Are you dreaming of taking a year out but are unsure how to plan your perfect gap year? This blog is for you!
A gap year is the perfect time to take a break from your routine and dive into something new and exciting. For most, it’s all about getting out of your comfort zone. You could travel abroad, learn a new skill, or get work experience — there are so many productive ways to spend your gap year.
But sometimes, your range of options and sitting down to plan it can feel overwhelming. So, here are five questions you should ask yourself to help plan the best gap year experience for you.
No time now, or would prefer to talk to someone? No problem — give us a call on 09 801 2518 or email us to connect with your dedicated Project Expert.
1 - When should I start planning my gap year?
It’s a good idea to plan your gap year as early as possible. This helps you research available gap year programs, plan the perfect experience, and avoid any last-minute panic or expensive travel options. Even if your planned start date is a far-off dream, it’s a good idea to do some basic research.
You’ll also need to decide how much of your gap year you want to spend travelling and who you might want to go with. Spending a gap year abroad takes longer to plan than at home, and traveling with friends always requires more organisation than going solo.
If you plan on traveling, volunteering, or interning abroad to help develop your skills, the earlier you book, the better. This is because many programs like this are popular and fill up fast.
2 - What is the most productive way to spend my gap year?
There is no right or wrong way to spend your gap year — this is your chance to have a break and reward yourself for your hard work or refocus and establish your priorities.
However, gap years provide the chance for you to travel the world, pick up new skills, learn a new language without work or school getting in the way. It is your chance to have authentic experiences in new cultures and boost your CV.
You could volunteer internationally in a country that interests you, learn a language through cultural immersion, or intern abroad to gain experience in your chosen field. For example, you could help protect the famous giant tortoises on the Galapagos Islands!
That’s where we’ll stop here. We’ve actually created a different blog looking at our top 5 things to do on a gap year, so hopefully that can give you some inspiration — check it out!
3 - Where should I go on my gap year?
You're not alone if you don’t want to stay home during your gap year! Spreading your wings and exploring the world is big on everyone’s list. However, choosing where to go can be a little overwhelming — it’s a big decision, and you probably have a lot of ideas!
Our planet is home to so many beautiful places, how could you possibly choose? From the mountains of Asia to the plains of Africa and bustling cities of South America, there’s so much to see… and we’re here to help you.
Whether you’re looking to travel for one gap semester or string together multiple trips into an unforgettable gap year, a purpose-built gap program could be for you. These come in two formats, depending on your preference:
- Gap projects - focused on volunteering and impact
- Gap adventures - focused on travelling and seeing the sights
These gap year volunteer programs last between four to ten weeks depending on your project and drop you in the heart of a new region and culture. This gives you an extended period of time to learn the language, history, and way of life in a stunning part of the world. Or, you can combine all our gap programs together into an incredible global gap year.
4 - How much money will I need?
Budgeting is your best friend when planning your gap year abroad — you need to know how much you’re willing to spend. You want to make sure you get the most out of your experience without running low on funds halfway through. Remember to factor in expenses like:
- Transport
- Food
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Visa
- Spending money
Thankfully, we include domestic transport, accommodation, three meals a day, and more in our fees. That means you can get a much clearer idea of the total cost of your gap year programme right from the start. It also means everything is organised for you, so no stressing over those little details — just get yourself there, have fun, and maybe buy some souvenirs!
A budget will help you narrow down what is feasible during your time away and ensure you prioritise your preferred destinations and activities. You should also take a deeper look into any programmes you want to join as many of them are inclusive of some of the above expenses. This will benefit your budget positively (and make planning simpler for you).
If you’re considering a volunteer project or internship abroad, you can also fundraise for your trip. To give you an idea of where to start, we’ve put together a detailed fundraising guide for you to go through.
5 - How do I start booking my gap year?
The final step in planning a gap year is actually booking your trip or experience!
Before you book, you should feel confident about what you want to do, where you want to go, and how much it’ll cost. If you have already answered Questions 1 to 4, it will be easy to organise with travel or volunteer organisations (like Projects Abroad!) as well as companies you’ve decided to intern or work with.
Our Project Experts are always happy to help discuss your gap year ideas, hopes, and more, to ensure you get everything you want from your gap year. We will even help you with things like flights, visas, and vaccinations once you're booked.
Now, do you feel calmer? Book your trip today, and start packing. Feel the excitement build for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Not sure you’re ready yet?
Have you followed our checklist but still feel a little overwhelmed? No worries, our Project Experts are here to help! Get in touch with us today to help plan your perfect gap year.
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