Volunteering Gap Year Projects
The volunteering gap year projects available on this page offer an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference while gaining valuable life experience. Although these projects typically do not provide a wage, the personal rewards are immeasurable. By giving up your time and skills to help others you can contribute to initiatives that might not otherwise be able to go ahead due to a lack of funding or resources. Whether you want to help with building homes, supporting various levels of education, or assisting with community development, our volunteering gap years allow you to contribute a positive global impact. You might not get rich, but the new skills you will learn can benefit you long after your gap year has ended.
While there are countless volunteering options available worldwide, it can be overwhelming to try to read them all. We have narrowed down our volunteer roles to a selection of our current favorite projects, which showcase the diversity and richness of volunteering opportunities around the world. Whether you prefer working with children, the environment, healthcare, or something else, there is a volunteering gap year project suited for everyone.
Workboat Deckhand Training
UKSA's 4-Week Workboat Deckhand Training Course is your gateway to a rewarding career at sea. Designed for those ready to take on the challenges of workboats.
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UKSA
Superyacht Cadetship
Duration: 4 year programme
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.
Volunteer with Amerindian communities in the Amazon Rainforest
Venture in to the unspoiled reaches of the Amazon rainforest to help local Amerindian communities conserve the Amazon, its wildlife and the Amerindian way life. Teach, research, rescue and protect wildlife, build up the Amerindian communities and more!
Amazon Guide
Venture to Brazil's Amazon Rainforest to the city of Manaus and get the opportunity to work alongside an special forces ex-military rescue team who now work as Survival experts. You will get to opportunity to learn the ins and outs of jungle Survival while Learning Portuguese!
Maritime Foundation programme
Duration: 2 years
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.
Thai Adventure
Spend 3-4 weeks on an epic adventure tour of Thailand! Perfect for both first time and experienced travellers. Experience the culture, trekking, elephants, beaches the awesome full moon parties and so much more...
Superyacht Stewardess and Steward Training (three weeks)
Duration: 3 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.
Superyacht Deckhand Training
Duration: 3 weeks
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
Maritime Futures Programme
Maritime Futures Programme is a hands-on, immersive introduction to maritime training and careers on and around the water. The course is an ideal opportunity for young people aged 14–25-year-olds with a passion for the ocean, who would be interested in working in the maritime industry.
Wildlife Sanctuary Projects in Africa
Get involved in the daily care and rehabilitation of orphaned and abandoned animals and assist with animal release projects. We select our wildlife sanctuary programmes very carefully and only work with responsible projects who meet our strict hands-off criteria and do not breed captive lions.
Go Make A Difference in Tanzania
Go Make A Difference in Tanzania (Go MAD) is a small independent Christian charity headed up by experienced leaders, some of whom have led groups to Tanzania for 23 years. We offer people the chance to visit Tanzania and get involved in community development projects.
Marine Conservation Expedition in Madagascar
Duration: 3 - 12 weeks
Volunteer with Blue Ventures in our remote research and expedition camp in Madagascar and assist our international team of marine biologists, field scientists and sociologists surveying one of the most spectacular ecosystems of the Indian Ocean. Learn to SCUBA dive and collect vital research data.
Medical and HIV/Aids Volunteering in South Africa
As a medical volunteer in a rural Zulu area of South Africa, you will gain real insight into the daily struggles of those living in poverty. Through clinic work, home-based care initiatives and HIV education, you will make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
Medical internship in Romania
Duration: 1 – 4 weeks
An excellent way to gain work experience, this internship in Romania offers hands-on experience including home visits with a mobile medical unit, a chance for you to learn about more conditions and treatments. For those interested in medicine, this is a great internship.
Marine Conservation Expeditions
Blue Ventures
Blue Ventures offers marine conservation expeditions to Madagascar. Join us and learn to dive, identify fish and corals and contribute to our marine research, reports and publications.
Wildlife Conservation in Ecuador
Duration: 1 week to 12 weeks
Volunteer at a wildlife rescue centre in the jungle of Ecuador! The rescue shelter is home to various species of native Ecuadorian wild animals that have been abused, injured or neglected.
Volunteer with the Maasai Tribe in Tanzania
Work with one of Africa’s most iconic tribes, the Maasai, near Africa's highest mountain - Mount Kilimanjaro. Your support will give members of the tribe who have not had access to education as a child a second chance at education in adulthood, and empower them to earn an income for their family.
Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Volunteer on a top-rated, family-owned wildlife rehabilitation and care center in Zimbabwe! Animals are brought into this sanctuary if they are orphaned or injured. Animals are released whenever possible.
Teaching Jobs Abroad
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!
Wildlife Rehabilitation in South Africa
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Gain experience providing care for wildlife species at a rehabilitation center in South Africa! Volunteers will provide care for various animals, including hand-rearing orphaned animals when necessary. This center aims to rehabilitate & release all animals, but there are some who cannot be released.
Teaching and Big 5 Wildlife Conservation
Combine literacy teaching in a rural African school with the excitement of living deep in the bush, getting involved in the running of a 150,000 acre privately owned wildlife conservancy. Experience daily life living in a Big 5 game reserve and make a real difference to children in the local school.
Wildlife Research and Conservation, Dambari Wildlife Trust
Dambari Wildlife Trust carries out research and conservation work on three main groups - small African antelopes, carnivores - mainly cheetah - and rhino. In addition, you will help look after the antelope, help with conservation education projects and help with wild rhino operations.
Rhino and Wild Dog Conservation and Community Outreach Projects
Help preserve rare wildlife in one of Zimbabwe's most wild and rugged areas. This project is a great opportunity to have fantastic animal sitings in a stunning setting and get experience of African conservation. Get involved with rhino and wild dog tracking, wildlife monitoring, game park management
Community Aid Projects in Cape Town
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Help with various community aid projects in the settlements of Cape Town!
