Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. Volunteering abroad
Voluntary work abroad can be one of the most rewarding ways to spend all, or part, of your
gap-year. You could find yourself working with people living in unbelievable poverty, dis-
ease or hunger. It can be a humbling and hugely enriching experience and it can make you
question all the things you've taken for granted in your life. It's no exaggeration to say it can
be life-changing.
Some people who have done it have ended up changing their planned course of study at
university or even their whole career plan. Year Out Group's members, who are all gap pro-
viders, report that volunteering is the top gap choice among all age groups and had risen by
20% in the last full year for which they carried out research.
Teaching and working with children are the most popular options and interestingly women
gappers outnumber men, and women are also more likely to choose volunteering and exped-
itions rather than courses or cultural exchanges.
Who goes volunteering?
It's clear from speaking to gap providers that students still make up most of the market, but
the picture is changing.
Our friends at Kaya Responsible Travel, who offer volunteering opportunities in more than
20 countries, told us: “About a third of our volunteers are 18-to-21 years, another third are
22-to-26. Then about a quarter are 27-55 with another 5% being 55+ and an equal number
under 18. So you can see that our programs have a wide reach. There are certain projects
that we might direct younger volunteers towards, and a few projects that are specifically for
those aged 30+, so getting advice from your placement advisor can give a better idea of the
typical participant on a particular program - though in our experience a mix of ages often
adds to everyone's learning and enjoyment, as we encourage full integration regardless of
age, project or where you come from.
“In terms of trends, we see more students and college leavers volunteering as a way to get
work experience in their fields, but we are also seeing professionals, empty-nesters and re-
tirees wanting to travel in a more meaningful and immersive setting, and turning to volun-
teering as the perfect travel option.”
Projects Abroad, who have been offering volunteering abroad placements for more than 20
years, agreed: “The majority of our volunteers are in the 'traditional' gap year age bracket
of between 17 and 23. However, over the past few years we have seen increasing numbers
of career breakers and retired people choosing to go away with us.
