Gap Year activities organisations
African Conservation Experience
Contact: Sarah Bishop - ACE, PO Box 206, Faversham, Kent, ME13 8WZ
Telephone: 0870 241 5816
Email: info@ConservationAfrica.net
Website: www.ConservationAfrica.net
Key countries:
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana
Types of work:
Conservation work placements are available for people to do Voluntary Conservation and Research work on Game and Nature Reserves in Southern Africa, playing an active role in conservation and the preservation of the environment ? working in intimate association with game Rangers, Conservationists and Biologists. Volunteers can expect to become involved in some of the following: Game Capture for tagging and relocation; Wildlife Veterinary work; Dolphin, Whale and Seal research; Behavioural and Population Studies on Hyena, Elephants and Lions; Wildlife Rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals; Anti-Poaching patrols and Sleep-outs under the stars.
Experience or skills preferred: None required, apart form an enthusiasm for conservation
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 12 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No
Months to apply: All year
Preferred age range: 17 to No upper limit
Costs: £2700 to £4000
Other relevant information:
ART HISTORY ABROAD (AHA)
Contact: Dan Evans - AHA, 179c New Kings Road, London SW6 4SW
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7731 2231
Email: info@arthistoryabroad.com
Website: www.arthistoryabroad.com
Key countries:
Italy and UK
Types of work: -
Experience or skills preferred: Enthusiasm and a passion for all things new
Length of projects: 2 week to 6 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: 4 - 5 hours of Italian language tuition at the start of the 6 week course
Months to apply: 3 months before the course begins to guarantee a place
Preferred age range: 17 to 27
Costs: UK courses £800 to £1300, Italian courses £2050 to £5400
Other relevant information: Six week Year Out courses, four times per year, starting October, January, April and August. Two week Summer Holiday courses three times per year, starting in July. We visit; Venice, Verona, Florence, Siena, Rome, Naples, Syracuse and Palermo. We also have a Contemporary London course that allows you to get behind the scenes of the contemporary art and architectural world. This non-residential course has optional weekends to Paris and Amsterdam.
Your Gap Year must be stimulating and worthwhile. AHA offers a unique, fresh-faced approach to studying abroad. Travelling in Italy for six weeks down the peninsula, we make the most of your time away, with a well structured and fabulous programme of art, architecture, literature and fun. Our brilliant tutors are dynamic, enthusiastic experts from various academic fields. They roll back the disciplines of formal education and provide an inter-disciplinary approach that includes philosophy, history, music and classics.
Company description:
Art History Abroad has been running since 1983, establishing itself as the leading specialist in Gap Year education throughout Italy. We educate, invigorate and immerse our students in Italian Culture. Our tutors are the best in the business and give everything they have to make this organisation professional, cutting edge and completely exhilarating.
With the incredible range of gap-year options available to school leavers, Art History Abroad has pulled out all the stops to ensure that this programme is second to no one. We continue to break new ground, always looking to improve this intoxicating recipe of education, exhilaration, great times and life changing moments.
Case study:
H has come home absolutely buzzing with excitement. You have genuinely inspired her with your knowledge and enthusiasm and the"?light bulb" has been well and truly switched "on". I honestly think that she has been moved and affected by what she has seen in a way that I could not hope to have inspired. What a wonderful treat to start a gap year and what she has learnt will be with her for life. We cannot thank you all enough?
From a mother of a student on our Summer course 2005.
?Amid the hard decisions about a career, History of Art probably does not fair well as an A Level choice, but when it seems that everyone has great A Levels and great degrees, it is very difficult for employers to differentiate applicants of quality. I want to see ambitious men and women with, amongst other things, a cultivated mind, that marks
them out as distinctive in a dumbed-down world. That is why Art History Abroad is worthwhile.?
Richard Wilson is Chief Executive of Expamet International Ltd, whose son attended a Gap Year course.
?Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach with AHA. The responsibility and privilege with which you entrusted me helped to open my eyes, not only to the magnificence of the Eternal City, but to the rare and wonderful happiness that teaching can bring?
William Ford, who taught this summer.
BSES Expeditions
Contact: Samantha Eve, 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR
Telephone: 020 7591 3141
Email: bses@rgs.org
Website: www.bses.org.uk
Key countries:
Vary annually. For 2004-5 expeditions visiting Iceland, Tanzania, Svalbard, Chile, South Africa and Peru
Types of work:
Adventure, research and science expeditions
Experience or skills preferred: Keen on outdoors, resourceful, with a good sense of humour and a positive mental attitude
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 12 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: They will be encouraged to learn key words and phrases if appropriate to the country
Months to apply: ASAP Places will be issued on first-come first-served basis
Preferred age range: 16-20 for summer expeditions; 18-23 for gap year expeditions
(Footsteps of Shackleton Expedition age range: 18 to 23)
Costs: ?2650 to ?3800
Other relevant information:
BSES Expeditions, a UK based non-profit making Company Limited by Guarantee (Registered Charity No.: 802196, Company No.: 2411786) was founded in 1932 by the late Surgeon Commander George Murray Levick RN, a member of Scott?s last Antarctic Expedition of 1910 - 13, and as such the Society is one of the longest running organisations of its type. For over 70 years it has provided opportunities for young people from schools and many other walks of life to take part in adventurous expeditions in remote regions, led by experts drawn from the universities, the teaching and medical professions, outdoor education, industry and the Services. The Society?s expeditions aim to assist the development of young people through the challenge of living, adventuring and working in remote and challenging areas of the world.
