Sabbatical in South America
You need a break from your stressful everyday work and want to see something of the world? Then you are definitely well advised to take a sabbatical in Latin America. Beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, fantastic food and millions upon millions of exciting creatures await you here. While pursuing a meaningful activity in Latin America, you will gain deep insights into one of the liveliest and most diverse regions on earth.
A sabbatical in Latin America offers you the opportunity to delve deep into one of the most exciting regions in the world with all its special features and superlatives. Here, the largest tropical rainforest, crossed by the largest and most plentiful river, meets the longest mountain range in the world, while only a few hours away is the driest desert on our planet.
In addition, you will not find such a large and diverse animal and plant world anywhere else. During your meaningful work in Latin America you will have a unique opportunity to leave your everyday life behind you for a while, to gain new experiences and (re)orientate yourself. You will come home bolder, more cosmopolitan and with many new impressions in your luggage.
Popular projects
Peru | Social & Teaching
from 4 - 24 weeks
from 19 years
Costa Rica | Animals & Wildlife
from 4 - 24 weeks
from 21 years
Peru | Creative & Community
from 4 - 24 weeks
from 17 years
You can get involved in these areas of activity
Animals & Wildlife
Latin America has the greatest biological diversity of any continent. The Amazon rainforest in particular is home to various ecosystems that are as diverse as they are sensitive. However, the rainforest has suffered severe damage in recent years due to deforestation for agriculture, animal husbandry and resource extraction. The destruction of the "green lungs of our planet" not only has a catastrophic effect on the global climate, but also for many animal species, in addition to poaching and animal trade, the clearing is a major threat.
If you want to help care for injured or endangered animals, you can join our Animal welfare project in Quito or in the Animal sanctuary in Puerto Viejo engage.
Social & Teaching
With their huge deposits of raw materials, the Latin American countries could be among the richest in the world. In fact, there is extreme social inequality there. In concrete terms, this means that a few super-rich have gigantic fortunes, while around a third of the population of Latin America lives in poverty. The latter in particular therefore lack medical care, access to clean water and educational opportunities. Unfortunately, this poverty and lack of prospects often manifests itself in violence and crime. This often affects those who are already disadvantaged, such as women or members of ethnic or sexual minorities.
During your sabbatical in Latin America, for example, you can help in a Women's shelter in Cusco Organize recreational programs and handicraft workshops.
Medicine & Nursing
Due to poverty and poor infrastructure, many Latin Americans do not have good access to medical care. In addition, the hospitals in many countries in the region are underfunded and there is no general health insurance, so that medical help is simply not affordable for many people. As a result, there are not only major problems with basic treatments, but also specialist medical services, such as psychological care, are not available to large parts of the population.
Do you want to get involved in people's health during your sabbatical? Then you can help, for example, in one Women's shelter in Cusco provide psychotherapeutic services.
Is Spanish required for my sabbatical in Latin America?
Knowledge of Spanish is definitely an advantage for your sabbatical in Latin America and is even a requirement for some projects. For many programs, however, it is sufficient if you can communicate well in English. Alternatively, you can combine your sabbatical with a language course - so you can apply and deepen what you have learned directly on site.
Our RGV destination countries in Latin America
Costa Rica
Although Costa Rica is actually just a narrow strip of land between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific, the small country has so much to offer. More than a quarter of the state in Central America consists of protected natural areas and national parks where you can admire rare plant and animal species such as crocodiles, toucans or sloths.
In addition, despite its small size, Costa Rica has more than 1000 kilometers of coastline with beautiful beaches. Thanks to good weather all year round, you can dive, surf or just relax here at any time of the year. As a contrast to this, you will find many theatres, bars, restaurants and cafés in the cities, with coffee and chocolate directly from the region.
Ecuador
No country on earth has such a great diversity of species in relation to its size as Ecuador. Thanks to its rich flora and fauna, it is literally the most diverse country in the world. The reason for the biodiversity are the four major regions into which the South American state is divided. From east to west in Ecuador you will find the tropical Amazon rainforest, the Andes, the coastal region and the famous Galápagos Islands.
Together with the diverse culture of Ecuador, which is characterized by European, African and indigenous influences, the result is an exciting mix that makes the country one of the most interesting travel destinations in the world.
Peru
Peru is the third largest country in South America and is also one of the most popular travel destinations in the region thanks to its varied landscapes and cultural diversity. For example, within a single state you will find the driest desert on earth, some of the highest mountains in the world and the sources of the Amazon, the largest river on our planet.
In addition to its impressive nature, Peru also has a lot to offer culturally. The millennia-old Inca culture is omnipresent in the Latin American country. You can find remnants of the pre-Columbian period in various ancient world heritage sites, such as the Andean city of Cusco or the famous ruins of Machu Picchu.
Is Latin America a safe destination for my sabbatical?
Our destination countries in Latin America are generally considered safe travel countries. In general, your safety is our top priority. Therefore, we make sure that you are in good hands in our projects and accommodations and that you have contact persons in your immediate vicinity. You will receive even more information about your safety on site as part of your Travel preparation.
