Farming on your Gap Year
If you're looking to spend your Gap Year getting your hands dirty in the countryside, a farming job could be just what you're looking for. There a many options open to travellers wanting to experience the agricultural sector in a different country. Cattle farming on a ranch in Australia, Sheep farming in New Zealand, fruit picking on a French Vineyard and Organic farming in South Africa are just some of the opportunities available.
One of the fantastic things about spending your Gap Year on a working farm is the opportunity to work outdoors, well away from the 9-5 drag. The landscape, climate and environment may be completely different from what you're used to, but there's no better way of experiencing a region or a country than spending every day working in the countryside.
Of course its not all relaxing rides on horseback through the bush, the work can often be tough and physical, the hours can be long, and you'll be expected to 'muck in' with the regular employees, but those not afraid of hard work will be rewarded with the chance to explore the country and all it has to offer. Don't forget to let your employer know if you're a competent horse rider, have experience of tractor driving or other agricultural equipment, or you have any other relevant skills, as this may lead to further opportunities or an extended stay.
Take a look at some of the fantastic worldwide farming opportunities below.
Popular Farming Gap Years:
Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Projects Employer: Love Volunteers Join Love Volunteers and our partner organizations in working to save our fragile planet. Gain hands on experience in sustainable agriculture, jungle conservation, or protecting our many endangered species from turtles in Costa Rica to the Big 5 in South Africa. Join us and make a difference today | Affordable Gap Year Volunteering Placements Employer: International Volunteer HQ Want to make the most of your gap year but not spend a fortune? International Volunteer HQ is the world's most affordable volunteer organization, hosting thousands of gap year students as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Every year over 5000 volunteers travel abroad with us- join the team |
Paid Work Employer: Oyster worldwide Want the ultimate work hard, play hard experience? Get paid work in one of three ski resorts in Canada or in the Aussie Outback or cosmopolitan city of Sydney. From the friendly people of Canada, to the chilled out surf of the Australian coast, both these countries offer excitement and adventure.
| Affordable African Volunteering PlacementsEmployer: International Volunteer HQ International Volunteer HQ offers a wide variety of very affordable volunteer placements throughout Africa. Over 5000 volunteers travel with IVHQ on their volunteer programs annually working in a variety of placements such as orphanage work, teaching, surfing, construction and medical placements. |
Paid work Employer: Real Gap Top up your travel fund and get valuable work experience around the world! You can boost your CV and earn some cash in amazing destinations from Australia to China. From teaching English to becoming a real life outback ranch hand, test drive your ideal job or try something completely different! | Short Term Volunteer PlacementsEmployer: International Volunteer HQ Looking to travel and work in a variety of countries? IVHQ's low cost and short term volunteer placements are designed with the gap year traveller in mind. Travel to a variety of countries and work for as short as one week or as long as six months! |
Affordable Asian Volunteering PlacementsEmployer: International Volunteer HQ Volunteer with hundreds of others on one of IVHQ's incredibly affordable gap year volunteer projects. Over 5000 volunteers travel with IVHQ on their volunteer programs in Asia annually participating in programs such as panda conservation, orphanage work, medical work and teaching English to monks. | Affordable Latin America Volunteer PlacementsEmployer: International Volunteer HQ Volunteer abroad in Latin America with the world's most affordable international volunteer organization. International Volunteer HQ offers a wide variety of very affordable volunteer placements in Central and South America. Over 5000 volunteers travel with IVHQ on their volunteer programs annually. |
Grape pickers Employer: Appellation Controlee Have you ever fancied working in some of the most beautiful and romantic areas of France?
When working in a wine producing area you will not only be surrounded by beautiful sights but you will also meet people from all corners of the world and work in a very pleasant atmosphere. |