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Europe has an allure few other places in the world can claim. With the past and the present blended together brilliantly in magical cities of old bustling with modern commerce, ideas, and movements, it has the power to capture just about anyone's imagination and wanderlust. For history buffs, fashionistas, artists, political idealists, and food lovers, Europe is sure to offer much more than you're capable of exploring in a two week vacation. So, if spending an extended amount of time exploring this small, yet incredibly diverse continent sounds appealing to you, then a gap year in Europe is just the thing for you!

There are no set rules as to how you should execute your gap year in Europe!

hether you decide to spend your gap year constantly traveling or in just one country, Europe is a great gap year destination for the variety of opportunities that exist and ease of travel. Numerous programs will help you organize a gap year in Europe, such as Gap Year365 or Topdeck, but it's equally easy to navigate independently and create your own gap year itinerary. Either way, there are no set rules as to how you should execute your gap year in Europe, so get creative!

Now that you're all hyped up to take a gap year, and lured in by the cheap and easy budget airlines and trains, it's time to take a small step back. It's a small continent, but there's almost too much to see. You'll want to start your planning by picking a destination (or two, or three...) in Europe to start your gap year. So, whether you've already got a few in mind or not, we'll help you out by giving you our top gap year destinations for taking a gap year in Europe!

Where to Go in Europe for Your Gap Year

1. Ireland

Ah, Ireland. Éire. The Emerald Isle. The land of 50 Shades of Green... get it?! Corny jokes aside, Ireland packs in gap year opportunities for a wide array of interests. Whether you're interested in buzzing city life, a slower paced country life with some sheep, or a bit of both, Ireland will provide that. Enjoy a year volunteering on a farm on the West Coast or interning in Dublin. If you're interested in organizing your gap year independently, Ireland also has an amazing Working Holiday program. Citizens of participating nations can very easily apply for this one-year working visa. A year in Ireland is bound to be great craic, so maybe we should start calling it your gap year destination?

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Ireland:

2. Spain

With its varied landscape and diverse cities, Spain is the perfect spot for anyone hoping to experience a little bit of everything: beaches, sunshine, Mediterranean waters, arid deserts, bustling cities or small towns. Like Europe as a whole, Spain packs in a lot of diversity for its size. From the beautiful, artful city of Barcelona to the urban capitol in Madrid, and all the cultural variations in between, you'll feel like you're in a completely different country as you roam from one Spanish city to another. If you're hoping to utilize your gap year as a chance to practice a language, Spain will offer the perfect opportunity to brush up on your Spanish skills -- though you will want to take regional dialects into consideration when choosing a Spanish language program in Spain. Compared to many other countries in Western Europe, Spain is also generally more affordable. Oh, and did we mention the food and nightlife yet?

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Spain:

3. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has slowly emerged as a travel hot spot and developed considerably over the past few decades, but this Eastern European country has maintained its old world feel and fairytale-esque charm, tucked away into each cobblestoned street. The Czech Republic didn't just make it on our list for its charm though. For those looking to teach ESL during their gap year (especially Americans for whom working visas are difficult to obtain), the Czech Republic has a growing demand for teachers and work visa regulations that are friendlier to non-EU citizens than western European countries. Another bonus? The Czech Republic is considerably cheaper than many other countries in Europe..

Suggested Gap Year Programs in the Czech Republic:

4. Italy

Italy needs little introduction. We've all heard of its beautiful Tuscan landscapes, the gorgeous Amalfi Coast, its rich history, and ancient wonders waiting around every corner. So why not take a gap year here and learn about Italy on a more in-depth level. Get past the surface and really get to know Italy by taking a cooking or language classes in Rome, study fashion in Milan, harvest grapes in the countryside, or live and work with an Italian family as their au pair? The opportunities to travel, learn, and eat are abundant in Italy, making it a great gap year destination.

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Italy:

5. Greece

Keeping with the Mediterranean theme, Greece too has long lived on our radar for European gap year destinations. Especially for all my history nerds out there, Greece is filled with history and mythology and you'll quickly discover it's hard to wander the streets of Athens without stumbling on an ancient site or monument. Not so keen on spending your gap year trekking from historical site to the next? Well, don't write Greece off just yet -- you could learn how to sail around the Greek Isles, join in on an archelogical dig, teach English, become an au pair, or volunteer for environmental conservation.

