Gap Years: Everything You Need to Know

Volunteering elephant sanctuary Thailand

Lots of people choose to take a gap year before or after university, and this experience really can change your life. But what is a gap year? Is it worthwhile? And should you take one?

View our essential guide to taking a gap year, get information, ideas and see whether this experience is right for you.

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year is known also as a “year off”, “year out”, “deffered year”, “bridging year”, “time off”, “time out” or “overseas experience”. 

A gap year doesn’t takes always a whole year. Usually young people takes a time off (some weeks, months up to a year) before/after going to the university.

On gap years you can travel to another country and experience diverse activities: like volunteering, teaching or just traveling. One of the most popular activities for “gappers” is international volunteering but there are other options too like enrolling on language courses or earn money by working in diverse areas, as the hospitality industry.

Some travellers also enroll themselves in global education programs that combine a language study, cultural immersion, community services, home stays and independent study.

Should I Take a Gap Year?

A gap year is an exciting once in a lifetime experience that can be suitable for anyone whether you are ensure about uni, or don’t want to go into full time employment. But is a gap year right for you?

Here are some of the benefits of gap years:

Get in touch with foreign communities
A gap year is not the typical short-therm holiday where you hang out with family or friends and only get to know the typical attractions for tourists. On a gap year program you will have the opportunity to truly interact with the local people, learn about the reality of the community, enjoy the traditions and open your eyes to an extraordinary array of new things through multiple experiences.

Social understanding and awareness
Some programs give you the opportunity to not only enjoy the new environment you will be in but also to support a good cause with volunteer work by teaching, helping to protect the nature, building new houses or schools… don’t lose the opportunity to not only travel and enjoy but also to help and make a difference in the world.

Learn new languages, develop new skills
As you will be living abroad for some weeks or even months you will have the opportunity to learn or improve your local language knowledge. Some companies and language schools give you the opportunity to learn a new language through specific courses ideal for people that is looking to study while enjoying a fantastic travel experience.

Earn money
There are many paid gap year jobs where you make money to pay your expenses while teaching or working in the hospitality industry for example, having fun, interacting with other young people, living new experiences without a real cost for you!

Get to know yourself
You will have time to enjoy your independency, gain experience and get to know your strengths and weaknesses as a person! A gap year is a definitely enriching experience that will make you grow as a person and become a more mature person.

Develop as an individual
Every second when you are travelling is a new experience. A steep learning curve will be apparent upon your return.

Helps you focus
It might sound strange however we have found individuals become more focus when they return from their trip. They understand the world more and are able direct themselves towards a certain goal.

Interact and develop friendship with other people that share your vision and passions
You will have the opportunity to travel with other people like you, that have chosen the same /similar programs and will likely share your same vision and objectives, plus they will share their previous experiences and you will have the opportunity to make new friends from all over the world!

Looks great on your C.V
As long as you take part in a trip that is productive and interests you then it can boost your CV to a higher level. For example some structured programs, for example medical placements in places like Africa enhance a university C.V. As would a coaching course in South Africa for a sport studies student. Or a media internship in Australia.

Have the best fun of your life
A gap year is an extraordinary opportunity that will give you a lot of satisfaction through new and diverse experiences and will surely become a milestone in your life.

How to Plan a Gap Year?

You can research and plan a trip independently, or search online and find agencies which offer structured trips and help arrange everything from travel insurance, fights, programs and transfers.

Best Gap Year Companies

If you are looking for what to do on your trip these companies can help you plan the best experience.

Gap Year World
Gap Year World is in our opinion the best gap year website which can help you to find amazing opportunities. The site is easy to use, just search a destination and activity and you will be able to find an experience to match your interests.

Seasonal Jobs Abroad
Keen to earn money? Find summer, winter and even professional careers on Seasonal Jobs Abroad. This is one of the best sites to find temporary employment in 100+ countries.

One World 365
One World 365 is one of the most popular online guides to living and working overseas. Established over 10 years ago, you can search 10,000+ opportunities to live, work, volunteer, intern, study or just travel and explore the world.

Book My Language Course
Always wanted to learn a new language? You can find and book classes from top rated language schools around the world.

Gabi Travels
This isn’t a website to book tours, programs or courses, but it is a world backpacking guide from a respected travel blogger who shares lots of helpful tips for where to go, what to do, and how to travel on a budget. If you are thinking about going backpacking this site has lots of advice.

What to Do on a Gap Year

Whether you are looking to take time out before joining the world of full-time work, or are just thinking about delaying or not even going to uni, you’ll be pleased to hear there are so many options open to you when taking a gap year.

Backpacking

Summer sailing friends jumping ocean

There’s a lot to be said for travelling at any point in your life and after you’ve finished university is as good a time as any to jet off overseas. In fact, this is a fantastic time to go, as you won’t have big financial commitments (like a mortgage) or family ties that need to come first.