BUNAC
Contact: Nicola Rawlins, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0QH
Telephone: 020 7251 3472
Email: enquiries@bunac.org.uk
Website: www.bunac.org
Key countries:
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, South Africa, Costa Rica, Peru, Cambodia
Types of work:
Casual work or volunteer placements within community projects
Experience or skills preferred: Varies according to programme
Length of projects: 8 weeks to 52 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Typically not
Months to apply: year round
Preferred age range: 18 to 35
Costs: ?250 to ?2000
Other relevant information:
Company description:
BUNAC is a non-profit, member club offering work and travel programmes abroad for students and other young people. On a BUNAC programme you can enjoy a variety of work abroad ? opportunities in the USA (including Summer Camp USAprogramme), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, South Africa & Costa Rica. BUNAC?s working holidays are mostly self-financing enabling students to experience living abroad as a local rather than a tourist.
Case study:
Imagine a full year of adventure, months having fun in an exotic location and weeks spent snowboarding on some of the best slopes in the world.
That?s exactly what Kelda Jones imagined, but she decided to do more than just dream about it. Kelda took a year out before going to University and spent time on BUNAC?s Gap Canada programme.
Kelda spent nine moths living, working and travelling around Canada and had ?the time of her life?. Not sure what she wanted to study at University she went to Canada to think about it a bit more. She worked for most of her time as a Rental Technician on a ski resort in Whistler. But it wasn?t just work, she also learnt to snowboard, went whale watching on Vancouver Island and made friends for life as well.
Challenge Educational Services
Contact: Gill Lowe, 101 Lorna Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3EL
Telephone: 01273 220261
Email: info@challengeuk.com
Website: www.challengeuk.com
Key countries:
Currently France and the U.S
Types of work:
Courses only
Experience or skills preferred: N/A
Length of projects: 1 week to 42 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: French, if studying in France
Months to apply: all year round
Preferred age range: 15 to no upper limit
Costs: ?380 to ?12690
Other relevant information: Currently only offering courses in France and the U.S
Company description:
Challenge Educational Services is a specialist provider of total immersion language courses and Gap Year opportunities in France, Spain, Germany and the USA. Challenge offers tailor-made courses for all ages and abilities. An opportunity in the USA is currently an Academic Exchange programme with students living in the US for a 5 months semester, or a 10 month academic year, studying at an American High School.
Case study:
"From the moment I walked through the doors at Philadelphia Airport I was greeted with gifts, a welcome sign and lots of smiles - I then knew I had made the right decision.
As an exchange student, of course the year is not just all play. You must achieve good grades in High School, obey all the rules and participate in community service.
Being part of the family, you do chores along with everyone else in the house - the whole family was so good to me, I felt it was the least I could do to help.
I would recommend the Academic year to anyone! Do try to get the most out of your stay and see as much of the USA as possible. It is truly incredible to be able to learn so much and have so much fun at the same time!" - Kirsty Shaw
Changing Worlds
Contact: David Gill, Changing Worlds at Hodore Farm Harfield, East Sussex TN7 4AR
Telephone: 01892 770000
Email: ask@changingworlds.co.uk
Website: www.changingworlds.co.uk
Key countries:
Australia, Canada, Chile, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Latvia, Romania and Tanzania
Types of work:
Voluntary placements teaching in primary and secondary schools, supporting in care centres and orphanages. Medical placements, farm and zoo work and conservation. Paid work in hotels in ski resorts and holiday destinations around the World.
Experience or skills preferred: None
Length of projects: 12 weeks to 24 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Learn elementary Spanish for Chilean teaching placements
Months to apply: Departures throughout the year. Applications received at any time of the year but ideally not within three months of planned departure date.
Preferred age range: 18 to 35
Costs: ?1875 to ?2995 Cost includes return flights, UK briefing for all our destinations and interview day. No additional registration or induction course fee.
Other relevant information: Costs are covered in a series of instalments and not paid in one lump sum. Costs cover UK based courses before departure, welcome and support from our overseas agents and return flights. In most cases accommodation and food are included.
Company description:
Changing Worlds was founded in 1999 to help people get the most from their time overseas. We offer a variety of worthwhile 3-6 month work placements ? some are paid, others are voluntary. We are a small organisation with a wealth of experience of organising placements and emphasise our personalised service. You receive UK and in-country training covering language, vocational, cultural and health issues and meet up with your fellow travellers before departure.
Case study:
'You look brown, where have you been??, one of my friends asks on a night out,
' I've just been to Africa for 8 months' I reply
' My god....I couldn't of done that'
That was one of the first questions I was asked after returning from Tanzania in Eastern Africa by a friend who was studying at university.
For some people they would not even think of Africa for a gap year, living in Third world conditions with no hot water or chocolate? but for some who are prepared to 'rough' it they instantly fall in love with a place that has so much to offer it is impossible to sit still!
