Top Ten Gap Year Ideas from BUNAC
There are lots of different avenues for students to pursue when planning a gap year but none are more popular than a working holiday in some exotic or far-flung destination. NEW and original programmes this year from BUNAC, the work abroad specialists, include volunteering on a game reserve in South Africa or on conservation projects in America’s National Parks, plus a CV-enhancing Aussie-style hospitality training course.
Taking part in a structured overseas work/travel programme with a reputable organisation is an increasingly attractive option as it gives ‘gappers’ a unique opportunity to gain valuable job and life skills while discovering a new country and meeting a whole new circle of friends. For many, spending time abroad is also a chance - possibly for the first time ever in their lives - to leave their comfort zone and fend for themselves, take control of their finances and be truly independent.
Below are BUNAC’s Top Ten Gap Year Ideas on how to make the most of a working or volunteering gap year holiday in 2007-08. Programme registration fees start at £160 and vary according to destination and length of stay. Applicants also need to budget for flights, insurance and spending money. Opportunities in Canada, Australia and New Zealand are self-financing; volunteer projects are unpaid. All programmes are now open for applications from gap year students aged 18 and over, on an equal opportunities basis, and last from as little as four weeks to up to two whole years. For further information, please visit: www.bunac.org/TOPTEN
BUNAC offers a wide range of affordable work and volunteer programmes all over the world for gap year students looking to take time out from their studies. During its 45-year history, the organisation has built up a wealth of expertise and a network of support services both in the UK and through partner organisations in every country that participants travel to as it continues to champion the principle of freedom of movement for young travellers worldwide. Without the legal work permit or visa – which BUNAC obtains on behalf of programme participants before they travel - students simply would not be able to live and, more importantly, work in some of the countries mentioned here.
Note for Editors: past participants are available for interview; case studies and photography can be requested via BUNAC’s Press Office – details at the end of this release. For more specific information on gap year industry trends and on any of the programmes mentioned, UK Director and BUNAC spokesperson, Callum Kennedy, is available for comment.
1. Hospitality training Aussie-style – NEW this year
‘Skills and Thrills’ is one of a range of new Work Australia arrival itineraries and is specifically designed to give gap year students valuable work skills to boost their job potential whilst in Australia. This particular six-day course consists of training in waitressing and serving plus CV-writing and interviewing tips. Seeing Sydney’s top tourist attractions is also part of the package. A year living and working in Australia is the perfect way to fill a year off while gaining a whole new set of work skills.
2. Exploring the savannahs of South Africa – NEW this year
The spectacular setting of a ‘big five’ Eastern Cape game reserve is the dramatic backdrop for Volunteer South Africa. Participants spend four or eight weeks getting up close and personal with the animals on conservation projects in one of the world’s most stunning rural areas: a rare and unique opportunity to be fully involved with all aspects of running a reserve. Daily tasks can be as diverse as helping to hand-rear lion cubs and educating the local community on conservation issues.
3. America’s great outdoors – NEW this year
Contribute to a series of challenging outdoor conservation projects in the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park and other breathtaking west coast locations as a Volunteer USA participant. This special opportunity offers the physically fit and adventurous traveller the chance to spend up to three months working in a team and helping to maintain America’s diverse landscape. Volunteers can explore cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco either during or after the programme. No visa required.
4. Kids’ stuff in Cambodia
Volunteer Cambodia is a short-term opportunity to experience authentic Cambodian life not simply as a backpacker but as an insider. Placements focus on teaching disadvantaged children in a local school in or around Siem Reap for up to three months. Contributing to a local cause at a grass-roots level, the programme also involves living with a local family. Cambodia’s rich cultural mix and the chance to visit the mysterious temples of Angkor plus other South East Asian highlights are likely to appeal to the more seasoned student traveller.
5. Helping to conserve Costa Rica’s rainforests
Learning about Costa Rican culture and becoming part of daily life is all part of the Volunteer Costa Rica experience. Participants live with a host family and volunteer at a nearby nature reserve or national park on a three or six-month placement. Costa Rica is a conservation hotspot offering magnificent landscapes, beautiful beaches and an array of flora and fauna for volunteers to explore during non-placement times. Spanish speaking skills required.
6. Winter work in Canada’s coolest resorts
Living and working in the world’s top resorts of Whistler or Banff is the ideal way for ski and snowboard enthusiasts to spend this winter. The option to stay for the full year and enjoy the diversity of Canada’s vibrant cities is also available: summer job options include retail, hospitality and office positions. Participants can live and work anywhere in the country. Gap Canada is the perfect support package for ‘gappers’ seeking their first taste of independent travel.
7. Educating Chinese school children
Teach and Travel China invites applicants to undertake English language teacher training and
hands-on teaching experience in this fascinating country. Six or twelve-month programme options are available and volunteers can be placed at a school anywhere in China after training. Students won’t want to return home without visiting the wondrous Great Wall of China, the Terracotta warriors and cities such as Shanghai and Beijing. BUNAC also runs a shorter summer programme.
8. Community projects in Peru
On Volunteer Peru, Spanish-speaking participants can share their unique South American experience with volunteers from all over the world. All two to three-month projects are based in the community on the outskirts of the capital Lima. Volunteers live with local families so they can learn all about Peruvian culture and customs and most contribute to health or education initiatives. There’s time to travel to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail before heading home.
9. New Zealand’s thrills and spills
Tailor-made for those looking to spread their wings further a field, Work New Zealand gives ‘gappers’ a set of ready-made friends with its group travel package, and unlimited hand-holding from BUNAC’s Auckland-based partner organisation. Students can sample New Zealand life on a summer or winter break with BUNAC’s exclusive IEP Work Exchange Visa. Alternatively they can take an extended trip of up to two years on the Working Holiday Visa. Popular jobs include retail and office positions and fruit-picking.
10. Spreading the word in Ghana
Gap year students searching for a deeply rural overseas adventure and a chance to make a difference to a developing country will find Volunteer Ghana an attractive option. Volunteers are guaranteed to receive the warmest of welcomes from arguably the friendliest country in West Africa and a genuine back-to-basics experience. During their three-month placement, participants are based all over Ghana, educating and informing the locals on key health issues. Highly rewarding for those up for the challenge.
For further information on any of the above programmes or to obtain an application form, visit www.bunac.org/TOPTEN or call (020) 7251 3472.
Ends
Press: for further information, please contact Sarah Leavesley at BUNAC.
Tel: (020) 7251 0662 (please quote 020 7251 3472 in articles). E-mail: sarah.leavesley@bunac.org.uk
To view all of BUNAC’s press releases, please visit:
www.bunac.org/press