 Uganda
UK
Do you have a passion for adventure? Would you like a career that you love? Become an outdoor instructor with one of the industry's leading outdoor adventure providers on Mendip Activity Cente's 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course.
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Mendip Activity Centre
NorthAmerica
Enjoy a summer working at a famous American Summer Camp.
Get paid to have fun, meet new people and work your dream job, hobby or passion. Spend your summer at camp, then travel around some of the world's most amazing places like New York, Chicago or Miami.
Make the most of your summer with More Details..
USA Summer Camp
MidEast
We are currently hiring for the 2025 academic year start in Muscat, Oman. we also have limited places available in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. These placements will run throughout the academic year (until end of June 2025) and successful applicants will be given the chance to work in all 3 countries More Details..
Cheltenham School Muscat
Asia Australasia Europe NorthAmerica
Do you want a career that will take you across the globe? Do you want to live and work in the world's top ski destinations?
Become a ski instructor with EA Ski & Snowboard Training and fast-track your career in the snow industry. Choose from 30 resorts across five countries. More Details..
EA Ski and Snowboard
UK
Have you ever wanted to work on a Superyacht? Our course would be an ideal way to start your career. Gain the skills and qualifications demanded of crew in deckhand roles. Our price includes all food and accommodation, and given the potential pay packets in the industry, you will soon cover the cost More Details..
UKSA
