LEAPYEAR: Transforming Education - Ages 17-21

  India

Agra,  Auroville,  Bodh Gaya,  Dehra Dun,  Delhi,  Dharamsala,  Jaipur,  Madurai,  McLeod Ganj,  Mussoorie,  New Delhi,  Rishikesh,  Rural Areas,  Udaipur,  Varanasi

  Peru

• Cusco: 
Cusco
• Lima: 
Lima
• All Other Areas in Peru: 
Arequipa,  Manu National Park,  Sacred Valley of the Incas,  Machu Picchu,  Incan ruins,  Rural Areas

Term: Academic Year 
Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: September through May

Description: LEAPYEAR is a cutting-edge experiential program for 17-21 year-olds who want to make a graceful and powerful passage into independent, creative adulthood. It is meant to replace the final year of high school or the first year of college, or function as a 'year on' between high school and college. Live, work and travel for 9 months between August and May. Program components include: a three-month experiential group semester of language, service and cultural immersion in Latin America or India, a solo internship of your choosing for three-months anywhere in the world, a formal Rite of Passage that involves your parents, career and job-readiness counseling, a curriculum of Life Skills Learning held at a retreat center in the U.S., and 2 years of post-program counsel, job and internship leads. The focus of the curriculum is on multiple experiences and challenges that assist you in finding meaning and purpose, and gaining varied real life experience before going on to college. Each successful program participant earns two full semesters of college credit for the year. A truly amazing and unforgettable year of growth and exploration of your inner world and our planet.

Highlights:
* 2 years of life-path counseling, resources, internships upon completion of the program.

* In South America, work with local non-profit organizations in Ecuador, horse trek in Patagonia, hike the ancient trail to Machu Picchu, study Spanish, and live with families in Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina.

* In India, volunteer at a community orphanage and tutor children, study Hindi, learn traditional arts through experiential internships, and explore meditation and yoga during retreats.

* Explore possible careers with a 10-week individual internship or volunteer placement anywhere in the world.

* Learn the rudiments of carpentry, gardening/landscaping, and cooking.

* Learn and practice useful skills such as meditation, breathwork, and yoga.

* Become fluent in Spanish - through a month of intensive one-on-one study, and the possibility of interning in Latin America or Spain.

* Earn two full semesters of college credit.

* Mini courses on African dance, Sufi teachings, sweat lodge, and more taught by master teachers.

Qualifications: Must be between 17 and 22 years old at start of the program.

Cost in US$: 29,900

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants come from all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and occasionally from other countries. All share a desire to explore the world, and expand their personal understanding of themselves and other cultures and peoples.

Age Range: 17-23

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. - LEAPYEAR is fully accredited and Federal Financial Aid is available through the normal FAFSA process. Need based scholarships are also available through LEAPNOW.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded: 1993