Childcare Gap Year Courses

A childcare gap year offers a unique chance to experience different caregiving environments while taking a meaningful break from traditional work or study. If you are considering volunteering abroad, the childcare experiences below can deepen your understanding of childhood development and strengthen your caregiving skills. It is an ideal way to explore various types of childcare opportunities and discover what type of work aligns with your passions.

During your gap year, you can gain hands-on experience from babysitting and nannying, to teaching in early years education, or even volunteering with children in international programmes. This variety allows you to develop versatile skills, learn about new cultures, and build lasting relationships. You will find an enriching way to experience different childcare styles and gain valuable insights into parenting approaches around the world.

Most of the gap years we feature do not require any previous experience or qualifications, though this always helps you application. Whether you aim to work with children long term or simply want to make a positive impact during your break, a childcare gap year is a meaningful experience that allows you to care for children in other parts of the world.


Looking for Inspiration?

We can help you find the perfect Childcare Gap Year adventure! Just fill out this quick form, and we will connect you with some awesome providers who can help you plan and budget your next big trip.

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Current CHILDCARE Projects & Courses


tucked cornerCamp Counselor in France

Camp Counselor in France

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We’ve been running English camps for French children since 1994! With multiple locations across France, American Village Language Immersion Camps welcome thousands of kids each year. Our caring, fun, and professional counselor team is a part of what makes our camp so loved by our campers!



tucked cornerGuaranteed Paid Work in Australia before you leave home !

Guaranteed Paid Work in Australia before you leave home !

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Ever dreamt of travelling to Australia or around parts of the world with no stress , not having to worry about your finances ? Our packages provide just that, no stress, no worries !!! Real Guaranteed Jobs !!! We have jobs in hospitality, retail, finance/banking, construction, mining & health care



Volunteer in Asia-Pacific

Volunteer in Asia-Pacific

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With a wide range of volunteer projects in Asia (and ten years in the business) get in touch with Kaya Responsible Travel today and start organising a life changing trip! Already got travel plans? Add in some volunteering time and make a positive impact while you explore!



Teaching Jobs Abroad

Teaching Jobs Abroad

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The demand for English teachers around the world is astronomical, take China, where there are 350 million people learning the language at any given time. Combine teaching and TEFL courses or volunteer in sports or childcare projects to create a rewarding adventure and experience!



Affordable Teaching Volunteer Programs

Affordable Teaching Volunteer Programs

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PMGY offer some of the most amazing teaching volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.



Au Pair in America

Au Pair in America

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Are you 18-26? Do you hold a UK driving license? Earn $$$$ as an Au Pair in America with accommodation, food & flights included!! Travel in your spare time and gain valuable work experience whilst living and working in the USA.



Social and Community Development in the Kingdom of Swaziland

Social and Community Development in the Kingdom of Swaziland

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Volunteer to help care for orphaned and vulnerable children in Swaziland or South Africa. Assist with pre-school education and facilitating the All Out Africa syllabus of activities, provide meals, helping to guide the children, while giving them care and adult support.



Volunteer in Africa

Volunteer in Africa

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Specialising in ethical and sustainable volunteer abroad projects, Kaya Responsible Travel have a wide breadth of choice when it comes to projects in Africa. With dozens of projects in 11 countries, discover the incredible scenery and varied wildlife of Africa while making a positive impact!



Volunteer in Latin America

Volunteer in Latin America

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Travel off the beaten path and work on community-led initiatives in conservation, community development, education, healthcare, or the arts. Immerse yourself in new cultures and the Spanish language, hike mountains, explore ruins, tunnel through jungles - and make a difference!



Gap Years in Asia

Gap Years in Asia

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Design your dream gap year in Asia with our range of volunteer projects and travel experiences. Combine group tours designed for young adults with meaningful volunteer projects in marine, wildlife and environmental conservation, or community-based work.



Support Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Cape Town

Support Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Cape Town

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The focus of this project is to care for and support abandoned and orphaned children in emergency care homes and after-school care facilities in Cape Town. Volunteers get to live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all the while assisting with early childhood development.



Whistler Blackcomb Ski Instructor

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Instructor

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Become a qualified ski instructor in the world-class resort of Whistler! Spend your days on the mountain, earning money and teaching kids to ski. We include a Level One Ski Instructor course and are recruiting right now!



Community Aid Projects in Cape Town

Community Aid Projects in Cape Town

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Help with various community aid projects in the settlements of Cape Town!