Greece is similar to Spain in terms of affordability, being cheaper than many other European countries. Also, we should probably take a minute to discuss the food. For any foodies out there, Greece should be on your list of most delicious countries. Really, you can survive off of cheap gyros and spanakopita, trust me!

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Greece:

6. Hungary

For those looking for a more off the beaten path gap year destination, consider Hungary. Though growing in popularity, it remains less visited than Czech Republic and one of Eastern Europes hidden gems. Gap year takers will find numerous opportunities to travel on a shoestring, learn about Hungary's incredible history, intern, or teach while exploring Hungary. Budapest especially is worth considering if you want to work during your gap year.

Hungary also comes with a low price tag, being one of the most affordable destinations on this list for those travelers ballin' on a budget! Take advantage of the opportunity to visit a country that boasts fewer tourists, and make sure to make friends with the locals!

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Hungary:

7. Germany

If you're interested in finding work while on your gap year, Germany has numerous opportunities -- both of the usual teach English / hostel work variety, and more prestigious or specialized internships. Germany has one of the largest economies in the world, making it a good place to search for a job.

For those who prefer to just travel, Deutschland also boasts beautiful landscapes, thriving cities, and rich history. If you are interested in a modern city and great nightlife, check out Berlin. For those who would love to explore the countryside and visit some real-life castles and gorgeous vistas, head south to Bavaria. And of course, Germany is an excellent spot for anyone of legal age who is interested in beer. Be sure to hang out in Munich and enjoy some time in the city's many biergartens!

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Germany:

8. Scotland

One of the greatest parts about traveling is getting to learn about a new culture from the locals. There are few places where the natives are more passionate about their country and culture than in Scotland. The Scots are incredibly proud of their heritage and history, and would love to tell you about it over a pint!

Spend your gap year exploring Edinburgh and Glasgow, and venturing into the Highlands to explore the amazing lochs and castles hidden among the mountains. If you have an interest in music or dancing, take classes in Highland Dance or learn to play everyone's favorite instrument: the bagpipes! For any Harry Potter fans out there (which I'm hoping is all of you) you can visit the birthplace of Harry itself, The Elephant House, in Edinburgh. The Scots are a crazy bunch (in the best kind of way) and will be sure to show you a good time. Be sure to try the haggis too, err, just don't ask what's in it...

Suggested Gap Year Programs in Scotland:

The Choice is Up to You!

However you decide to spend your gap year, the possibilities are endless! A gap year in Europe provides ample opportunities to travel, try new foods, learn new languages and forge friendships. Whether you decide to take our advice or not, we hope we've at least inspired you to really buckle down and start planning your European gap year. After all, nothing says independence or hey, look at that cool guy and/or gal than traveling solo for a year. So what are you waiting for? Book that ticket, and have a blast on your gap year in Europe!

Photo credits: Trish Hartmann, Giuseppe Milo, Les Haines, Pedro Szekely, Artur Staszewski, Woody Hibbard, Pank Seelen, Abhijeet Rane, and Jack Torcello.

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The 8 Best Gap Year Destinations in Europe

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Europe has an allure few other places in the world can claim. With the past and the present blended together brilliantly in magical cities of old bustling with modern commerce, ideas, and movements, it has the power to capture just about anyone's imagination and wanderlust.

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Destinations: Gap 360 offers over 50 gap year destinations

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Gap 360 arranges amazing gap year trips in over 50 destinations around the world. Browse our extensive list to find the perfect destination!

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Where do you want to go on your gap year? Struggling for ideas? That's why we're here to help. We've come up with 10 gap year destinations that we think you just have to see on your travels.

We've got all the continents covered (sorry Antarctica but you're just too darn expensive), so if you're planning a gap year then you can't go wrong with any of these destinations.

However, if your gap year destination isn't featured in our top 10, head over to our country section for more advice and information on where to go and what to do.

The real question is, how many destinations can you fit in on your gap year?

1. Thailand

Thailand is now considered the number one gap year destination. It's easy to get to (only a 12 hour flight. Trust us, that's easy when it comes to travelling), it's cheap, and there's so much to see and do. Thailand really does tick all the boxes and more.

2. Australia

Australia is perfect for the first time traveller. For those who want the creature comforts of home yet an amazing adventure, then you can't go wrong with Oz. There are so many sights and activities you could easily spend your whole gap year Down Under trying to see everything.

