Top 5 Destinations For A Gap Year Abroad

Having a gap year abroad is becoming increasingly popular amongst European and US students. Before entering higher education, students take a few months to a year to gain international experience by working, taking internships, learning a foreign language or volunteering. Besides, statistics show that taking a gap year abroad leads to higher college grades and better careers.

A Gap Year abroad is usually dedicated to traveling as it’s considered as the best life experience outside the usual school activities. There are several destinations extremely popular among international students. Here is the top list of destinations for a gap year abroad.

1. Australia

It’s a great place for a first gap year experience! Travellers are not exposed to a major cultural shock and still gain an experience of living abroad. With the working holiday visa, students and young workers can enjoy lots of beautiful spots while applying to seasonal jobs all around Australia.

2. Thailand

One of the world’s top destinations for young and independent travellers in Thailand. No wonder given the endless list of cool stuff to do : paradise beaches, cultural Bangkok, unique spicy cuisine, cheap accommodation… As for work experience, travellers can join one of the numerous volunteer projects: teach English to children, help at an elephant shelter or join a construction project to build new schools. There’s lots of ways to spend weekends and to relax : learn to dive, boxing or simply beach.

3. Brazil

Brazil offers visitors countless opportunities for meaningful travel: it has great mountain views, fantastic beaches and the worldwide famous Carnival. It’s a popular destination for volunteers who wish to help underprivileged children while being immersed into Brazil’s culture. You can organise football games for kids, teach English and learn Portuguese in Olinda, one of the most beautiful sports on the Brazilian coast.

4. India

Overwhelming with its cultural diversity, crowded cities, spices, shocking differences between the rich and the poor – is better for those who already have a traveling experience. But India is certainly a great destination to learn about completely different cultures while joining a volunteer project at a school, a medical centre, a construction site…

5. Argentina

If you like good vibes, good music, good food and social interactions – South America is for you! With spectacular and diverse landscapes, from the tropical Iguacu Falls to the glaciers in Patagonia, Argentina has it all! You can start your working holidays by learning Spanish in Buenos Aires, then work in a ski resort or a youth hostel in the wine region of Mendoza…

About the author: Justine Trembicki is the owner of Freepackers.com, a travel organisation that helps students and independent travellers organise their volunteer and work abroad projects.