The world really is your oyster when you’re in your teens and 20s and where you choose to travel and how long for is entirely up to you. If you’re nervous about going solo, consider joining an organised trip that will show you the world without the stress of having to arrange every part of your trip.

Popular places to consider backpacking include south east Asia or South America.

Paid Work

If your budget won’t quite stretch to an extended holiday, working overseas is a brilliant choice and one that can give you valuable experience. To get the most out of this option, it’s worth carefully considering what you want to do when you return to normal life, so that you can pick work that will give you transferable or relevant skills.

However, there are some great seasonal jobs out there that will allow you to see a bit more of the world and try new activities, such as working a ski season in one of Europe’s or America’s winter resorts. This doesn’t mean you need to be able to ski, either, as there are always positions for chalet hosts, bartenders and chefs available, as well as instructor roles.

Working at summer camps in the USA are popular with students and graduates. That is the main reason why so many job offers are concentrated in this country. Camps are comfortable and situated at the most beautiful locations. The majority is located near a lake and forest and you’ll also get lots of free time for sightseeing.

Volunteering Abroad

Another option that is great for gap years is voluntary work, which will allow you to help a charity or cause close to your heart and travel at the same time.

There are various projects all over the world that enable you to get involved in conservation work, assist local communities and teach youngsters. It’s worth pointing out that you don’t need to travel to get involved in this kind of scheme – there are plenty of charities in the UK that would love to have some extra help.

Of course, carrying out voluntary work while you’re overseas is a wonderful way to give something back to the people you meet during your trip. It also presents a great opportunity for sustainable travel – ensuring that the communities you visit benefit from local tourism and that your stay doesn’t have a negative impact on them or the surrounding environment.

Intern

Experience vibrant countries like France, India, Australia, USA, China, Ghana or Peru and boost your experience at the same time.

These unique short-term placements enables participants to work with local social service organisations in fields as diverse as healthcare, education, skills training, and arts/recreation. Interns receive continual professional support.

No skills or previous experience are usually required – only a desire to learn. There are also professional roles available in financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Teach Abroad

TEFL students

Teach English in schools in countries like China, Japan, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Mexico. Live and work for a year or longer in rapidly changing parts of the world, and immerse yourself in a new culture. Salary, housing, and health insurance are provided. Program support services.

Teaching abroad has always been a popular gap year job and a lot of countries have job offers for English speakers. If you know the basics of English grammar, you are qualified! In countries where the basic English is spoken well, you will be able to teach other classes than English.

Learn a Language

A great way to become fully integrated within another culture and feel what life is like as a local is to learn the language. While travelling in a new place it is always immensely useful to understand the language to help you get around and have unique experiences by being able to chat speak to local people in their own language. You can find schools and classes in most countries.

You will be able to talk to your homestay family, barter in exotic markets and bazaars, make friends as you go, and experience the city or country from the perspective of a local. A wonderful way to combine learning a language and travelling is to spend some time volunteering, and give something back to the communities that host you.

Coach Sports

Sporting gap years are a great way to spend productive time out. Whether you want to obtain a recognised coaching qualification, train at an academy or spend time getting paid to instruct!

With programs ranging from 1 week to 1 year in many different countries it is best to put your skills to the test. For those who want to travel and get paid there are lots of opportunities in different countries where you can get involved in sport. Take a look at world sporting programs that can be tailored to your requirements.

Tours

If you are thinking of going travelling, and are thinking of going on your own, it can be a fairly daunting thought. It can be very beneficial to head off on your own for a period of time, you can learn a lot about yourself and the world, and gain new skills and confidences from the experience.

However, you may not want to be on your own for the entire time, and especially if it is the first time going travelling without your family, there are ways to ensure that you are not a solo traveller for the entirety of your trip.

Joining a group tour is a great way to instantly be surrounded by likeminded people who want to do the same things as you. Lots of international companies offer trips to destinations like South America, Central America and South East Asia; with tours ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. You’ll to do a more traditional gap year trip but with the security of being with an established group and being lead by a tour leader who knows the route and activities inside out.

Being part of a small group tour can be quite a good way to start your travels if you are planning to go to a lot of places; as you will get into the pattern of backpack travelling with a group of people who also may never have done that kind of travelling before.

Together you will become immersed in another culture, try out hostels for the first time and get to grips with what public transport is like in a country potentially very different to the one that you have flown in from, so you can feel confident when the time comes that you head onwards to do some solo travelling.

If you’re not sure where to start, a tour – like those offered by companies like Contiki, G Adventure and TruTravels – are your best bet.

Best Places to Go on a Gap Year

Koh Phi Phi beach

South America, Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe… the opportunities for discovering new places and meeting new people really are endless.

These are some of the most popular gap year and backpacking destinations.

