Volunteering Gap Year Projects

If you are opting for volunteer work you will not get paid, but volunteering to helping others with projects that they could not otherwise afford to undertake, can often be the most rewarding type of gap year. We have too many options to list everything on this page, but have selected a few of our current favourites. Please use the following search to discover plenty more volunteering gap year projects.


POPULAR VOLUNTEERING GAP YEARS


Teach English Abroad

Teach English Abroad

A Projects Abroad teaching placement is ideal for anyone who would like to make a positive contribution across the developing world. Your role will include working with local schools, NGOs or universities, where you will find yourself taking classes or teachers with lessons.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Raleigh International






FEATURED VOLUNTEERING GAP YEARS


Summer Dinghy Instructor Training

Summer Dinghy Instructor Training

Make the most of your summer holidays with our Summer Dinghy Instructor Training course. Our all-inclusive course gives you the chance to learn skills, gain qualifications and have fun on the water – all at our awesome 4-acre waterfront base.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Watersports Instructor Training UK

Watersports Instructor Training UK

UKSA's 13-week Watersports Instructor training course will give you all the qualifications needed to work as a Watersports Instructor. Qualify to teach dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and wingsurfing, gain your multihull endorsement, and train on paddleboards and paddlesports crafts.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Maritime Foundation programme

Maritime Foundation programme

UKSA's two-year, fully funded Maritime Foundation NCFE programme is an ideal alternative to school or sixth form college for 16–18-year-olds looking to escape the traditional classroom and gain valuable work-related experience.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



ALL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES


Superyacht Cadetship

Superyacht Cadetship

UKSA’s Superyacht Cadetship is a structured programme designed to train the future officers of the superyacht industry. The cadetship combines the most relevant training and phases of paid employment – a great way to earn while you learn.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as  £100

Child Care Volunteer Programs from as low as £100

As a Childcare volunteer on this project, you will work within in day care centers, nursery schools, children’s homes and kindergartens to assist local staff in the day-to-day running of these centers with activities like educational and basic teaching of English, Math, Reading and Writing etc
search icon More Details.. plane icon Volunteers 2 Uganda



Law & Human Rights

Law & Human Rights

Volunteering on a Law & Human Rights placement with Projects Abroad gives you the chance to make a real difference to the lives of people in the developing world.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Volunteer in Costa Rica with Raleigh International

Volunteer in Costa Rica with Raleigh International

Find yourself working with rural communities in the very heart of Costa Rica, working to protect one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Costa Rica.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Raleigh International



Sports with Projects Abroad

Sports with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad sport placement is ideal for anyone with a passion for sports. You could teach football in Ghana, cricket in India or volleyball in Peru. You will run fitness session, coach competitive games and help foster local talent whilst improving the health of the local people.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Conservation Projects Abroad

Conservation Projects Abroad

Volunteer on a Conservation & Environment placement with Projects Abroad and help to conserve some of the world’s most beautiful and fragile ecosystems. You may find yourself diving on our Shark Conservation project in Fiji, working in the heart of the Amazon rainforest or working with sea turtles
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Volunteer and Protect the Rainforests of Borneo

Raleigh has relaunched it's Expeditions to Malaysian Borneo, having been there until 2017 for more than 30 years. Become part of the long legacy Raleigh has created in Borneo working to support projects combatting the effects of deforestation and helping rural communities with access to education.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Raleigh International



Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Projects Abroad offers the unique experience to immerse yourself in the local culture through our Culture & Community Projects. Whether you are on our Nomad Project in Mongolia or participating on our Khmer Project, you will become an important part of a local community overseas.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Care with Projects Abroad

Care with Projects Abroad

Projects Abroad offers the chance to care for underprivileged children in orphanages, day care centres, special-needs centres and kindergartens. As a volunteer you will enhance the growth, development and well-being of the children.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Summer Projects for 16-19 year olds

Summer Projects for 16-19 year olds

Our Short-term Special Projects for 16-19 year olds offer teenagers the chance to volunteer and make a difference during their summer holidays! Projects Abroad has a wide range of projects from our Care & Panda Project in China to Conservation Projects in Peru.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Teach English Abroad