For 6 months I was working in a local school with children that have no colouring pens or even a football to kick around at break time. The rewards as a volunteer come from these situations, to be able to offer such luxuries as a colouring pen, a football and a completely different perspective and view towards teaching. These things sent a shiver up my spine every time I think of them.
Walking into a classroom and getting cheered by 70 children, showing the school football team new 'European' skills and playing the local came of tampa (hide and seek)! As these things give you a completely new feeling and view on life, when does a child in England jump up and scream when a teacher enters the room?
Tanzania?s location in Africa also allows the adventurous volunteer a huge mass of land to explore within relatively short distance by African standards. Not only is there the vast plains of the Serengeti, the island paradise of Zanzibar and the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, but to the north, Kenya and the quite stunning country of Uganda, and to the South the idyllic setting of Lake Malawi and the home of Victoria Falls in Zambia.
The amount that is available to do on your African doorstep is truly quite astounding.
Written by Tom Headly ? a recently returned Changing Worlds volunteer who went to teach in Tanzania
CSV
Contact: Volunteers? Administrator, CSV FREEPOST EDO 2163, Birmingham, B1 1BR
Telephone: Freephone 0800 374 991
Email: volunteer@csv.org.uk
Website: www.csv.org.uk/fulltimevolunteering
Key countries:
UK
Types of work: - CSV offers a variety of over 500 full-time placements across the UK. Working with people in need, placements may include the following types of work: working with adults and children with physical disabilities / learning difficulties, enabling people to access leisure and community facilities, supporting students with disabilities at university; homeless people, older people, assisting in schools, enabling adults with disabilities to live independently in their own home, mentoring and befriending young people at risk of offending or exclusion from education.
Experience or skills preferred: No previous skills or qualifications are required
Length of projects: 16 week (minimum) to 52 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No
Months to apply: Start dates are available all year round but we recommend applying as early as possible to allow time for the placement process.
Preferred age range: 16+ to No maximum
Costs: Free - there are no fees to pay
Other relevant information: CSV has over 40 years experience of providing structured gap year and graduate placements. Based in the UK, full-time volunteering provides a fun and challenging opportunity to develop work-place, personal and social skills. Give yourself a head start in your chosen career by demonstrating your new transferable skills to employers or enhance your UCAS application. If you are looking for a new challenge working with people in need, we have over 500 opportunities available. All volunteers are provided with accommodation, meals and a weekly allowance.
Company description:
Founded in 1962, CSV is a national charity providing structured and supervised volunteer opportunities for people wishing to contribute to their community. We believe that everyone has something to contribute to their community and should be provided with the opportunity to contribute if they so wish. We value cultural diversity and equality of opportunity and our volunteers make a valuable contribution to the lives of people they help. Our volunteers support people in need.
Case study:
?I took a nine-month break between leaving school and going to university. CSV offered me a place in a hostel for ex-offenders. Apart from enjoying the experience, it is a good addition to my resume and has always been something employers have asked about during interview ? it clearly has helped differentiate my resume. I developed an ability to listen and respond to people?s concerns. This has certainly helped in all management positions I have been in?.
Michael, volunteer at a hostel for ex offenders.
?My career path is directly connected to my CSV experience and I have drawn on it in my work. ?..I worked for 9 yrs in social work, as a practitioner and later as manager before leaving to join the NCB to work on a project about refocusing child care practice towards a greater focus on prevention. I am now Director of Social Inclusion at NCB, overseeing a range of units and programmes concerned with children who are at risk of being marginalized\excluded?.
Sheryl, volunteer with Social Services
GAP Activity Projects (GAP) Ltd
Contact: Matthew Collins, GAP House, 44 Queens Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 4BB
Telephone: 0118 959 4914
Email: Volunteer@gap.org.uk
Website: www.gap.org.uk
Key countries:
Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Falkland Islands, Mexico, Paraguay, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, USA, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia
Types of work:
Medical, Environmental, Schools, Caring, TEFL, Camps & Outdoor Education, Specialist
Experience or skills preferred: A Teaching Skills Course is available for those going on TEFL placements
Length of projects: 12 weeks to 52 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: A knowledge of the native language is required for certain placements, however, introductory language courses are available in-country for most of these placements
Months to apply: All year
Preferred age range: 18 to 19
Costs: ?1050 to ?1450
Other relevant information: Costs include food and accommodation
Company description:
GAP is the UK?s leading year out provider for school leavers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation, we currently have 270 volunteer staff who allow us to keep our costs to a minimum. With over 30 years experience, we send up to 2,000 UK volunteers overseas each year. On your return, you will be invited to keep in touch through our Alumni Club and join our Business Partner Scheme for help with graduate recruitment.
Case study:
Laura Reed went on a conservation placement in Australia and is now on a graduate training scheme with GAP?s Business Partner, Marsh Inc. Laura says ?I learnt many things about myself during my time abroad, good and bad, about my behaviour and my personality. I learnt many new skills including cooking for fourteen people and how to clean a river! I also had the opportunity to work with people from across the world and learnt a lot about the environment. I have GAP to thank for my job with Marsh. It is very difficult to think of times when you have exhibited specific behaviour or had to deal with certain scenario and the majority of my examples came from my gap year. I would definitely recommend going on a GAP placement to anybody. It can have many knock-on affects, like the job interview but it also gave me the confidence to go travelling again.?
