There are so many types of gap year programs to choose from. Volunteering is the best to choose. Many gap year students and people from all over the world volunteer each year to help a certain organization. Being a volunteer means giving something back and helping others. It is demanding and very rewarding at the same time.
The way to choose a gap year program is to ask yourself what you enjoy and what you are passionate about. What skills and talents can you offer to the organization? How can my skills and talents help the community or organization?
There are so many things you can benefit from as a volunteer.
It is a means of building your self-esteem and confidence.
You can make a difference in someone’s life.
It’s a great way to meet new people and enhance your work experience.
It’s an opportunity to support a cause you’re passionate about.
It’s a great way to boost your CV and give something back.
Here are some types of volunteer options:
animals
There are many opportunities to volunteer with animals. You’ll gain hands-on experience working with some of the world’s most endangered species. This ranges from helping sea turtles in Mexico, rehabilitating orangutans in Borneo, helping lions in Africa, caring for pandas in China, or helping and caring for tigers in Thailand. You will go to a different country and gain experience working with animals. You will get to know the culture of the people and see their beautiful country through your eyes. This may lead to a job opportunity in the future. You can also work with bears, birds, gorillas, penguins, rhinos, reptiles, and dolphins.
Child/Elder Care
Volunteering with children and the elderly requires patience and commitment. Working in an orphanage is one of the most popular volunteer options. You can work in an orphanage in Asia, Africa and Cambodia. Most of these organizations depend on volunteers, if it weren’t for volunteers, they wouldn’t be able to survive. All that is required is a smile and a willingness to help. You will be equipping young children with skills to help them in the future. You will be helping the elderly to live a dignified and pleasant life. There are more than 40 countries to choose from and Africa is the most popular.
Community projects
Community projects is combining adventure with personal growth. These projects involve a variety of options. You will build a school in Africa or South America, help with the preservation of the rainforest, clean the streets of the UK, develop the culture of the people in Peru and the indigenous Amerindian communities in the Amazon rainforest. Your time and effort will change the lives of these communities forever. You will be learning and developing new skills and learning a new language. There are many options to choose from, agriculture, construction, medicine, women’s groups and cultural development.
Here are a few more types of gap year programs to choose from:
Expeditions, Humanitarian Projects, Sports Projects, Career Development and Conservation Projects.
Really think about what you would like to do and research the type of volunteer program that interests you.