Teach English Abroad

A Projects Abroad teaching placement is ideal for anyone who would like to make a positive contribution across the developing world. Your role will include working with local schools, NGOs or universities, where you will find yourself taking classes or teachers with lessons.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

Professional Yachtmaster Offshore

UKSA’s all-inclusive Yachtmaster training has frequent start dates so you can train when it suits you. Unique to UKSA are the excellent personal development opportunities on offer, which make you more employable. Fast and effective route into the maritime industry. Includes food/accommodation.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Superyacht Stewardess and Steward Training (three weeks)

Superyacht Stewardess and Steward Training (three weeks)

UKSA's 3-week Superyacht Steward/ess course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional standards of service onboard luxury superyachts, with the option of adding a further module of training with The British Butler Institute to set yourself apart from the crowd.
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Superyacht Deckhand Training

Superyacht Deckhand Training

Have you ever wanted to work on a Superyacht? Our course would be an ideal way to start your career. Gain the skills and qualifications demanded of crew in deckhand roles. Our price includes all food and accommodation, and given the potential pay packets in the industry, you will soon cover the cost
search icon More Details.. plane icon UKSA



Summer Projects

Summer Projects

Our Short-term Special projects are group trips for 16-19 year olds and run throughout the summer months. If you have time to spare over the summer holidays then why not join us on one of our short programmes designed especially for you.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



18 Week Outdoor Instructor Training Course

18 Week Outdoor Instructor Training Course

Do you have a passion for adventure?​ ​Would you like a career that you love? Become an outdoor instructor with one of the industry's leading outdoor adventure providers on Mendip Activity Cente's 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Mendip Activity Centre



Conservation Gap Year

Conservation Gap Year

Make a real difference with Oyster’s global network of charities and organizations! Take part in an adventure to volunteer with exotic wildlife and support environmental conservation in breath-taking locations. Choose your own adventure length, from one thrilling week to an exhilarating 12 months.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Oyster Worldwide



Learn a Language Abroad

Learn a Language Abroad

Why not learn new languages in a diverse community in the developing world? With help from our teachers you will improve your speaking, reading and writing skills through one-on-one tuition and group sessions. There will also be plenty of opportunity to practice your new skills with your host family
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Building Projects

Building Projects

Volunteering on a Building Project with Projects Abroad will give you a great opportunity to help construct, repair and build houses or classrooms across the developing world. Whatever you are involved with you will have the opportunity to make a long term difference to the community.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Medical Experience Abroad

Medical Experience Abroad

By volunteering on a Medicine & Healthcare Project you will have the opportunity to experience the challenges faced by medical institutions across the developing world. You will have the chance to gain work experience whilst helping some of the poorest people in the world.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Projects Abroad



Volunteer overseas in Kenya with Raleigh International

Volunteer overseas in Kenya with Raleigh International

On a 5, 7 or 10 week Raleigh Expedition to Kenya, you'll volunteer on community and environmental projects and complete an adventure challenge. The Expedition will leave a lasting, sustainable impact, develop you personally and teach you about another culture. You should spot incredible wildlife too
search icon More Details.. plane icon Raleigh International



Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as  £100

Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as £100

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.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Volunteers 2 Uganda



Instructor Training Programme (Fast-track Sept 2024)

Instructor Training Programme (Fast-track Sept 2024)

This is an action-packed adventure programme with on the job training starting in September 2024 for 1 or 2 years. Throughout this programme you will be learning and working at the same time, gaining essential experience in youth work and leading groups.
search icon More Details.. plane icon Rock UK




While developing countries may have the greatest need for volunteers, volunteering gap year 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.

Often the voluntary work you will undertake will have a huge benefit to the local environment or community, lending a much needed hand, and genuinely inspiring others by example. But there is no harm in thinking about the benefits for you personally. So why should you volunteer?

- 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 - this may include new skills and undiscovered talents that you did not previously know you possessed.

- You will also develop excellent time management skills as most volunteering 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.

- The work experience you will gain could quite easily lead to a new career path when you get home. You could also benefit from the ideas and experiences learned on your gap to further your existing carrer upon your return.

- You will have great fun. There is little point going on a year out if you are not going to enjoy it. Through meeting and helping other people, and really making a difference, you are bound to enjoy yourself.

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.