Volunteer Work

Gap Year work and opportunities can be well paid, can provide a basic salary, or can be completely voluntary. If you are opting for volunteer work you will not get paid but voluntary work, often in the form of helping others, can often be the most rewarding type of Gap Year, with the experience remaining with you for the rest of your life.

Volunteer work is available in all corners of the world. We list a wide variety of different types of volunteer work, including community development, teaching, ecological conservation, marine management, sports coaching, research, working with children, working with animals, and much more.

Click here to view a full list of Volunteer Work opportunities.

Often the voluntary work you will undertake will have a huge benefit to the local environment or community. But there are also plenty of benefits for you:
- You will get the opportunity to meet new people, often from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Working with a diverse group of people will help develop your team work skills and give you new knowledge.
- You will also develop excellent time management skills as most volunteer projects are not as strictly controlled as “nine until five” paid work. Though thorough training and support is usually available.
- You will be able to build your personal skills. Working with and talking to your fellow volunteers will aid your communication skills and your overall confidence will receive a boost.

Finally, don’t forget to update your CV after you return from your volunteer work. Volunteer experience can look great next to your formal qualifications and is often viewed favourably by employers.