3. Malaysia

Malaysia is always a popular gap year destination as it's such a transport hub. Often, any flight going to Australia or New Zealand has a stop-over in Malaysia. It's a blend of Chinese, Indian and local Malay culture, giving you three countries in one. Once you hit Malaysia, you may not want to leave.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand is the perfect place for all you adventure lovers. If you're looking for climbing, hiking, trekking, bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, zorbing, or anything else for that matter, then New Zealand is the place for you.

5. Tanzania

If you're looking for a gap year destination to travel and volunteer in then look no further than Tanzania. There are plenty of volunteering projects to choose from, such as teaching English as a foreign language or building a community centre, and in your down time you've got safaris and treks up Mount Kilimanjaro on your doorstep.

6. Peru

Peru is one of the most popular countries in South America. When it can boast of sights such as the Amazon jungle, the Nazca lines, Lake Titicaca, and of course Machu Picchu, it's easy to see why a lot of backpackers and travellers make this a must on their gap year.

7. USA

Gap years often start or end in the States, and the two most popular cities are New York and Los Angeles. Both are absolutely perfect to either kick-start your trip or to kick back and relax at the end. Expect an extremely fast paced and lavish lifestyle for a few days.

8. Vietnam

Vietnam is a little edgier than Thailand, a little harder to travel, yet offers just as much as its close neighbour. Often a lot of people travel around the four countries of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam on their gap year in South East Asia, and Vietnam is always a firm favourite among backpackers.

9. Fiji

Fiji is still one of the most popular gap year destinations in the world. Expect perfect pristine beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and bright blue waters for as far as the eye can see. Fiji is the perfect place to chillax for a week or two. The hard part is leaving.

10. Brazil

Brazil is the country of the samba and it really is the place to be for a party. Carnival is fast approaching and the country seems to be buzzing with Olympic and World Cup fever already. It's hard not to get caught up in it all making it an infectious country to travel to and through on your gap year.

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Where do you want to go on your gap year? Struggling for ideas? That's why we're here to help. We've come up with 10 gap year destinations that we think you just have to see on your travels.

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Taking a gap year, or even a shorter gap term, will inevitably impact your life for the better. Take time off to gain real world life experience, travel the globe and get to know yourself better.

Linguistic Horizons offers a variety of gap year programs ranging in length from as little as 2 weeks and up to a full year. Choose from several different internship, study abroad, and foreign language immersion programs! From South America to Europe and New Zealand, we have several options.

Explore our gap year programs below. If you need help choosing a program, simply contact us. We are always happy to help! Can't choose just one? You can mix and match!

Gap Year Programs

South America: Peru!

Europe: SPAIN!

Europe: UK!

Oceania: New Zealand!

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Gap Year - Internship & Study Abroad Programs

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Taking a gap year, or even a shorter gap term, will inevitably impact your life for the better. Take time off to gain real world life experience, travel the globe and get to know yourself better. Linguistic Horizons offers a variety of gap year programs ranging in length from as little as 2 weeks and ...

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Gap year programs are transformative. The more life experience you bring to university and to your career the more successful you will be. This is because you are more focused and more aware of what you actually want to do. There are so many great reasons to travel!

"I am convinced that one's college education is greatly enhanced by the maturity, experience, and perspective a student can bring post gap year."

-Fred A. Hargadon, former Dean of Admissions. Princeton University

It's Your Gap Year

Work, study, and travel; connect, learn, and grow. Discover something new about yourself; find your purpose. Designing a true gap year experience is your very own mission of discovery, and we help you plan for it every step of the way. But really, in the end, you find your own way!

- Travel and immerse yourself in the world
- Live outside your comfort zone
- Get involved in community service and give back
- Study another language
- Build professional skills and learn about hard work

Maximo Nivel gap year programs get you involved and provide some of the best travel and learning experiences in the world! Our programs combine Spanish language studies, volunteer work, and skill building courses. Spanish classes include all levels from Basic to Fluency and volunteer options include:

Maximo Nivel offers several pre-planned gap year itineraries. On these programs, you have weekends free, and a 2-week break to organize treks, tours, and beach time with new friends and fellow travelers. Our suggested itineraries are very flexible, so you can pick and choose to create a personalized program. Wherever you want to go for your gap year, we're already here in-country, ready to help you.

What's Included?

All Maximo Nivel gap year participants receive the following services as part of their program.

