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    Where There Be Dragons: Gap Semester Programs

    Where There Be Dragons: Gap Semester Programs

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    (2 reviews)

    Details

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    • Listing Type: Gap Year Programs
    • Program Delivery: Residential
    • Destinations: Bolivia, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Senegal, Spain, Thailand, United States, Nepal, Taiwan, Guatemala
    • Credit Awarded: College, None
    • Program Length: Six Weeks, Semester
    • Start Month: February, March, September
    • Category: Travel/Cultural Immersion
    • Selective: No
    • Gender: Coed
    • Ages: 18, 19+, 19
    • Housing: Homestay, Hotel, Other, Tents
    • Application Fee: $850
    • Accreditation: Gap Year Association - Program
    • Affiliation: Gap Year Association
    • Financial Aid: Grants/Scholarships, Payment Terms
    • Minimum Cost: $5,000 - $9,999
    • Call: (303) 413-0822
    • Meeting: Schedule a Meeting
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    Overview

    Founded in 1993, Where There Be Dragons is the leader in cross-cultural education. Dragons offers 3-month immersive and responsible international and domestic Gap Year programs in Asia (including India), Latin America, Africa, and North America. 

    Our approach is simple: build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with local communities, work with the best instructors, and stay true to our responsible travel ethics. Travel with purpose and gain skills. Hear stories, discover fresh perspectives, and engage with critical global issues.

    Dragons students are travelers, not tourists. Dragon Gap Year Programs are authentic, rugged, and profound opportunities that expose students to the beautiful and complex realities of the countries in which they travel. Programs give students the rare opportunity to genuinely experience the places they travel and create meaningful connections across cultures. Several of Dragons Gap Year programs are available for college credit.

    Immersive + Well-Rounded: Dragons students are travelers, not tourists. Course itineraries are built around nine Program Components which engage students in a wide range of hands-on activities such as homestays, trekking, apprenticeships, and language learning.

    Small Groups + Professional Instructors: A typical group consists of 12 students and 3 instructors to ensure each student receives individual support and mentorship. On average our instructors are 30+ years of age, have 4+ years living abroad, and are fluent in the local language.

    Handcrafted Experiences: We run a limited number of programs because we value quality over quantity. And we never run the same trip twice each program itinerary is intentional and directly infused with the regional expertise and passions of instructors.

    Safety: Safety is our first priority. Over almost 30 years we’ve built robust risk management systems and have been vetted by key partners including Princeton University, Tufts University, the Gap Year Association, and the US Secret Service.

    Responsible Travel: Dragons programs are environmentally conscious and committed to building meaningful connections. We run longer programs that maximize time abroad, offset carbon emissions, and empower students to learn service responsibly.

     

    Cost and Session Information

    Where There Be Dragons Gap Year Dates:

    Fall Semester: September 15th - December 3rd

    Spring Semester: February 11th - May 1st

    Cost for programs varies and is listed on each specific program page 

    Where There Be Dragons Gap Year Semester Programs:

    Optional College Credit is Available

    Guatemala/Mexico Semester: Spanish Language & Social Justice

    West Africa Semester: The Rhythms of Senegal

    Morocco/Spain Semester: Tapestries of Ties and Borderlines

    Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies

    Bhutan Extension: 10-day extension available to add onto India and Nepal Semesters

    Southeast Asia Semester: Ecology and Spirituality Along the Mekong River

    India Semester: On the Front Lines of Climate Change

    China/Taiwan Semester: Tapestry of Language and Culture 

    Indonesia Semester: Conservation and Culture in the World's Largest Archipelago

    South America Semester: Andes & Amazon

    Independent Immersion Programs: An Independent Gap Year Experience

    Reviews (2)

    • This program inspired me to...
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      Reviewed on Dec/16/2021 by jeniwag

      My Dragons West Africa semester program in 2013 inspired me to go to grad school and pursue a Masters in Anthropology at SOAS University of London with a focus on the history of colonization. But when I look back on the program, the thing that mattered most was the human connections. I'm still in touch with people from our group, and with our drum teacher and homestay families. There was always room for magic on this program. I'll never forget one sleepy night in a small village in southern Senegal with no electricity, someone in our group started playing guitar and two of the homestay moms started dancing. Out of nowhere, some drummers showed up. Soon there were like 70 people (old and young) dancing in the compound. The impromptu party kept going until 2 in the morning!

    • Where There Be Dragons really...
      stars stars stars stars stars
      Reviewed on Mar/25/2014 by Olivia

      Where There Be Dragons really and truly changed my life. I gained a sense of independence, a strength of character, and a feeling that I could conquer any obstacles that came in my way. I met a truly exceptional group of people, people who I was able to get to know in such a deep and personal way due to our shared experiences. Going to India was by far the most interesting, scary, and amazing experience, and without this program, I would never have been able to experience it the way that I did. Our instructors definitely did an amazing job, for they not only provided help when we needed it, but also allowed us to truly grow in this strange environment. The times I remember most are the times when I or other members in the group had to step up, assume responsibility, and lead the group on. This program is not for those who are not willing to open their hearts and their eyes, and to this day I think of this trip as one of the more difficult things I have ever done. However, it was by far the most amazing thing. I learned to open my eyes in a way I did not dream was possible, I learned to accept things about myself that before I could barely acknowledge, and, above all else, I came back a better person, a better citizen of this world. I cannot do Dragons justice just with these 5 stars and this jumbled review, but to anyone reading this, i beg of you, take a leap of faith, just as I did. You will be changed forever.