Global Vision International
Contact: Fay Johnstone, GVI, Amwell Farmhouse, Nomansland, Wheathampstead, ST Albans Herts AL4 8EJ
Telephone: +44 870 608 8898
Email: info@gvi.co.uk
Website: www.gvi.co.uk
Key countries:
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil, USA, UK, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Seychelles, South Africa, Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda, Madagascar
Types of work:
Volunteer projects focused on community development and conservation, Wildlife Research Expeditions, Marine Conservation Expeditions, Spanish Lessons , Safari Field Guide Course in South Africa, Teaching positions and TEFL courses
Experience or skills preferred: No experience needed
Length of projects: 2 weeks to 1 year
Expected to learn language other than English: Some projects are specifically focused on learning Spanish
Months to apply: Can take as little as 2 weeks depending on the applicant
Preferred age range: 18 to 65
Costs: ?695 to ?3000
Other relevant information: No experience is necessary as comprehensive training is provided.
Company description: Global Vision International (GVI) promotes sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world by providing support and funding for long term pioneering conservation and community projects in 20 countries worldwide. Adventurous individuals can join challenging land based and marine research expeditions, volunteer projects and courses. Careers opportunities are also available. Departures run throughout the year for ages 18 ? 65, no experience is necessary as full training is provided.
GREENFORCE
Contact: Mat Colmer - GREENFORCE, 11-15 Betterton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BP
Telephone: 0207 470 8888
Email: info@greenforce.org
Website: www.greenforce.org
Key countries:
Fiji, Borneo, Bahamas, Ecuador Tanzania, Nepal
Types of work:
Marine and terrestrial conservation expeditions
Experience or skills preferred: none
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 20 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Maasai, Spanish, Nepali all training is given to the volunteers once in the field
Months to apply: On going
Preferred age range: 17 to 65
Costs: ?1,400 to ?2,500
Other relevant information: -
Company description:
Greenforce recruits students to complete a conservation expedition on one of our marine or terrestrial projects around the world. All training is provided including PADI diver training and learning the local language. Students volunteering will assist our Science teams as field researchers collecting valuable data on wildlife, flora and fauna. The contribution includes all training and living costs. No experience is required.
Case study:
Greenforce Fiji by Olivia Podlewska
In october 2003 I undertook a 10 week Greenforce expedition to the legendary Nawaisevu Bay, Yadua Island, somewhere 4 hours by boat from Vanua Levu in the South Pacific islands of Fiji.
Learning to dive was something I?d always wanted to do, although I hadn?t quite anticipated just how demanding it could be- as I found myself single-handedly dragging my ?buddy? complete with diving kit up the beach in a contrived Baywatch-type incident. I?m happy to say this was a one-off training episode. The fortnight?s training was definitely a good bonding experience! And the pay-offs were incredible, I really couldn?t begin to describe how awesome the underwater world can be to anyone who hasn?t experienced it- my only advice is, if you can, get out there and try it!
I cannot write or even think about Yadua without a mention of what must surely be some of the most generous and big-hearted people on the planet. From arrival to tearful departure, Pita and the villagers at Denimanu treated us like long-lost friends welcoming us into their homes for Sunday lunch, which is another not to be missed Yadua experience! (Or play rugby for that matter- although that?s a different story, probably best told by the lads- we had enough stick for our dismal defeat in the volleyball stakes..!)
After 10 weeks in Fiji, I simply couldn?t let go, I returned to the UK and offered my services to the London office for a couple of days a week over the Summer and in return was funded by Greenforce to select another 10 week expedition ? Watch this space for my trip to Ecuador!!
If you have the chance to join a Greenforce Expedition - don't hesitate ? grab it and GO!!!!
Website: www.greenforce.org
i-to-i
Contact: Woodside House, 261 Low Lane, Leeds LS18 5NY
Telephone: 0870 333 2332
Email: info@i-to-i.com
Website: www.i-to-i.com
Key countries:
24 countries worldwide including Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Ireland, Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
Types of work:
Teaching, community work, conservation, building, health, media
Experience or skills preferred: Open to all
Length of projects: 1 weeks to 24 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No previous language knowledge is required for most of our projects. We do provide local language tuition upon arrival in many of destinations as part of the placement
Months to apply: Applications accepted year round, though we do recommend applying at least 3 months in advance
Preferred age range: 17 to 70
Costs: ?750 to ?1935
Other relevant information:
i-to-i is the UK?s finest volunteer travel and TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) training organisation. All of our well-researched, worthwhile placements include pre-departure preparation, training and the support of our global staff network. We also run intensive weekend and online TEFL courses that allow you to teach English abroad with confidence or join one of i-to-i?s innovative projects
The International Academy
Contact: Melvin Westlake, King?s Place, 12-42 Wood Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey. KT1 1JY
Telephone: 020 8939 5120
Email: melvinwestlake@s-h-g.co.uk
Website: www.theinternationalacademy.com
Key countries:
Canada, USA, Chile & New Zealand
Types of work:
Courses available to become a ski or snowboard instructor. Including personal skiing development, freestyle clinic, race training and teaching experience.
