EF Gap Semester in Latin America (The Changemaker)

Name: EF Gap Semester in Latin America (The Changemaker)
Brand: EF Gap Year
SKU: 406365
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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5.00 Rating

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Location

Multiple Locations +4

Costa Rica
- San José
Dominican Republic
- Santo Domingo
Peru
- Lima
- Machu Picchu
- Cusco
Ecuador
- Amazon
- Galapagos
- Quito

Length

12 - 26 weeks

Program Tags

Adventure Travel After College College Credit Conservation Cultural Immersion Hands-On Learning Post-High School Wilderness

Merit-based funding, Payment plans, 529 Plan eligibility

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Activities

Animal Viewing City Exploring Hiking Sightseeing Snorkeling Surfing Swimming Yoga

Timeframe

Fall Spring Year Round

Housing

Host Family Hostel Hotel

Age Min.

Age Max

Pricing

Starting Price

19500

Price Details

Flights & transportation: Round-trip flights and local transfers to each stop in your itinerary

Room & board: Your accommodations and some of your meals on the trip

Activities & service projects: Guided excursions and service opportunities with partner organizations

EF Global Support Network: One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before and during your program

Guided learning: Program leadership and direction by full-time EF Field Director and Student Life Coordinator

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Some Meals Tour Guide Transportation

Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Last Reviewed: Nov 20, 2024

Wish List

1 traveler is looking at this program

About Program

The Changemaker will provide you with hands-on experience with conservation and sustainability to make a real impact across Latin America. Work with locals on global challenges and explore the ecosystems and communities they are trying to conserve.

This program is designed for the impact-driven adventurer who wants to experience sustainable lifestyles all over the world. Travel to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, and the Galápagos with your cohort. Learn about the UN Sustainable Development goals as you adventure through Latin America. Work on an organic farm, contribute to sea turtle conservation, learn about the international coffee trade, and much more.

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Video and Photos

Students working on the mangroves in the DR

Students painting a mural during a service project

Exploring the outdoors with your knowledgeable Tour Director

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Program Highlights

Explore Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast and work with sea turtles.
Work on coral reef and mangrove reforestation projects, and learn how to surf in the Dominican Republic.
Become culturally immersed while staying with a host family and visiting Cusco, the Salineras de Maras (Salt Mines of Maras), and Machu Picchu in Peru.
Hike the Ecuadorian Amazon and explore the local culture.
Snorkel with sea lions and sharks, spot blue-footed boobies and penguins, and see giant tortoises in the Galapagos.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating

based on 2 reviews

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4 rating 0%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Housing 5
Support 5
Fun 5
Value 5
Safety 5

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

Going into my gap, I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew I wanted to travel and this program just made perfect sense for what I wanted- seeing the world, practicing Spanish, working in environmental conservation, and so on. When doing something like this it’s hard to know what the true reality will be like, but it turned out to be everything I wanted and more. I got introduced to so many different cultures, languages, environments, ecosystems, I mean things that truly I may have never known were out there. The best part was building a solid family of people, and getting to experience incredible things with them by your side. I was able to meet some of my best friends on this journey that I’m eternally grateful for, and if you’re looking to take the leap with a gap the Changemaker is a perfect option. It will introduce you to endless opportunities and leave you with the best memories that will live and be told the rest of your life.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

Although cliche, for me the most nerve-racking moment was leaving my parents at the airport on our departure date. It was terrifying. About to leave the country completely separated from everybody I love, on my way to meet strangers. Very intimidating to say the least. What I would tell people worried about this part, is that no matter how scared you are, just do it scared. We encounter so many things in life that scare us but if we let it hold us back we won’t ever go anywhere in life. So what I would say, with not only this situation but the entirety of a gap, is to not let the fear stop you from what could be the greatest experience of your life. Seek discomfort! If you don’t, you’ll never know what you are capable of :)

Pros

Immersing into new cultures
Visiting different ecosystems
Meeting my best friend

Cons

Drama
Spiders

Releasing baby sea turtles 🫶🏻 lifelong dream

Changemaker was the best experience of my life. I was given the chance to get out of my comfort zone and meet amazing new people as well as explore the world and see the beauties outside of the United States. The community I gained throughout this trip is an amazing and supportive group of people and I can say I have made life long friends. This experience is something that has taught me more about myself and even helped gain more skills in general. I’m forever thankful and would recommend this program to young adults all over looking to get out and explore the world!

Questions & Answers

About EF Gap Year

Since 1965, EF has sent millions of people around the world to have life-changing experiences. EF’s global reach spans more than 100 countries in 6 continents. We understand the world because our 52,000 staff members live and work in more than half of it. “Opening the world through education” is EF's mission. We bring that to life with our gap year...