- Airport pick-up
- Host family accommodations (private room)
- Breakfast and dinner, 7 days/week
- 3 to 4 hours/day volunteer work
- 2 hours/day Spanish language classes
- Program and safety orientation
- Walking tour
- Official program certificates
- Letter of recommendation
- Free Tandem Conversation Program
- Free office-wide WiFi and computer lounge
- Free salsa dance classes
- Free cooking classes
- Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
- Institute is open 7 days/week
- Emergency contact number 24/7

Get University Credit

Maximo Nivel is directly partnered with California State University-Monterey Bay as our official School of Record. University credit is available for our gap year programs, including Spanish language studies and Service Learning (volunteer work).

Gap Year in Costa Rica

Our gap year in Costa Rica is a 24-week program. Your program begins in the capital city of San Jose, and then you move on to Manuel Antonio Beach-the best beach and National Park in Costa Rica! This program includes:

- 12 weeks of Spanish language classes
- 8 weeks volunteer-Working with Kids
- 8 weeks volunteer-Teaching English
- 4 weeks volunteer-Sea Turtle Conservation
- 1 week Surf School
- 1 week Scuba certification
- 2-week break with housing

Gap Year in Guatemala

The gap year in Guatemala is a 24-week program. Your program begins in the historic pueblo of Antigua, Guatemala, and then brings you to El Salvador and back again to Guatemala. This program includes:

- 12 weeks of Spanish language classes
- 8 weeks volunteer-Working with Kids
- 4 weeks volunteer-Sea Turtle Conservation
- 4 weeks volunteer-Teaching English
- 4 weeks volunteer-Animal Care
- 1 week Surf School
- 1 week Scuba certification
- 2-week break with housing

Gap Year in Peru

The gap year in Peru is a 24-week program. Your program is based in the ancient city of Cusco, Peru. Cusco is the traveler's meca of South America and it's the perfect launching point for travel and adventure. This program includes:

- 12 weeks of Spanish language classes
- 8 weeks volunteer-Working with Kids
- 4 weeks volunteer-Teaching English
- 4 weeks volunteer-Jungle Conservation
- 2 weeks Andean Immersion Program
- 4 weeks TEFL Certification
- 2-week break with housing

Be a Country Jumper

Maximo Nivel's Country Jumper program takes you from Costa Rica to Guatemala to Peru. This 24-week program is made up of 8 weeks in each of the 3 countries. This program includes:

Costa Rica
- 8 weeks of Spanish language classes
- 4 weeks volunteer-Working with Kids
- 1 week Surf School

Guatemala
- 8 weeks Spanish language classes
- 4 weeks volunteer-Working with Kids
- 4 weeks volunteer-Eco-Agriculture

Peru
- 4 weeks Spanish language classes
- 4 weeks volunteer-Construction
- 4 weeks volunteer-Jungle Conservation
*Flights between countries are not included.

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Maximo Nivel > Adventure & Culture Programs > Gap Year Gap Year Programs in Latin America Gap year programs are transformative. The more life experience you bring to university and to your career the more successful you will be.

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'gap year' or simply a 'gap' usually involves work

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learning  or travel before during or after university

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Year Out Group - Gap Year | Cultural Exchange | Voluntary Work Abroad

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A gap year or simply a 'gap' is a period of time between school and college or college and employment. It usually involves work, volunteering,

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Career Development Projects - Volunteering - Gap Year

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Volunteering or working in career development on your gap year is a great way to experience a new culture and also prepare yourself for working life.

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With your own experience of school and fluency in English you have a lot of knowledge and experience which you can share.

Officially, you are an assistant teacher. In practice, this means that you may be helping other members of staff, taking classes with another AV volunteer or on your own.

Facilities in the schools can be sparse, with minimal furniture, stationary or teaching aids. Most classrooms will have desks or benches, a blackboard and chalk. Class sizes vary from 30 to 130 and, especially in the bigger classes, you teach as a pair with your partner.

We work with a mix of primary and secondary schools (6-16 years), but the majority are primary. In secondary schools we will not ask you to teach beyond the GCSE level and only then if you are happy.

You will nearly always be covering part of the local curriculum and may be working towards exams at the end of the term.

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Volunteer teaching in Africa & Asia * Africa & Asia Venture (AV)

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With your own experience of school and fluency in English you have a lot of knowledge and experience which you can share. Officially, you are an assistant teacher. In practice, this means that you may be helping other members of staff, taking classes with another AV volunteer or on your own.

