TRIBAL GAP YEAR OVERVIEW

A truly unique gap year program that will help you learn about yourself in a profound way - it will give you a deep sense of connection and open your mind to human potential, challenge, resilience, and the power of relationship.

Designed for students ready to build relationships and connect with ancient cultures, our Tribal Gap Year offers a unique balance of supported structure and true independence.  Extended farm-based homestays in each location provide immersive experiences in sustainable farming, ceremonies, rituals, art, and music.

In this program, each individual student experiences the benefits of a trip grounded in meticulous planning and also the benefits, and thrills, of independent world travel. 

When you arrive and settle into each new culture with its people and landscape, you begin to experience first hand that, at our core, all human beings are the same. We are of one large tribe that has adapted to survive different environments.  It is not only possible, but vital, for the future of this world that our youth explore the concepts of tribal identity and to experience connection to our wider, human tribe, across cultural divides.

Elements of Study in Each Culture.

Ritual and Ceremony

The coming of age and the transition into adulthood in the community, weddings, funerals, births, and birthdays. Over the course of a two month stay in each location, Gap Year students have the opportunity to participate and observe significant moments in tribal culture.

Sustainability & Farming

Gap Year students study the types of food grown and farming methods, resource management, and the influence of western methods and traditional wisdom.

Husbandry

Art & Music

The role and care of domesticated animals is a significant cultural element, closely related to agriculture yet a distinct set of practices often intertwined with religion and belief.

Connecting to the culture through art and music, Gap Year students explore the sounds, colors, forms, and expressions unique to each of the four communities around the globe.

Tribal Gap Year - Apply Now
“I think I will always be someone who likes to have my plans figured out for the future, but I’ve become a little more relaxed knowing that if I’m confident I’ll figure it out. I’m so incredibly happy I chose to take a gap year before going to college, and I know for sure I would have regretted it if I didn’t. I’ve also been able to adjust to change much better since I started my gap year and since Peru especially.

I feel that it’s essential for personal growth and development, to see the world first-hand instead of through books or the internet, and to meet new people with all sorts of different backgrounds. I know Peru was a wonderful experience for me because I’m extremely sad to be leaving. I’m a different person on the inside as well. I would recommend Gogi Abroad’s Tribal Gap Year in a heartbeat.”
— Arianna, Tribal Gap Year student

FAQs

  • In each location, the student has both a host family and an local Gogi Coordinator to rely on for support, ideas, transportation, and cultural outings. We believe that exploring the land and culture independently is a great learning experience, and the student has many opportunities to follow interests, develop projects, and pursue new experiences. Students stay in close communication with both the local coordinator and the home GOGI office, and together, a unique cultural experience is crafted based on the interests of each student.

  • There will be a language instructor in each location to facilitate your DYNAMIC CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS in Spanish, Swahili and Nepalese.

    Language is a large part of the curriculum during this Gap Year. Students will describe themselves at the beginning of their stay with a tribe; writing about their feelings, observations and identity at the beginning of their stay, and again at the end of the stay, noting how they may have changed. You will write about how you may (or may not!) identify with each particular tribe. The writing is initially done in English and by the end of the stay is done in the native language as well. Self-awareness is a big component of Gogi Abroad and incorporating the native language of each place greatly enhances this.

    Our program emphasis is focused not solely upon the academic language, but the spoken language, the dialect components, and the language of a place and culture. Students will have daily language classes with a teacher from each of the four locations. This tutelage will help students connect and engage more fully with the people, culture and history during each of their stays.

  • Communication is an essential element of GOGI program success. Through messaging apps and phone conversations, Liz is in frequent communication with host families, students, and parents. Especially during transitions and travel days, Liz is an active communicator with all parties to ensure that all details are covered and the student is packed and prepared for smooth travels.

  • With a single backpack, this trip around the world is an exercise in minimalism. An unlocked cell phone is the most important piece of equipment, and each student builds a comprehensive first-aid kit with the assistance of their personal doctor. Beyond that, the packing list is simple and basic, ensuring that the Gap year student moves easily and comfortably on their journey around the world.

  • It is required that Gap Year students are fully immunized with the recommended American immunizations, plus some additional immunizations as recommended or required for the different countries. Planning for the process needs to begin at least six months before the trip, and consultation with qualified Travel Clinic is required. A clinic specializing in travel will also prescribe several types of antibiotics to be carried in the first-aid kit.

  • No, GOGI Abroad’s Tribal Gap Year is for all young adults age 18-22, looking to immerse themselves in ancient cultures through independent world travel.

  • The eight month program typically begins in October and runs through May, but the schedule can be adapted in either direction as needed.

  • The 2018-19 tuition for the eight month program, including all room and board, language instruction, and local transportation and cultural activities is $17,000. Airfare, medical/travel insurance, visas, SIM cards, and entrance fees to national parks are additional costs.

    We offer a payment plan, and encourage students to apply for a scholarship.