Teaching and Youth Development in Cape Town
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.
Horse Riding and Wildlife Conservation
Combine the adventure of a horse safari with hands-on wildlife conservation and game park management. Help with vital anti-poaching patrols, animal monitoring, wildlife reintroduction and game counts, all on horseback, and assist with hands-on black rhino and elephant conservation projects.
Dolphin Conservation in Zanzibar
Help us protect Zanzibar's wild dolphin population by researching the impact that tourism is having on these amazing animals. You will get up-close encounters while learning how to swim ethically with dolphins, all the while contributing to marine conservation on this stunning tropical island.
Marine Conservation Expedition in Belize
Duration: 3 - 12 weeks
Discover the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere by volunteering with Blue Ventures at our remote, palm-dotted dive camp. Help us collect critical marine inventory data together with our science and dive professionals in a UNESCO World Heritage listed Marine Reserve and National Park.
Hands-on Black Rhino and Elephant Conservation
A truly unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the endangered Black Rhino and African Elephant. Set in an idyllic 10,000 acre privately owned wildlife conservancy, this project has a specific focus on black rhino conservation and breeding, elephant interaction and game park management.
Wildlife Conservation in Costa Rica
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Volunteer in Costa Rica to care for sloths, monkeys and other indigenous wildlife species! Gain hands-on experience in animal care and conservation at one of three sanctuaries. Begin your adventure with a week of Spanish lessons and cultural activities.
Teaching in Livingstone, Zambia
Join us near the 'Adventure Capital' of Africa, Victoria Falls, and offer much-needed teaching assistance at under-staffed Zambian schools. This is an opportunity to give individual attention to children who really need it, assist local teachers, and to gain some valuable teaching abroad experience.
Marine Conservation Expeditions
Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
Blue Ventures offers award-winning marine conservation expeditions to Madagascar, Belize and Timor-Leste. Join us and learn to dive on stunning reefs, identify fish and corals and contribute to our vital marine research, working alongside our team of experienced marine scientists.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Bali
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Protect endangered sea turtles in stunning Bali! Care for eggs and hatchlings that have been rescued from poachers. Help hatchlings get strong and healthy so they can return to the sea safely. During the hatching season, turtles are released every week!
Lionfish Dive Trip in Belize
Duration: 10 days
Join a National Geographic Tour of a Lifetime at our beautiful dive camp in the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve in order to improve your dive skills, learn about the marine environment, survey and hunt and dissect invasive lionfish, and contribute to valuable marine research.
Wildlife Conservation in Zimbabwe
Volunteer on a wildlife conservation project in Zimbabwe and help secure the future of endangered species in the country. From vast, wild national parks to small private game parks, volunteers will experience some of Africa's best game viewing as they contribute to responsible conservation projects.
Wildlife Conservation in Malawi
This laid-back country plays host to an unparalleled blend of clear blue waters, lush forests and abundant wildlife. Work at a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary or in the heart of a 2,000 hectare private game reserve; assist with sustainable fishing projects and help with conservation lessons.
Wildlife Conservation in Namibia
Join one of our incredible wildlife volunteer projects in Namibia, home to some of the world's grandest national parks and vast wilderness areas. It has the largest free-roaming population of black rhinos and cheetahs in the world and expanding populations of elephants and lions.
Watersports Instructor Training UK
Duration: 11 weeks
UKSA's 11-week Watersports Instructor training course will give you all the qualifications needed to work as a Watersports Instructor. Qualify as a multi-disciplined instructor to teach dinghy sailing, windsurfing and multi-hull sailing.
Professional Yachtmaster Offshore
Duration: 16 weeks
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.
Scuba Diving, Research and Marine Conservation
Join a world-class research team in one of Africa’s most beautiful coastal locations. Southern Mozambique is one of the best diving locations in the world, home to large populations of whale sharks, manta rays and turtles, and is an important refuge for threatened marine species like the dugong.
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 Centre's 18-week Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training course.
Wildlife Conservation Ranch in South Africa
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Volunteer at a widely-accredited wildlife ranch in South Africa! This ranch is home to over 90 species of endangered animals. Volunteers will get up-close with various animals. Visitors come to the ranch to learn about these animals and how important their conservation
Private Island Marine Conservation in Belize
Duration: 1 week to 8 weeks
Conserve the Belize Barrier Reef from the base of a private island! Volunteers will eradicate invasive species, conduct survey dives and collect data on native species. All volunteers will have the opportunity to take a scuba diving beginner, advanced or specialty course.
Various Volunteer Programs in Uganda from as low as £100
Duration: 1 week to 24 Weeks
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.
2 week Whale and Dolphin Expedition in Timor-Leste
Duration: 2 weeks
On this exclusive adventure you’ll discover unspoiled beaches and dive (or snorkel) on the world's most biodiverse coral reefs. You’ll participate in cetacean surveys, spotting whales and dolphins as well as experience the immersive culture and the stunning landscapes of this beautiful country.
Marine Conservation Expedition in Timor-Leste
Duration: 3 - 12 weeks
You’ll discover unspoiled paradise beaches and dive and snorkel in the turquoise waters of the world’s most biodiverse oceans. You’ll help collect data vital to the locally led management of vibrant coral reefs while experiencing the culture and the surrounding landscapes of this beautiful cou
Wildlife Conservation in Australia
Duration: 2 weeks to 12 weeks
Provide care for koalas, kangaroos, emus and other Australian animals at this Heritage-Listed wildlife sanctuary! Help maintain the natural enclosures and large bush area and gain experience caring for unique animals. Enjoy Sydney on the weekends.
Support Orphaned and Vulnerable Children in Cape Town
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.
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.
