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.
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.
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Projects Abroad
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.
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UKSA
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.
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UKSA
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.
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UKSA
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
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UKSA
This three-week hospitality course is designed to provide aspiring yacht stewards/stewardesses with the skills to deliver exceptional standards of service onboard luxury superyachts. Ideal entry route for beginners, taking the right candidates towards a lucrative and exciting career.
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UKSA
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.
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UKSA
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.
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UKSA
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.
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Projects Abroad
An Adventure Guide Program is the first step in your dream of becoming an outdoor adventure guide. Your time on this twelve-week program is split between practical and theoretical training as you gain industry standard hiking and rock climbing skills all whilst exploring an amazing region.
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Pure Exploration
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.
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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
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Projects Abroad
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.
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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.
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Projects Abroad
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.
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Projects Abroad
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.
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Projects Abroad
This is built for beginners who either have never been on snow or had limited snow time and are looking to experience the winter of a lifetime in Japan. Spend 11 weeks learning to ski and snowboard with confidence, working toward a potential transition to a level 1 ski instructor training & exam.
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Project Snow
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.
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Projects Abroad
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.
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Projects Abroad
This is an action-packed adventure programme with on the job training starting in January 2024 until 31st October 2025. Throughout this fast track programme you will be learning and working at the same time, gaining essential experience in youth work and leading groups.
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Rock UK
Our 11-week ski and snowboard program is for those looking to pack the most into their season. (If you've never been before check out our learn to ski course, The Primer.) With expert instruction, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences, this is a journey like no other.
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Project Snow
All-inclusive Gap Year ! Studies at CICD and 6 months volunteer work with education, health and community development in Africa or India, It gives you an opportunity to learn about the big issues of our time and to take action to do something about them.
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College for International Co-Operation and Development
The Wanderlust Exchange Au Pair In China Program integrates educational travel, Mandarin learning, childcare and English tutoring. As an Au Pair, you will provide childcare to children of all ages as well as assist with their homework, and organize fun activities for the children.
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Shanghai Kunta Culture Exchange Ltd - Wanderlust Exchange
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
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Projects Abroad
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.
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Projects Abroad
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.
