Can you see yourself…•••••Teaching in China•••••Learning Spanish in Barcelona•••••Working on a water project in Cambodia•••••Helping at an orphanage in Vietnam•••••Studying art in Italy•••••Exploring the ecology of the Galapagos IslandsThere are lots of programs out there…service work, academic, language immersion, teaching English, travel…or create your own international experience. If you find a program you like, ask about funding and scholarships. Maybe you can negotiate the cost of the program.
We’ll point you to some of the programs that are available, but you are the one who has to do the research. Spend some time reading about the programs, email and talk to them, ask questions. Be sure the program that you are looking at is a responsible one. Ask for references and write or call the people who have traveled with the group you are interested in. We will spotlight a few programs each month or you can search all of our listings by country or program type on the left.
Asian Gap Year • www.asiangapyear.com
Thailand • Variety of Programs • Month, Semester, Year • $900-$5000+
This Thailand based company is a clearing house for many different programs ranging in length from one month to one year throughout Thailand. Programs include everything from Voluntary Teaching, Wildlife Rehabilitation, and Conservation to working within a local Thai community. Alternatively self-improvement packages such as learning Muay-Thai boxing, Yoga Teacher Training, Reiki Master or TEFL Teacher are also available. Students are required to have travel and medical insurance and to pay for passports/visa, air, and spending. Many programs include shared accommodations and some food. See summary…
World Teach • www.worldteach.org
Worldwide • Teach English • Summer • $4000
Two month summer programs are open to anyone over the age of 18, including undergraduates and others who do not have a bachelor’s degree. As a volunteer, you will receive training, language preparation and field support and can choose from programs in China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Namibia, Poland, or South Africa. See summary…
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms • www.wwoof.org
Worldwide • Farming • 2-5 wks • $1500-$3,000
Started in the UK in 1971, “WWOOF is a worldwide network of organizations that links volunteers with organic farmers and helps people share more sustainable ways of living.” Volunteers subscribe to a WWOOF organization in the country where you want to work – Latin America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Pacific – to receive a list of farmers needing help in that area. See summary…
Check here for a growing list of programs. We add new ones regularly.
Professional Guidance…
There are professional counselors who will guide students through their Gap Year searches. Their fee for helping you choose the right program is around $2100. Some people find this helpful. Check them out. Maybe they are negotiable:
•••••• Holly Bull of The Center for Interim Programs
•••••• Gael Reardon of Taking Off
Some program providers will offer an optional fee-based counseling service to match students to programs. One such provider is Asian Gap Year.
Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa…
This is not a Gap Year program but we want you to know that Australia has a special visa program for young people under the age of 30. If you get a visa, you will be able to work while you’re there. For more information, visit the Australian government’s website.
Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP)…
This site is worth investigating. It’s a program out of Canada, very reasonable, and we’d love to have you check it out and let us know what you find out. For more information visit CADIP.
USA Gap Year Fairs…
Many colleges actively encourage students to take a year off before starting college.
To help you structure your time out between high school and college, a whole industry of Gap Year organizations has sprouted. In the US, these organizations come together every year to present their programs at USA Gap Year Fairs. The fairs are sponsored by Gap Year organizations. The fare schedule is on the website.
International Volunteer Program Association (IVPA)…
This association is a non-governmental organization involved in international volunteer work and internship exchanges. It is an excellent resource site and has created a list of questions to ask when choosing a volunteer program which may prove helpful when talking to program providers. They also include volunteers sites.
Rotary International…
Their Youth Exchange programs are all over the world. Have a look at their site and talk to someone in the Rotary organization where you live. Rotary programs are considerably less expensive than most of the other programs (usually under $5,000 for a full year and that includes airfare). Most Rotary programs are academic, but there are some that are not. Students often receive a small stipend every month to help with expenses. Besides the cost, another good reason to explore Rotary is that the organization is highly respected and very supportive. If you are struggling to convince your parents, a Rotary program might be the way to go. Chances are your parents know someone who is a member. For more information visit Rotary International. The New Global Student by Maya Frost (see Resource section) has an entire chapter on the benefits and challenges of a Rotary Youth Exchange program.
150 of the Best Travel Blogs…
Go to College Scholarships to find out what other students are doing.