Teaching Jobs Abroad

Teaching Jobs Abroad

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The demand for English teachers around the world is astronomical, take China, where there are 350 million students learning the language at any given time. Whether on a gap year or a graduate, we have the course for you. Choose either to join our Teach and Earn programme or our China TEFL programme



Gap Years in Africa

Gap Years in Africa

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Our gap year programs in Africa can be tailored to your needs and dreams. Combine safari adventures with meaningful volunteer projects and book everything you need in one place - from flights to travel insurance and all of your activities. You choose where you want to go and what you want to do.



Au Pair in Australia

Au Pair in Australia

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AIFS Au Pair in Australia is a life-changing & affordable way to experience Australia. As an Au Pair in Australia you'll live with an Australian host family providing up to 40 hours of childcare. It's a great way to immerse yourself in a new cultural, travel to new places & develop your experience



American Summer Camp Staff

American Summer Camp Staff

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Working in a summer camp in the US is one of the most rewarding, challenging, exciting and fun adventures you can go on. Spend your summer in the American sunshine, making friends from all over the world, working with kids in an area you love and are passionate about.



Teaching and Youth Development in Cape Town

Teaching and Youth Development in Cape Town

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As a teaching volunteer in Cape Town, you will educate, support and empower children who come from disadvantaged township communities. This is an exceptional opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world, while also contributing to the future of it's poorest citizens.



Safari to Coast - Southern Africa Adventure

Safari to Coast - Southern Africa Adventure

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Not only will you have the amazing opportunity to see some of Africas most incredible wildlife, snorkel with Whale Sharks and paddle to a tropical palm fringed islands but you will also have the opportunity to participate in an important community development projects. Experience the best of SA!



Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as  £100

Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as £100

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You Volunteer with different Volunteer projects around Uganda, These include Teaching, Childcare, Women Empowerment, Special Needs Care, HIV/ AIDS Support, Sports Education. Street and Slum Children Support around Uganda.



Affordable Childcare Volunteer Programs

Affordable Childcare Volunteer Programs

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PMGY offer some of the most amazing childcare volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.



Affordable Overseas Volunteer Programs

Affordable Overseas Volunteer Programs

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Plan My Gap Year is an award-winning volunteer travel organisation, working across 17 countries in Africa, Asia & South America. PMGY provide a safe, structured and social experience with opportunities available from 1-36 weeks.



Affordable Under 18 Volunteer Abroad Programs

Affordable Under 18 Volunteer Abroad Programs

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PMGY offer some of the most amazing Under 18 volunteer projects in gorgeous, exotic locations abroad from 1-week to 6-months.



Learn Spanish in Latin America

Learn Spanish in Latin America

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Immerse in the language and culture of another country, learn Spanish from experienced teachers and locals, dive into the deep, ancient history of the region, volunteer if you wish to, and enjoy the natural wonders that the landscape has to offer! We also have an online option available!



Child Care in Cape Town

Child Care in Cape Town

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Volunteer to help care for underprivileged children in Cape Town, South Africa. This project aims to provide support to some of the preschool centers that have opened in townships to assist these children.



Sports Coaching in Africa, Asia and Latin America

Sports Coaching in Africa, Asia and Latin America

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Travel off the beaten path and have a blast working on community-led sports development initiatives. Organise activities for children at community and childcare centres, in schools or on after-school programs. Coach games, build confidence and work the body and mind!



Work in the USA as a Camp Counselor

Work in the USA as a Camp Counselor

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You will be spending your summer months working at a fantastic summer camp in the USA! Wild Packs specialise in finding summer camp jobs (based all over America) for hundreds of young people every year. We look to support enthusiastic individuals who are eager for a challenge!




Au Pairs, Nannies and Child Care

These can include working in an Orphanage or Children's Home, becoming a private Au Pair, or being a Nanny for the winter season in one of the many Ski resorts. Many of the large Gap Year providers offer a childcare programme, often working with underprivileged and neglected children in the developing world. Offering care, support and stimulation to these children can have a significant impact on their lives, and is therefore one of the most worthwhile ways to spend your year out.

These placements can be paid or voluntary positions and some may require a formal qualification, although the majority don't. It's always worth checking with the provider before you commit to anything. If you're thinking of planning a Childcare Gap Year, have a look at some of the opportunities listed below. Not only could you be working in some fantastic destinations and experiencing new cultures, you can also return from your year out knowing you've made a positive contribution to children's lives.