Australia
Discover why Australia has been the most popular gap year destinations in the world for many years! With its extraordinary nature and diverse job offers Australia is an amazing place for young people looking to enjoy an exciting gap year experience. Get to know more about taking a gap year in Australia.

Thailand
Thailand, one of the most exotic destinations in the world is also one of the most popular places to explore. Its amazing beaches, ancient culture and monasteries will surely make your trips an extraordinary experience.

Canada
Canada offers extraordinary opportunities to young people who are looking to discover a new world: amazing outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, a multilingual and multicultural society with some of the best job opportunities.

New Zealand
If you are looking to live an amazing experience in a far away land with one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world you have to go to New Zealand!

United States
Whether you are looking to experience a big city like New York, having the fun of your life in Miami or get to know a paradise island like Hawaii, The United States has always an ideal option for you. This big country is full of opportunities for young people looking to travel, learn and live life at full!

India
India is one destination that often appeals to travellers because of its spirituality, variety and the opportunity to see somewhere completely different. You can choose to focus on a particular region, such as Rajasthan, or spend longer and discover several places around the country. Volunteering in India is very popular.

Japan
One of our top rated places in Asia is Japan; a country where the past meets the future. The Japanese people are very polite and friendly towards foreigners, which makes it an excellent country. The two most popular locations within the country are Tokyo and Kyoto, both with a strong and colourful culture. Thousands of old temples are preserved throughout the country. It is a hard decision to choose between the two cities.

Africa
Africa is an ideal destination for those who are looking to help developing communities whilst enjoying a fabulous gap year adventure.

South Africa is number two on the list of most popular GAP year destinations. This has two good reasons. First, the country has an amazing nature, wildlife and a pleasant climate. The second one has to do with the negative side of the country. South Africa suffers under the quick spreading disease HIV and a high crime rate.

If these two doesn’t scare you of, there is a lot for you to find in this beautiful country. You will be able to contribute in the battle against HIV and criminality. Make a big difference in the lives of some of the 500.000 HIV positive orphans in South Africa or educate little children to give them a future without crime.

You can do all these things in a breathtaking landscape with a wildlife not be compared with other parts of the world.

United Kingdom
You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to enjoy of a fulfilling and amazing gap year: whether you are looking to experience the life in the city of London or get in touch with nature in Northerns Ireland or Scotland, options are among the best in the world!

France
If you are looking to learn french, taste one of the best cuisines in the world, enjoy sun bathing in some of the most beautiful beaches in the mediterranean or visit some of the most amazing castles and architectonic icons in Europe… you cannot miss France.

Top Tips How to Plan a Dream Gap Year Trip

Are you looking for a experience that fits your interests but you are not sure about which one to choose? We give you some useful tips to select the best gap year program option!

Don’t organise everything by yourself, rely on professional organisations!
This tip seems to be pretty obvious but it could have come to your mind that maybe you could avoid some additional expenses and organize everything by yourself. Be careful though… remember that you are going to not only “travel” but live in another country, that sometimes doesn’t have the typical conditions you are used to live in, a country where you don’t know anyone and sometimes you don’t know the local language. This is why it is very important that a professional agency organise the most important aspects of your trip – transportation, accommodation, activities-; that will still be an adventure, but one that you will be able to enjoy with security.

Make a list of the activities you want to enjoy.
Make a list prioritizing the types of activities you “have to” experience during your gap year travel, those activities that have been wishing all your life to have the opportunity to enjoy. Keep other activities that you “would like” to do, that could be great to have the opportunity to enjoy but are not “a must” in a separate list . Remember that this will be a once in a lifetime experience and you should have well defined goals for it.

Identify the countries you want to visit.
Do you dream of visiting India or Peru? Identify the countries that you will prioritise while selecting your dreamed itinerary and organise them in an ordered list!

Classify programs that include your favourite activities
You will find many programs that will offer some (or all) of the activities you have prioritised in the countries that you have always dreamed to visit!

Make a “description sheet” of the programs starting in order with the most attractive one, adding the fields that you would consider as important criteria to select the best program: project description, project main activities, project duration, project location, project requirements (what skills or knowledge do you need to enroll?), start date, end date, price, working hours, also add important services that most of the agencies include in their programs, like: accommodation, transportation, assistance, health care, certificate of participation.

Fill these fields with the programs features and check if the programs include the additional -but not less important- services.

Analyse each Gap program and select your favorite top 3!
After the Gap programs classification you can identify those that accomplish your goals better and would give you the best overall experience taking into account -of course- the services included and prices. At the end select the best 3 programs options!

Contact the agency and arrange your trip
Now contact the company that provides your favourite programs, ask them those specific details you still want to know and check if you accomplishes all the requirements they ask. After this interaction you will have a much better idea about the program and start the application process!