Experience or skills preferred: Competency in given sport plus plenty of enthusiasm.
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 12 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No
Months to apply: All year
Preferred age range: 16 to 65
Costs: ?3350 to ?6550
Other relevant information: -
Company description:
Courses lead to professional worldwide recognised instructor qualifications that can lead to a change of career or a chance to work seasons in the UK or abroad.
Outreach International
Contact: James Chapman, Bartlett Farm, Hayes Road, Compton Dundon, Somerset TA11 6PF
Telephone: 01458 274957
Email: info@outreachinternational.co.uk
Website: www.outreachinternational.co.uk
Key countries:
Mexico, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Cambodia
Types of work:
Teaching English, Orphanages, Street Children, Humanitarian work, Conservation, Sea turtle preservation, Community Development, Physiotherapy, Disabled Children, NGO placements
Experience or skills preferred: None specific
Length of projects: 10 weeks to 30 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Spanish on some placements
Months to apply: Any time.
Preferred age range: 18 to 50
Costs: ?3300 to ?4000
Other relevant information: -
Company description:
Outreach International places committed volunteers in carefully selected projects on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands and Cambodia. You can make a valuable contribution to them while experiencing the pleasures of living with local people. The projects are small, varied and handpicked.
Immerse yourself in a fascinating foreign culture. Learn a language. Carry out an important project that will benefit a humble, local community. These are ideal for graduates considering a career in humanitarian work or wanting a gap experience before taking up permanent employment in the UK. Projects last from 3 ? 6 months.
Case study:
Writing this review has been very difficult. Not due to lack of inspiration, or an uninteresting topic, but perhaps the opposite: having experienced such amazing things, how do you go about putting it into words? The expectations and aspirations I placed on this trip have made it such an important part of my life, that it seems almost insulting to try and analyse it or dissect it?s best parts. It has become all too easy to slide back into the English way of life, thinking of ?Mexico? and the people I met as if it were merely a dream. Perhaps recollecting it too vividly is a harsh reminder that it did in fact happen, but I am now home, and it is over.The sadness that this fills me with is an indication for you as to what a truly remarkable experience it actually was, and therefore my cowardice at writing this review is surely a compliment to Outreach International.
It wasn?t only the teaching that I found exciting, just living in such a vibrant country was an amazing experience. I loved the Mexican way of life, everything from the food to the constant stream of fiestas! The week end trips on horse back to the deserted local beach and eating lobsters washed down with Coronas.The help that Suzanne the rep provided us with ensured we made the most of our trip; she encouraged us to travel and recommended the best ways to go about it.. I enjoyed both the whale watching and the canopy touring thoroughly, and think its great that they were incorporated into the trip, as I?m not sure if I would have found the time to organise them myself.
Overall, I had a fantastic time. I was challenged and thrilled and surprised in almost everything I did, and I would like to thank Outreach International for giving me the opportunity to discover the remarkable country that is Mexico and to meet such amazing people.
Sarah Daly. Ixlan April 2005
Peak Leaders UK Ltd
Contact: David Hughes, Mansfield, Strathmiglo, Fife, KY14 7QE, Scotland
Telephone: 01337 860 079
Email: info@peakleaders.com
Website: www.peakleaders.com
Key countries:
Canada (Banff & Whistler), New Zealand, Argentina
Types of work:
Ski or Snowboard Instructor, Ski Patrol, Travel Guide
Experience or skills preferred: Good intermediate skier or snowboarder prior to commencing training course. Fitness and motivation important.
Length of projects: 8 weeks to 11 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Spanish useful in Argentina but not mandatory
Months to apply: Year round
Preferred age range: over 18
Costs: ?5850 to ?6550
Other relevant information: Ideal for those taking a gap year, time out from work or for those wanting to change their careers.
Company description:
Peak Leaders is a highly respected and well established family business. We run 9 - 11 week ski / snowboard instructor courses in spectacular locations year round.
Qualifications are through the Canadian, New Zealand or BASI systems. You?ll be coached by top trainers. You?ll stay in excellent accommodation, usually with multi gym and hot tub, and eat superb food ? we want you to stay fit and well. Our experienced course leaders help you realise individual goals and ensure you get maximum benefit from your time abroad. Other modules include avalanche awareness, team leading, park and pipe coaching, risk assessment, ski patrol introduction, ski / board maintenance clinics. The focus is safety, lots of fun and the acquisition of skills for immediate employment and for life. Compare our courses with others to check value for money. Wherever you go with Peaks, you know you will be learning from the best whilst having fun with people who become friends for life. Former trainee Harry Gates says (July 05): ?Have been on numerous ski trips with friends since Canada but none add up to the experience with you guys! Keep up the fabulous work.?
