subject: Volunteer Opportunities Abroad [print this page] Gap Year Travel and Volunteer Work Abroad
The opportunity to travel or to see the world is often taken by youngsters and students during a gap year before or during university. Some choose to backpack around the world. Others take the opportunity to gain some work experience and get an insight into different cultures by volunteering abroad in one of a number of different roles.
Opportunities for volunteering abroad schemes overseas are presented on every continent from Europe to South America and Asia to Africa. There is a host of volunteer schemes to suit all skill sets, personalities and preferences from teaching to building and taking part in conservation projects. Take a look below at just a handful of possible projects to get involved in on your gap year.
Teaching and Childcare
Volunteering to teach English to children (or adults) in Africa or South America can give education and employment opportunities to disadvantaged young people. For impoverished and disadvantaged families, having an education may change their lives forever. These people are very eager to learn; they just need you to teach them! Being involved in caring for children is just as important as teaching. From orphanages in Moldova to care centres for disadvantaged or disabled children in Costa Rica, there are plenty of little ones needing your help, support and encouragement.
Conservation
Make a difference to the environment and its wildlife by taking part in a conservation programme abroad. Whether it's Chinese giant pandas or Costa Rican sea turtles, you can help to save endangered species and look after the world around you.
Building
Learn new skills or use existing ones to work in teams to create stronger homes or restore buildings for some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world. This is not only a thoroughly rewarding experience but also a great chance to see the difference your hard work has made to the lives of others.
Sports Coaching
If you're a sports fan or know a bit about sporting activities, you could choose to volunteer as a sports coach in schools and communities within some of the poorest countries in the world. Volunteering abroad plays a vital role in sporting activity. Give children the chance to have fun and learn new skills, games and activities.
Medical
Whether you already have medical qualifications or just an interest in helping to care for others, there is a voluntary medical opportunity for you. Demanding but rewarding, medical positions are available in hospitals, orphanages and communities and are dependent on your skills and qualifications.
Doing volunteer work is the perfect way to get involved and be welcomed into different communities. It may be hard work, but it's certainly interesting, extremely rewarding and will leave you with a feeling that you've done something great and really made a difference!
