Volunteer projects with people are a rewarding opportunity to give up just some of your time on a gap year or career break in order to provide help and support to those less fortunate than yourself. It's all too easy to forget how privileged many of us in the western world are to be able to go travelling - so volunteer projects with people are an ideal way to be a responsible tourist and `give something back' to some of the countries you visit.
Although volunteer projects with people can undoubtedly be challenging at times it's important to stress that, more often than not, they're also a great deal of fun. Volunteer projects with people, by their very nature, require you to work closely with local people on a daily basis - providing you with a unique and privileged insight in to local culture in the process. Most travellers who choose not to volunteer never really get to know local people properly - whereas those who get involved with volunteer projects with people often continue to correspond with locals they meet for years to come. Many of the people you meet when you help out on career break travel volunteer projects with people are truly inspirational with the amount of optimism they display in the face of often overwhelming adversity - and a common phrase GYFGU's constantly hears from volunteers when they've returned home is that it was a real `life-changing experience.'
If you'd like to get involved with volunteer projects with people it's well worth spending a bit of time reading up on all of the various programmes on the GYFGU's website. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to discuss what type of volunteer projects with people are available with someone in person, you can also speak to one of our expert travel advisers.
GYFGU's has a huge number of volunteer projects with people to choose from throughout the globe - far too many to adequately summarise all of the volunteering opportunities on just one page. However, in order to provide a brief idea of the type of volunteer projects with people that are available, here are just a few typical examples…
Volunteer projects with people - Africa
If you're travelling to Africa on your gap year or career break there are numerous volunteer projects with people you could get involved with. Many of them are dedicated to provide relief and support to people affected in any way by Africa's AIDS epidemic - but there are also projects helping other disadvantaged communities, such as street kids for example.
Volunteer projects with people - Asia
Asia also provides ample opportunity to help volunteer projects with people. The type of work available ranges from the opportunity to teach English in schools to helping care for the elderly.
Volunteer projects with people - Latin America
Latin America is a region which, unfortunately, also suffers from a number of social problems so if you're travelling in this part of the world there are many different volunteer projects to choose from - all of them providing vital support to people who would otherwise be ignored.
This academy offers one of the best environments around the globe to be trained in this historic martial art. Situated at the foot of the Mountains of the Fujian Province, South East China, you will study directly from some of the best Masters to be found in China.
Learn to sail, in paradise. Start from scratch or build on what you know to gain one of three certificates. Hands-on experience, expert theory tuition and onboard accommodation make for a comprehensive programme. Minimum age 10 years.
A chance to try some new sports. Learn to surf and kite surf, go white water rafting and take a forest canopy tour. A sunset cruise and Spanish lessons make for the perfect short adventure!
A never-to-be forgotten cruise on a tall ship around the Great Barrier Reef, with the chance to snorkel, swim and discover the area. Learn the basics of sailing or just relax and soak up the sun.
Learn to sail, in paradise. Start from scratch or build on what you know to gain one of three certificates. Hands-on experience, expert theory tuition and onboard accommodation make for a comprehensive programme. Minimum age 10 years.
Janet Horsley had an incredible time on her tailor-made gap year, blazing a trail through Africa, Asia, Australia and Latin America, read her story here.
Gap Year for Grown Ups provide career breaks, volunteer work abroad and adventure travel options for grown up gappers.
If you are looking to become a golden gapper on a grown up gap year, Gap Year for Grown Ups is the leading authority and only specialist source of
ideas and options for an adult gap year.
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