Some people never leave the places they’ve discovered during their gap year, a sabbatical before or after college or university that people take to experience the world. Usually, they get involved in educational and developmental activities. Prince William, for example, took a gap year before going to college at the University of St. Andrews. While you don’t have to volunteer in any cause, this is usually the best way to open your eyes to the plight of your fellowmen. Here are some places you can check out during your gap year:
New Zealand
People could get gap-year jobs in New Zealand. That’s why they prefer this destination. They can earn a little while they travel throughout the country. And what marvels they can find in New Zealand? It has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. The views will stun you. You can hike on the snowy Southern Alps, or you can find yourself in the middle of a rain forest. There are pristine beaches and amazing adventures.
Thailand
This country has long been considered the number one destination for gap-year students. There are so many places in Thailand you can spend your year in. You can stay in the city in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. There, you can learn how to cook traditional Thai food. You can learn the ways of third-world-country living. Or you can go to Thailand’s poorest province of Kalasin and volunteer to teach people there how to read and write the English language. You can help in the agricultural industry there, too. You’ll learn a lot by staying in the countryside than in the city.
Malaysia
This is often a gateway between the Western countries and Australia and New Zealand. This time, you might want to actually stay in Malaysia instead of spending a stopover. The country is a mix of Indo, Malay, and Chinese traditions. You’ll never run out of things to do or learn in Malaysia. There are plenty of gap-year programs in Malaysia. Like in Thailand, you can teach younger students the English language or whatever foreign language you speak and read. You can volunteer in the countryside for environmental conservation programs.
Tanzania
As a country in East Africa, there are a lot of wildlife conservation projects in Tanzania. If this is a cause close to your heart, you’ll be glad to know that organizations are always looking for volunteers. You’ll even have free lodging and food as long as you do the work assigned to you. On your off days, you can go to safaris or trek Mount Kilimanjaro. This is the perfect place to experience a different culture and tradition. Tanzania will never disappoint you.
Peru
Backpackers and travelers are not the only ones who should have Peru in their sight. Those who want to take a gap year should seriously consider Peru as a destination. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Peru? By the end of your gap year, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave the Amazon jungle, Machu Picchu, and Lake Titicaca. You can volunteer to build communities in the tribal areas in Peru. Some of the communities don’t even have a plumbing system or access to potable water. You can help in this regard.
A gap year is supposed to teach you an appreciation of the world and the conveniences that you take for granted. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn something by spending your time in a country like yours. Look for a country that is completely different from your own.
