Do you fancy yourself as a bit of a humanitarian? If you're a people person who wants to help others, then why not consider volunteering abroad on your gap year?
You can play a part in making a huge difference to the quality of life of those living in underprivileged communities, giving them the skills and means they need to earn money. Becoming a community volunteer is exceptionally rewarding and a way of marking your mark on your gap year. If you think that volunteering in developing countries is all hard graft, building schools and hospitals, then you're wrong. While there is the scope to get involved in building projects for the practical people out there, you can also play an integral part in improving the lives of others by teaching them worthwhile skills, like teaching English, or showing them how to practice a trade which they can earn a living from.
There are so many ways you can make a difference to the lives of people across the globe. You could help out with underprivileged kids and help teach them or volunteer in an orphanage and change the lives of children for the better.
Maybe you want to make a difference to the planet and help protect endangered animals or marine wildlife? Protecting the environment is a crucial part of ensuring our planet's future and what better way to make a difference on your gap year? Or maybe you want to head to Africa and help make a difference to some of the continent's rarest and most majestic creatures? If so, you could get involved on a volunteer and safari adventure in South Africa and get up close and personal with some awesome animals.
Volunteering on your gap year will ensure you make a difference to the lives of those you work with. It may not seem like it now, but you'll also make a difference to your own life, gaining first hand experience in life in a new culture and picking up valuable life skills along the way.
2-4 weeks
Have an awesome elephant experience in stunning rural Thailand
Get up close to these amazing creatures at an elephant project and live in a rural Thai village community. Help bathe the elephants, plant crops and harvest bamboo, and get involved with local community projects. A magical experience!
5-7 weeks
A 3-week India adventure tour plus 2-4 weeks volunteering in Kerala
Explore inspirational India, and then make a difference in Kerala. This is an amazing way to soak up the different sides of India, as you explore the hottest sights and then live and work as part of the community.
