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Email to a FriendGap Year Options
With that open road lying temptingly ahead- and with so many paths open to you whether it's volunteering, conservation, teaching, working or even a combination of all of these- how do you choose which one is best for you?
Volunteer Abroad
Volunteering abroad is one of the most popular gap year activities. With such a wide range of projects to choose from, conservation or health care, journalism or sports coaching, there really is something to meet everyone's passions, skills and interests- the problem is deciding which one you want to get involved in!
Internships
Doing an internship during your gap year is ideal for anyone who isn't quite ready to go to university, doesn't fancy backpacking, wants to earn some money, get some work experience; there are countless reasons why people do internships and the good news is you can do them anywhere in the world to help get your foot on that employment ladder.
Qualifications
With a wide range of volunteer projects and skills for you to enjoy while on your gap year, it was only a matter of time until someone decided that learning should not just be confined to term time and now there are a variety of organisations that allow you to gain recognised qualifications while travelling that can help towards your degree or future career.
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)
- Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC)
- Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE)
- Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA)
Trekking & Adventure Travel
With your backpack secured on your back and a well worn-in pair of boots, you've already got all you need for an exciting and adrenaline filled gap year. If you want to go back to basics and see some of the most breathtaking landscapes and vistas in the world, there is no better way to do this than by choosing an adventure travel gap year.
The more active gap year is a great way to get into shape, practice your favourite sports or learn new ones. Since you are in control of your itinerary, you can choose activities that meet your abilities or even challenge them!
Paid Work
Another option for your gap year is finding paid work; this option is popular with graduates who, after living on a student loan for so many years, are ready to finally earn some cash, or perhaps just someone who fancies a change in career. Taking a year to work and earn money not only helps financially but also will give you invaluable work experience and skills to put on your CV and maybe help you make some career decisions.