Case study:
I decided my life needed some excitement and chose to go on the 2005 Peak Leaders? Instructor course in Canada. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
My time in Canada is definitely one of the most memorable things I have ever done. Everyday of the course was a great experience, hard work at times but fantastic fun. There wasn?t a day that went past when I didn?t look around at the amazing scenery, look down at my board and the new friends around me and think ?yes, this is what life is all about?.
I still can?t believe how much we managed to fit in such a relatively short space of time and every activity was something to look forward to: the ?holiday? to Banff experiencing more of the wonders the Rockies have to offer, the skidoo driving, the backcountry phase, disabled skiing course, the ice hockey match, the shopping in Calgary, the theme nights and parties and of course the snowboarding / skiing every day.
I came away from Canada with so many new qualifications. Getting my CASI Levels 1 and 2 were an experience in themselves. The exhilaration and feeling of achievement was amazing!
The ski school was wonderful; we were quickly made to feel like part of the crew and the level of instructing we were given was exceptional. Leaving Canada, the snow and the people was very hard and the feeling of deflation when I got home was almost unbearable. However, the Peak Leaders course has inspired me to go to New Zealand for the season in June. It made me realise that loving life is far more important than how much money I earn.
So to anyone thinking of doing this course I?d say ?Do it! Do it! Do it!, it?s such an amazing opportunity. I have had a wonderful experience and have come away with great qualifications, fantastic new friends and hundreds of happy memories so thank-you Peak Leaders for quite literally changing my life!
Jemma Knowles, Canada 2005
Quest Overseas
Contact: Lisa Dupenois, 32 Clapham Mansions, Nightingale Lane, London SW4 9AQ
Telephone: 020 8673 3313
Email: emailus@questoverseas.com
Website: www.questoverseas.com
Key countries:
Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Swaziland, Tanzania
Types of work:
Animal Rehabilitation Project, Bolivia; Children?s Project, Peru; Cloud forest and rainforest conservation, Ecuador; Game Reserve Project, Swaziland; Village Development Project, Tanzania. Six ? Eight week Expeditions covering thousands of miles in South America (Peru, Chile, Bolivia) and Southern Africa (Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia)
Experience or skills preferred: Lots of enthusiasm
Length of projects: 2 weeks to 13 weeks The Villa Maria Children?s Project is open to volunteers all year round for flexible periods
Expected to learn language other than English: Spanish is required for Villa Maria Children?s Project, Lima, Peru
Months to apply: All year round but places fill quickly. Early application is advised.
Preferred age range: 18 to 25
Costs: ?1390 to ?3985
Other relevant information: Pre-University Gap Year Students: South America - 3 months, 10 teams departing from January through to April; Africa - 3 months, 6 teams departing from January through to March; Summer Expeditions - 6 weeks, 3 teams departing in June and July. University Students And Recent Graduates University Challenge - 8 weeks, 3 teams departing in June and July. Pre-University Gap Year Students, University Students And Recent Graduates: Summer Projects - 6 weeks, 2 teams departing in June and July.
Company description:
Quest Overseas was established as a Company in 1996 and is a Founding Member of the Year Out Group. Quest Overseas specialises in combining worthwhile voluntary work projects with challenging expeditions to Africa and South America. Students are asked to make a substantial donation to their voluntary work project.
Case study:
Jane Easby, South America, Maquipucuna Conservation project, 1999.
?Let's face it; I'm going to have the coolest room my university has ever seen. Antique poncho-throws from a Peruvian market, carved book ends from Ecuador, exotic shells from a Pacific Beach, a ceramic piranha and enough photos to wallpaper the walls, the ceiling, both sides of the door, the canteen?. And it's all evidence of the most interesting, emotional, fulfilling, exciting, ground-breaking year of my life.
Imagine a continent with deserts, jungles, awe-inspiring mountains, hot springs, salt flats, a Caribbean-style coastline and an intriguing past. Imagine an organisation which takes you to camp in those deserts, climb those mountains, drink cocktails on that coastline, retrace the very steps of that legendary civilisation. Then you have Quest Overseas South America.?
Ski le Gap
Contact: Amelia Puddifer, 220 Wheeler Road, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada J8E 1V3
Telephone: 0800 328 0345
Email: info@skilegap.com
Website: www.skilegap.com
Key countries:
Canada
Types of work:
Ski Instructor
Experience or skills preferred: -
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 11 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: French is offered as an option
Months to apply: Anytime, we reserve on a first-come first-served basis, so the earlier the registration the better.
Preferred age range: 18 to 24
Costs: ?2500 to ?5400
Other relevant information: We offer a course for students to become ski instructors
SPW (Students Partnership Worldwide)
Contact: Caroline Kippen, Marketing Manager, SPW, 17 Dean?s Yard, London, SW1P 3PB
Telephone: 020 7222 0138
Email: spwuk@gn.apc.org
Website: www.spw.org
Key countries:
India, Nepal, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Zambia
Types of work:
Health Education Volunteer ((8 months, 4/6 in India) ? volunteers work and live in pairs or groups to communicate youth friendly information on adolescent health issues such as HIV/AIDS, STIs, Sanitation, and nutrition. As peer educators, you will be trained to use non-formal techniques such as drama and sport to present these sensitive issues in a youth-friendly way and give them the understanding, life skills and self-confidence to help them make decisions for themselves.
