Jamaica Gap Year Programme

"Hand on my heart it's been the experience of a life time"

I've just been having THE best time here! It's gone so quickly, but I feel like I've been here forever at the same time.

We've done a lot of work already, so I feel like we've made a big difference. Through this work we've all learnt a lot, but it's mostly given us a good sense of liberation and generally put a lot of things in perspective. And of course, we now understand how difficult it is for these communities to get just essential amenities!

But the main thing is that I am very happy with the programme, and I can put my hand on my heart when I say it's been the experience of a life time, and I can't wait to continue for the 2nd half of it!

- Peter Blake

"Steady hands on the tiller "

So grateful to you all at The Leap. It’s been the most amazing experience for Ella and we can’t compliment you and Milly enough for all your friendly and efficient organisation and your very steady hands on the tiller in choppy waters throughout this last month!

- David

"I cannot recommend enough to all of my friends"

To everyone at The Leap

Archie had the most wonderful six weeks, probably the best he has had so far in his life! We are so glad we chose The Leap to begin his adventures travelling. He said all the Leapers were great people and really fun to be with. The experiences were just incredible and learning about the plastic and turtles fascinating. I think he has made some friends for life and if he ever returns from his travels we will hear lots more about it. Archie really liked Amelia and said she was fun, supportive and a wonderful leader. Just a really fabulous experience which I cannot recommend enough to all of my friends. In a couple of years my daughter will be coming to join a trip on The Leap. Thank you so so much.

- Henrietta Mogg

"I would say 100% I was able to make a positive contribution"

I was helping the community by making the beach cleaner and also helping protect the turtles from poachers and plastic in the ocean.

- Kit

"​Amazing, emotional and I would do it all again "

Communication was very good before and during the trip, it was nice to know that the leap would reply quickly plus I felt very safe, the 24/7 security relaxed and settled me in. Stella, Matias and Jimmy were amazing, they made my trip!

The programmes and schools we visited were life-changing and made me appreciate what I have. The fact that we actually made a difference by raising money for an orphanage to build a well is so exciting and rewarding! And the relationships I made with the children and the other leapers I will never forget.

- Bethany

"Do it!"

Best decision I’ve made cant recommend enough. Lizzie and Carmen took the experience to another level and I’ve made life long friends in them and the rest of the group :) DO IT !!!

- Sarah Norris

"Grown in confidence"

I have grown in confidence from meeting new people and I have realised how much of an impact everyone could make with everyday things

- Louisa

"Change the course of their lives"

I am filled with admiration at all the trouble you have taken over every detail, so much appreciated when filling in all those damn forms! And it was brilliant that you kept us all (in our case 3 generations!) involved and informed about the changing situation every day. It has been so difficult for this group of 18 year olds unable to do their A levels properly and with all the attendant problems of the pandemic. I think the programmes you are offering may well change the course of their lives not only for the future of the planet but also by giving them opportunities to work hard together at the same time as having fun. Huge thanks and congratulations, I’m telling everyone how fantastic you are!

- Caromy (Grandmother)

"Thank-you Leap! They make sure you get a taste of everything the country has to offer"

Amazing experience - couldn’t recommend more highly ! Perfect for first time backpackers but great for anyone to be honest. Highly organised trip, all the places you stay in are super unique and cool - not like places you could find travelling on your own. They know all the best places to visit and things to do, the team leaders were AMAZING super nice and knew exactly what they were doing and always eased anxiety as they were very experienced. All the people that did it were so nice and there wasn’t one person of the 15 I didn’t get on with. I honestly have made 15 new amazing friends. So super fun!! They make sure you get a taste of everything the country has to offer (in my experience the Costa Rica adventure one) it is so so fun and you also get volunteering opportunities too which are super rewarding and nice to do multiple different types during the trip. Thank-you Leap! I didn’t get homesick or anxious which is saying a lot and I can put that down to the fun, people and team leaders

- Izzy Utley

" I recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about doing it!​"

One of the best experiences of my life!! I met the most amazing people and experienced so many incredible things. The trip is so well organised and you get a mix of everything Costa Rica has to offer! Lizzie and Carmen were the most incredible group leaders and this made such a difference, I recommend this trip to anyone who is thinking about doing it!

- Maggie Calder