If you’re considering taking a gap year and have that wonderful urge to help people, volunteering abroad offers an unforgettable opportunity for adventures overseas, whilst working towards a greater good.
So, sunshine and charity, satisfying your inner-Christopher Columbus and your social consciousness, in a gap year which could teach you invaluable life skills through a range of challenges. Various volunteering programmes exist, with a view to conserve and improve ecosystems, living conditions, healthcare, and education for children, to name a few.
Costa Rica, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand. An exciting array of locations, would you agree? Well, these are just some of the countries where volunteering projects are run, meaning you can enjoy all of the exoticism of travelling. Programmes can be linked to your desired education and career path, thus adding further substance to university and job applications. If, for example, you plan on studying ecology at university, wildlife conservation programmes can provide an intimate experience which goes beyond textbooks. Casually referencing the fact that you raised a pride of orphaned baby lions in a job/university interview would surely put a circle around your name. Similarly, education, childcare and orphanage-based programmes can provide aspiring teachers with the practice and skills needed in the profession, all the while gaining the sense of fulfilment that goes hand-in-hand with helping underprivileged children, and the appreciation of different cultures.
Various enterprises exist which kindly devote their efforts into setting up volunteering programmes overseas, meaning much of your gap year trip will be organised for you. Research into these programmes reveals an exciting scope of programmes, which match a wide range of skill-sets and preferences to ensure everyone can find something which tickles their fancy – even sports-based projects are available, accommodating for the athletes amongst you. Organisations such as Projects Abroad and BUNAC offer such programmes, and include support throughout your trip, food, accommodation and excursions, to ensure you receive the most well-rounded experience possible. Although similar programmes are offered by the numerous organisations, browsing a wide range increases your chance of finding something which holds significant appeal for you.
As the cost of these programmes often ranges from £1,000 to £4,000, you are advised to undertake fundraising activities, which carry the multi-layered purpose of putting some coins in your kitty, whilst simultaneously raising awareness of your cause. Fundraising activities can range from cake sales to raffles to themed nights out. Many bars and nightclubs are willing to host events for you, and let to you take a share of the tickets you sell. Gather you friends up, tell them to bring their friends and so on, and have a great night in the knowledge that your partying is supporting a great cause. BUNAC even helps you to set up your own fundraising website.
Before commencing your international bid for social/ecological improvement, it is important to prepare for your time abroad. Therefore, careful planning and contact with the organisation you are booking your gap year volunteering through will help ensure you arrive at your destination with the best mental and physical tools to put some smiles on faces.