Community Resource Volunteer (6-7 months)
(6-7 months) ? Volunteers work in pairs or groups to help communities identify their own needs and find sustainable solutions to problems such as low crop yield, soil erosion, deforestation, and water borne disease. You will be trained in participatory development techniques and local rural technologies to train and encourage young people to implement community projects.
Experience or skills preferred: A levels or equivalent
Length of projects: 16 weeks to 32 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Yes, the local language (Nepali, Tamil, Swahili) Training is given
Months to apply: Any month in the year. Closing application: 2 months before departure
Preferred age range: 18 to 28
Costs: ?3300 to ?3600
Other relevant information: Costs include airfare, insurance, work permit, basic living expenses, accommodation and food, one month?s training and support given by full time local and international staff including cross-cultural induction, team building skills, language, basic development theory and technologies.
Company description:
SPW is an international development charity (292492). We work in rural communities in Africa and Asia. Through building young people's knowledge skills and self-confidence we enable them to make crucial decisions about the health and environmental issues in their lives. In each country we have permanant local and international staff who support volunteers and work with local and international government.SPW works with communities for 3-5 years and creates sustainable links with local NGOs and government institutions. We have been working in the field for twenty years and our approach has been endorsed by international agencies such as UNICEF and national governments.
Case study:
My time with SPW India has been an experience like no other. The insight it has given me into Indian life has been totally unique. Working with an organization like SPW that really cares about the sustainability of its projects has certainly made me feel that my work in the village has been worthwhile. The fact that SPW concentrates on the ?Lessons of Life? (Health and Environmental Education) rather than just teaching English or Sport sets them apart from other volunteering organizations people join with on their GAP year or after university.
Living in a South Indian village revealed so much than purely travelling ever could. There is no other option but to embrace the lifestyle of pumping water, washing with a bucket and eating with your hand, or to get used to all the different traditions and festivals and to be part of them. Lauren Wyper, Volunteer in India, May 2003
Starfish Ventures
Contact: Dan Moore - Starfish Ventures Ltd, PO Box 9061, Epping CM16 7WU
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0800 1974817
Email: enquiries@starfishventures.co.uk
Website: www.starfishventures.co.uk
Key countries:
Thailand
Types of work:
From teaching English to helping conserve Thailand?s turtle population Starfish Ventures has a volunteer placement for you in Thailand
Experience or skills preferred: No experience is needed just a keenness to help others
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 12 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No, but it is helpful to pick up a little Thai. With a bit of effort you will be amazed by what you can achieve
Months to apply: all year
Preferred age range: 18 to 55
Costs: ?995 to ?1,695
Other relevant information: Starfish Ventures specialises in placements in Thailand and has made a long term commitment to all of its projects. Your work is important and you will be helping improve the lives of Thai people and safeguard their environment. Our highly qualified staff will be with you every step of the way. We offer the opportunity for you to make a genuine difference while discovering Thailand and its people.
Company description:
Starfish Ventures is a British company which specialises in supporting development projects in Thailand through the placement of foreign volunteers, delivering financial aid and providing expertise and project management.
Starfish Ventures has a genuine long term commitment to each of our projects, not only providing volunteers but also financial support to achieve particular goals. Starfish works in partnership with the Thai organisations it supports to continually understand and prioritise their requirements, providing knowledge, volunteers and financial help in tandem to ensure palpable, lasting change. For further information about the progress of projects that Starfish sponsors please visit our Investment Plans section.
Teaching & Projects Abroad
Contact: Sarah Milner, Aldsworth Parade, Goring, Sussex BN12 4TX
Telephone: 01903 708300
Email: info@teaching-abroad.co.uk
Website: www.teaching-abroad.co.uk
Key countries:
Argentina, Bolivia, Cambodia, China, Costa Rica, Ghana, India, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Nepal, Peru, Romania, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland, Thailand Togo and Ukraine
Types of work:
We have the largest range of placements available, including teaching English, various conservation, journalism, veterinary, medical, care, community and even business placements. With or without experience we have a placement for you.
Experience or skills preferred: No experience necessary. There may occasionally be a language requirement ? we will advise you on this.
Length of projects: 4 weeks to 52 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Most projects do not require a language. However, we encourage learning on placement and provide language lessons in most destinations, and on request.
Months to apply: Applications are accepted all year round. We recommend that you apply at least 2 months in advance
Preferred age range: 17 to 70
Costs: ?995 to
Other relevant information: Teaching & Projects Abroad have been leading the way for 10 years, with well supported, high quality placements overseas. Food, accommodation, full medical and travel insurance, and the expert back-up from our UK and full time local staff are included in the price. Volunteers are never isolated, and placements can be tailored for individual needs and interests. Whether you are looking to take a gap year or just a few months out of a hectic schedule, please call us for a chat about the huge range of possibilities we can offer you.
Company description:
Teaching & Projects Abroad have been leading the way for 10 years, with well supported, high quality placements overseas. With us, you can enjoy adventurous foreign travel with a chance to do a worthwhile job.
