Ideas to get you started
Taking a gap year isn’t just about taking a break - it’s about making the most of your time before diving into the next chapter of your life. Whether you’re gearing up for university or stepping into the workforce, a gap year can be a game-changer.
It could be an entire year spent abroad. Or just a few months. However long you take for your gap year, there's plenty you can pack in. And we guarantee you'll make lifelong memories and friends along the way.
Countdown to your gap year
Why Take a Gap Year?
A gap year can be a fantastic opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Here are some key benefits:
- Career Clarity: Use this time to explore different career paths and find what truly excites you.
- Cultural Exposure: Travelling allows you to experience new cultures and broaden your perspective.
- Financial Independence: Earn money to support your future studies or travels.
- Resume Boost: Gain valuable work experience that sets you apart from other candidates.
- Skill Development: Learn valuable skills that you can’t get in a classroom, like problem-solving and independence.
- Personal Growth:Step out of your comfort zone to become more mature, focused, and motivated.
Activities to consider for your gap year
Your gap year should be filled with activities that not only excite you but also build skills for your future. Here are some popular options:
Travel Adventures
Explore the world and discover new cultures. Whether it’s backpacking through Southeast Asia, Interrailing across Europe, or taking a round-the-world trip, travel can be a transformative experience. You’ll develop independence and adaptability, making you more resilient in the face of challenges.
And as gap year travel experts, we're here to help! Here's just a taste of the epic travel experiences we can arrange for you:
- Backpacking adventures - pick and mix your choice of arrangements with assistance planning your route
- Interrailing Europe - if you'd rather stay closer to home during your gap year, get yourself a rail pass to see more of the continent for less
- Round-the-world flights - if one continent isn't enough, cover larger distances and see more of the world on one cost-effective air ticket
Volunteering
Give back to communities and gain invaluable experience. Participate in wildlife conservation projects, teach children, or help build schools in developing countries. Volunteering not only makes a difference but also enriches your understanding of global issues.
It's also a great way to gain valuable skills that can boost your CV and make you more attractive to employers when you return from your gap year.
You can also use your time volunteering abroad to gain firsthand experience for your chosen career.
We have volunteer projects abroad to suit all areas of interest including:
- Marine conservation - ideal for people who want to learn to dive and help protect the world's oceans and aquatic life
- Wildlife conservation - perfect for animal lovers and those who want to contribute to protecting endangered species
- Nature conservation - a top choice if you're passionate about preserving our ecosystems and don't mind getting your hands dirty
- Community volunteering - if you're more of a people-person, join a soup kitchen or help disadvantaged children learn English
Paid Work
Earn while you learn by taking up jobs abroad. Work on an outback farm in Australia, operate ski lifts in Canada, or manage a hostel in New Zealand. These jobs offer a unique way to immerse yourself in a new culture while building your resume and making money to help fund your travels.
We can arrange arrival packages that include accommodation, fun group activities, job support and a welcome transfer at the airport. It's the perfect way to ease yourself into life in a new country.
Check out our working holidays in:
Language Immersion
In our globalised world, knowing multiple languages is a huge asset. Enroll in language courses abroad to learn a new language and understand the local culture better. This skill can open doors to international career opportunities.
It's also a great way to help you get around a country. Or in the case of Latin America, almost an entire continent! That's why we offer Spanish language courses in Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Cuba.
Our language courses often include a mix of volunteering and activities like surfing or yoga. We even have a travelling Spanish classroom that tours Costa Rica and Panama, teaching you the language in a different part of the country each week!
In some cases, you can choose to live with a host family. This will give you an even deeper understanding of the local culture, provide more opportunities to practice Spanish, and expose you to daily life you might otherwise miss as a traveller.
Scuba Diving
Learn a new skill on your gap year and dive into the underwater world. Whether you’re passionate about protecting marine life or just love the thrill of diving, scuba programs offer a unique way to explore the ocean.
We partner with a number of world-class dive operators to give you the opportunity to explore some of the best dive spots on the planet. Choose from learn-to-dive courses to get your first PADI certificate or if you have a bit of experience under your belt, upgrade to your open water advanced certificate. We also have fun-diving for the pros.
Check out our diving options with destinations ranging from the tropical paradise of Bali to the laidback beach vibe of the USA.
Teaching English Abroad
Address the global education gap by teaching in countries that need it most. If you love working with children and are passionate about education, teaching abroad can be incredibly rewarding and impactful.
We offer teaching volunteer programs in over a dozen different countries, including Argentina and Nicaragua in Latin America, Indonesia and the Philippines in Southeast Asia, Zanzibar and Namibia in Africa, and Fiji in the Pacific.
Five more gap year ideas
Climb a mountain
Use your gap year as an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and take on one of the world's most famous mountain climbs.
Head to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or take on Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Learn to surf
Not all skills you pick up on a gap year need to be professional skills for the benefit of your career. You can try out new activities just for the fun of it!
So, if you've ever wondered what it's like to ride the waves, join a surf camp and learn to surf like a pro. It's a great way to meet new people while combining travel with skill building.
Get fit
With no commitments to study or work, a gap year is the perfect time to invest in your health. Consider joining a fitness boot camp for a few weeks to build strength and stamina.
It's also a great way to get in shape if you're thinking about climbing one of those mountains we mentioned, or including some longer treks into your gap year itinerary.
Go on safari
If you love animals and want to see them in the wild, in real life, add a safari to your list of gap year activities.
Whether it's the savannahs of Africa or the rainforests of the Amazon, use your time out to see the sort of wildlife you'd normally only ever see on a David Attenborough documentary.
Check out our range of safaris and wildlife tours.
Join a cooking class
Staying in backpacker hostels and keeping costs down by cooking your own meals will no doubt mean you pick up a few basic recipes. But one of the best things about travelling is the food! So use this as an opportunity to master the local cuisine.
Join a local cooking class and impress your friends and family back home with the perfect Pad Thai or Pho.
How to Use Your Gap Year to Help Your Career
A gap year can be a strategic move to boost your career prospects. Here’s how you can make it work for you:
Gain Relevant Experience
Choose activities that align with your career goals. For example, if you’re interested in environmental science, volunteering for conservation projects can provide hands-on experience. If you’re leaning towards a career in education, teaching abroad can be incredibly beneficial.
Network Globally
Use your gap year to build a global network. Connect with people in your field of interest as you travel. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and provide valuable insights into your chosen career.
Develop Transferable Skills
Focus on activities that develop skills valued by employers, such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Whether you’re managing a project, leading a team, or navigating a new culture, these experiences can make you a more attractive candidate.
Enhance Your Resume
Document your experiences and achievements during your gap year. Highlight the skills you’ve developed and the impact you’ve made. This can set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs or further studies.
Learn a New Language
Language skills are highly valued in many careers. Use your gap year to become proficient in a new language, which can enhance your employability and open up international job opportunities.
Making the Most of Your Gap Year
To ensure your gap year is both fun and productive, stay intentional with your activities. Embrace new experiences with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re observing a new culture, participating in local traditions, or trying new foods, approach each activity as a learning opportunity. This mindset will not only enrich your gap year but also enhance your resume and personal growth.