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Whether you're keen on football, running, netball, rugby, basketball, cricket, hockey, volleyball, athletics or perhaps just a simple game of tag, catch or duck duck goose - the opportunities for volunteer sports coaching abroad are endless!

Our gap year and volunteer projects offer you the chance to work as a sports coach in a school, helping with PE lessons, organising clubs, matches or sports days. The specific sports played, facilities and level of participation varies across the different countries in which we work. Schools are keen for volunteers to run clubs outside of lessons and it is a great way of building friendships and getting to know the children. You might introduce new games or develop their skills in sports they already know, the one thing we can say is that it will be a lot of fun!

Tell us what games you enjoy and we will help put your sporting talents to their best use. Whether you want to spend your gap year sports coaching or teaching PE alongside lessons in the classroom - it's up to you!

What can I teach?

Depending on where you go, options include:

PE, football, rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics and rounders.

Get creative

Coaching sport will test your initiative and resourcefulness to the max. With limited equipment and facilities it may be up to you to create sports pitches, with lines drawn in sawdust or goals made from tree branches.

If you want to concentrate completely on sports coaching and teaching PE on your volunteering project, then our projects in Kenya, Uganda or South Africa are the ideal locations. Here PE lessons are part of the school day and the schools are keen on clubs outside of lesson time. The majority of schools are Primary level, so you would mostly be involved with 9 - 11 year old children. There are some secondary level schools where rugby, a higher-level football and basketball are available.

Most schools will love it if you are able to help with other teaching duties too.

Sport is a great way to get to know the children outside of the classroom and have fun! Running races, rounders and tag are all simple games and easy to play with large groups.

Countries where sports coaching can be done in addition to other volunteer activities include: Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, India, Nepal, and Thailand.

Unlimited potential

There will be no shortage of young people, who love playing sport, and your horizons for developing their skills and enjoyment will be unlimited.

You will also be able to create opportunities for local, inter/intra-school competitions.

FAQs

Do I need qualifications?

If you have sporting qualifications we will do our best to ensure that you can use them to best effect, but formal qualifications are not necessary. If you are going to solely coach sports you should have a reasonable level of skill and an infectious enthusiasm for your sport. However anyone can get involved with PE lessons and after school clubs, the emphasis is on fun and providing activities for the children. African zest and love of sport is as bright as the African sun, so you will have no trouble firing up your players. In India the skill levels are fantastic considering the condition of the pitches.

What sports facilities are there?

Africa
In Africa, we operate in some of the poorest rural schools where resources are limited. It will be a bit of a challenge! Sport in African schools is played with massive enthusiasm - like everything that African children do - and not many facilities! It is therefore the games which require the least equipment that are most widely played e.g. football, volley ball and running. Rough pitches, acacia thorns and heavy use in every spare moment of daylight mean that footballs don't last long! They overcome this very real problem by melting about 50 plastic supermarket bags over a fire, moulding them into a football as each bag is added ... and then play with bare feet!

Asia
In India and Nepal the steeply sloping terrain of the communities in which we work means there is a lack of formal sports pitches but you'll be amazed at how a narrow strip of ground can be turned into a cricket wicket or football pitch. The Indians are cricket mad so any opportunity to play will be greatly received.

Should I take sports equipment out with me?

Few schools have enough sports equipment and anything you can bring will be hugely popular. However, airlines will not carry it free and you will need most of your baggage allowance for your own stuff, so there are limits to what you will be able to bring.

Best to think it through, talk to us and clear any excess weight with the airline in advance. They often allow it for volunteers going out to work with children in the developing world. Why not consider purchasing some equipment in-country - you will be putting money into the local economy and providing work for the community at the same time!

Choose a destination

Coaching can be done as part of all our volunteer projects, so where would you like to go?

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Sports Coaching Abroad | Choose your Sport and Destination

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Whether you're keen on football, running, netball, rugby, basketball, cricket, hockey, volleyball, athletics or perhaps just a simple game of tag, catch or duck duck goose - the opportunities for volunteer sports coaching abroad are endless!

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Community work abroad * Africa & Asia Venture (AV)

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AV volunteer projects abroad are all community based, therefore whichever project you choose to volunteer on, you will be living and working in the heart of a new community, becoming fully immersed in their way of life.

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Gap Year Company * Volunteer Programmes * Africa & Asia Venture (AV)

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Discover our gap year programs in Africa and Asia - adventure travel & volunteering. A gap year company with over 25 years experience of gap year travel.

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How do I choose the right volunteer program?