We offer:
? Flexibility
? 24 hour expert in-country support
? A placement to suit everyone
Call us for turtles in Mexico, newspapers in India, Inca projects in Peru, Medicine in Ghana, archaeology in Romania, business in China and many more?..
Case study:
Katy Warner joined us on our ?Majahuas? turtle camp in Mexico?
?"Majahuas es magico" I was told, and it is! Lagoon on one side, sea on the other, beautiful skies, flora, fauna, everything is just so mind-blowingly special it makes you see everything else in a different light. And the turtles - wow! Seeing an adult Olive Ridley for the first time was such a brilliant event - collecting the eggs as they were being laid was even better. A month later, I saw the nest which I had buried hatch! Seeing that the work you have done has really worked, and is having an impact here is so fulfilling, not to mention that the turtles are so cute!?
?Travelling through Mexico it was staggering the amount of places I saw, and the things I achieved. I am definitely an enhanced person for it.
?Don't waste the chance to do something like this - I cannot imagine missing out on this opportunity.?
Travellers Worldwide
Contact: Info, 7 Mulberry Close, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5HY
Telephone: +44 (0)1903 502595
Email: info@travellersworldwide.com
Website: www.travellersworldwide.com
Key countries:
Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, China, Cuba, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Malaysia, Russia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Ukraine, Zimbabwe
Types of work:
Teaching, Conservation, Work Experience Placements, Languages and other Courses
Experience or skills preferred: No qualifications needed ? just enthusiasm!
Length of projects: 2 weeks to 52 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: No, only English is necessary
Months to apply: 4 weeks minimum
Preferred age range: 17 to 100!
Costs: ?875 to - ?1795
Other relevant information: Full and excellent back up and support in country. All food and accommodation provided. Extremely flexible projects ? you go when you want and for however long you want. Very sociable and life changing projects! Do something worthwhile.
Company description:
Live and work abroad with flexible placements in 16 countries worldwide (Asia, Africa, South America and Eastern Europe). Excellent CONSERVATION programs including working hands on or in research with Orang-Utans, lion cubs, dolphins, sharks, elephants, the big five, the world?s most endangered animal species + loads more. OR TEACH (English, sports, drama, IT, maths etc), learn a language and learn new skills. With 10 years experience, full support and highly recommended worthwhile placements, checkout Travellers!
Case study:
KAREN HERRING ? SEPILOK ORANG-UTAN REHAB CENTRE, BORNEO
It has been a totally amazing and life changing experience. The staff made us feel so welcome straight away it felt like it was our home. Watching the orang-utans in their natural forest habitat was breathtaking, an experience I will never ever forget. One morning when we walked up to the outdoor nursery to collect the wheelbarrow we arrived to find the cage (office) in chaos as the clever Orangs had broken the padlock, stole the bananas, drank the milk and literally ran riot! Oh, and in my final week I placed baby Acutboy on the grass by the lake and let go and he didn't scream and try to cling onto me, as before. He's finally claiming some independence and I felt really emotional. This placement surpassed all of my expectations. I've come away a much calmer, patient, tolerant person with clear objectives for the future.
UK AIESEC
Contact: 29-31 Cowper Street, London EC2A 4AT
Telephone: 0207 549 1800
Email: national@uk.aiesec.org
Website: www.uk.aiesec.org
Key countries:
84 countries around the globe
Types of work:
Professional placements in the areas of marketing/finance/management. Technical placements in IT and engineering. Development projects. Teaching.
Experience or skills preferred: Undergraduates/Graduates who are proactive and looking for a cultural experience
Length of projects: 2 months to 18 months
Expected to learn language other than English: Fluency in other languages will widen the number of placements available, however it is not a set criteria.
Months to apply: October to become an AIESEC member, October & November to apply for the Work Abroad Programme
Preferred age range: 18 to 24
Costs: ?75 for AIESEC members to ?200 for non-members
Other relevant information:
Company description: AIESEC is the worlds largest student-run organisation in the world with over 20,000 members in 84 countries around the world. For over 50 years now we have been aiming to develop business skills and international understanding in the future leaders of the world. We recruit our members in Freshers Week at 23 of the universities where we are based who have the option to do an AIESEC traineeship at the end of their 1st or 2nd years. In October we open applications non-AIESEC finalists for them to do a placement upon graduation.
Case study ?Aside from the cultural and professional experiences I gained on my traineeship, it was just a great experience generally. I now have a network of friends that literally span the globe! To have met so many people from such different backgrounds and yet to have got along so well, drawn together by one common ideology ? to gain as much as possible from our time in Slovenia, was a truly awesome experience.? Jake Johnson, Ericsson, Slovenia.
Venture Co
Contact: The Iron Yard, 64-66 The Marketplace, Warwick CV34 4SD
Telephone: 01926 411122
Email: mail@ventureco-worldwide.com
Website: www.ventureco-worldwide.com
Key countries:
Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Cuba, Venezuela, India, Nepal
Types of work:
Volunteer aid work
Experience or skills preferred: post A level
Length of projects: 15 weeks to 16 weeks
Expected to learn language other than English: Spanish
Months to apply: All year
Preferred age range: 18 to
Costs: ?4250 to ?5250
Other relevant information: Full information pack on request
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