Gap Year (Travel) Pros and Cons

I’ve known several people who had great experiences with Rotary. I think there is a lot to be said to being immersed in a language and culture. A million years ago I lived with a French family and studied at this program: http://www.institutdetouraine.com/en It was a great experience - I did it for a whole school year, but it’s not cheap. WOOF and being an au pair are the most obvious ways to be overseas at less cost.

I think it’s easier to apply to colleges as a senior and then defer. You probably want to apply to a college that is strong overall, so that you aren’t worrying about some obscure program that only ___ college offers.

Does anyone have experience finding or creating a gap year program that involves (a) delivery of healthcare services or (b) scientific or clinical research? Spanish speaking country or USA would be ideal. This would be after high school but before college, not after college but before med school or grad school.