Gap year volunteer programs are amazing travel experiences, where you will be expected to work hard for the duration of your placement. It's the only way you can really help! So it's important to make sure you're prepared for that, and that you choose a volunteer program that matches your skills and interests to make sure you can see it through to the end. You'll find ones all over the world, from Kenya to Guatemala to Sri Lanka. If you're really passionate about helping animals, for example, look into projects where you'll get to work closely with them.

Always carefully read what a volunteer placement entails and consider both if you can handle the work and if you really have the skills to contribute. Once you have started a placement, finishing early can leave a project shorthanded.

How do I know if a volunteer program is ethical?

With so many volunteering opportunities available, it can be difficult to find the best gap year programs, and to ensure they are ethically run. There are numerous steps you can take to find a responsible volunteering placement. We recommend doing as much research as possible into any organisation, reading their website to find out their goals in local communities, how and where they spend their money, and the type of language and imagery they use to describe themselves. You should be able to ask questions, read testimonials from previous volunteers, and even be put in touch with some if you request. Look at forums and online reviews. Do not be shy to find out as much as possible before you commit to anything.

Why do I have to pay a fee if I'm volunteering?

We appreciate it may seem strange to pay a fee for a place on a volunteering program. This money is usually used to cover expenses for having you on the placement, such as food, transport, and accommodation. It may also go towards other expenses such as equipment and paying local full-time staff. Lastly, many volunteer programs will donate a portion of all their proceeds to investing in the local community, such as businesses, schools, and health care facilities. There may also be other overheads such as admin costs. If you are concerned about how your money is going to be used, this is a fair question to ask any volunteer program.

What is included in a volunteer placement?

This will vary depending on which volunteering program you have chosen. Most will include accommodation, food, and any transport necessary to get to and from work. This means that after paying the initial fee, a volunteering placement can give you a good opportunity to save some money for the next leg of your trip, be that in South East Asia, Africa or South Asia. We recommend reading placement descriptions carefully to see what is included. Any organisation should also make it clear well ahead of time what work you will be expected to do day-to-day so that you can adequately prepare.

How long should I volunteer for?

How long you should spend on any one project will depend on the type of volunteering. As a general rule, the longer the better. If you will be working with young children a good minimum amount of time is two to three months, allowing you to develop a real rapport with them and keep some consistency in their world. Conservation and wildlife programs offer the opportunity to make a difference in a shorter amount of time, as manual labour can sometimes be completed in a few days.

Training may be required once you reach a project, so make sure you factor that into the total time you can dedicate. Have a read of our 5 Signs You Need to Volunteer Abroad if you're still not sure whether it's for you.

Do I need any qualifications to volunteer?

Many gap year volunteer programs will not require you to have any prior qualifications, and if necessary many will include on-site training upon arrival. In this way, volunteering placements can be a great way to learn and develop valuable skills while simultaneously putting them to good use.

If you are interested in a teaching volunteer position, you will probably need to hold a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification. These can be attained before travelling via completing a course that usually lasts no longer than a weekend. Achieving this qualification will equip you with the vital skills to ensure you can provide the best possible teaching during your placement.

It's important that when researching what travel insurance you'll need that you factor in any volunteering you plan to do.

Can I travel during gap year volunteer programs?

Yes! While most volunteering placements will keep you busy, they will also give you the freedom to travel on your days off. Many volunteers will make friends in the course of their work, and go travelling around the host country together whenever possible. This is a great way to get a complete feel for your chosen destination. Working within a community gives you access to the best local knowledge, and some volunteer programs will even organise trips to top sights or other nearby communities. You also have the option of travelling before and after your placement.

Can I put volunteer work on my CV?

Absolutely! It would be silly not to. If you've been travelling and have completed some volunteer work during that time, it will definitely be of interest to any potential employer, even if it isn't directly related to the job at hand. It shows that your time exploring the world wasn't just spent playing the acoustic guitar in the hostel common room, demonstrates your willingness to work hard, and heavily suggests that you're a good person in general. Gap year volunteering can go a long way to make you stand out when applying for jobs or further placements. Don't be afraid to use it.

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Gap Year Volunteering Programs, Projects & Experiences

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Gap year volunteer programs are amazing travel experiences, where you will be expected to work hard for the duration of your placement. It's the only way you can really help! So it's important to make sure you're prepared for that, and that you choose a volunteer program that matches your skills and interests to make sure you can see it through to the end.