5 Best Gap Year Abroad Ideas for College Graduates

Now that you’re done with college and all set to step up the ladder, walking into adulthood, how about taking a break and opting for a gap year abroad, before you dive into the corporate grind?

Well, while some of your peers might be over-enthusiastic in chasing their dreams, giving interviews, and hustling to bag a job – we would suggest you to go slow, pause if needed, focus on things that’ll help in gaining skills, and learn about life through experiences. And for this, what can be better than a gap year?

We know that it’s not an easy decision, to step out of your comfort zone, and travel the world. You’ll have to convince your parents, manage your budget, and live in places where you might not find the basic amenities that you’re used to – but if you look at the other side, you’ll get to explore on your own, work with people from different parts of the world, get to know more about the culture and heritage of different nations, and most likely, learn a new language. And when you’ll return home, you’ll surely be a more mature person.

While writing this, I remember a Spanish guy whom I had met in Delhi, a couple of years back. He had come all the way to India, to volunteer at a brick kiln, and one day, over dinner, he told me – “My momma had sent baby Alvaro to India, and now she’ll have Alvaro, The Man, back from India as a present!” His words touched me, and I realized how his volunteering journey in India had impacted him.

Here’s how your gap year activities can help your career:

If you’re considering a gap year abroad, and wondering how it’ll help you in your career ahead, let me jot down all the benefits that you’ll get to enjoy:

1. You’ll get to explore one or more new countries during this time, and learn about their culture, history, lifestyle, food, and festivals – something that no textbooks ever taught you!
2. You can opt for volunteering programs abroad, being a part of which, you’ll get to work and contribute to society, making a positive impact in the lives of underprivileged people.
3. You can also choose to be a part of an internship project, where you can work alongside professionals, and gain first-hand work experience from them.
4. You can learn a new language, which will surely add some brownie points to your Resume/CV.
5. It’ll also help you improve your communication and time management skills.
6. Last, but not the least. It’ll be an incredible opportunity to make new friends and broaden your social network.

 

Here are the 5 best gap year abroad ideas for college graduates:

1. Summer Volunteer Abroad Programs

In this month-long program curated by travel experts, you’ll get to explore a country like a local. No matter where you choose to go and what you opt to do, you’ll eventually make a great impact.

From volunteering at childcare centers in India to cuddling elephants at a shelter home in Thailand, from teaching English in Tanzania to spreading love amongst the little ones in Peru – your gap year experience will be filled with emotions and learnings.

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ splendor, embark on a beach-hopping adventure through Thailand, or traverse the Himalayan trails weaving through India and Nepal.

Indulge in delectable cuisines in Spain or Mexico, witness the majesty of the Big 5 on Kenya or Tanzania safaris, and develop a deep affection for Costa Rica’s charming turtles!

And who knows – you might just feel like extending your trip!

 

2 Weeks Special Volunteer Abroad Programs

Now, here’s a plan. Imagine you’re coming to Asia for your gap year – then how about spending 2 weeks in India, followed by 2 weeks in Nepal, and then 2 weeks in Thailand – so on and so forth! You can easily cover 5 to 6 countries over a span of a couple of months – and in each country, you’ll get to work on different projects and of course, have a chance to explore the mountains and the beaches!

This also reminds me of Jack Whitehall’s gap year journey – where he hopped from Thailand to Cambodia and Vietnam – with his father though! Yeah, he came all the way to Thailand from England, with his dad, during his gap year.

Check out more about Jack Whitehall’s journey, here.

 

3. International Internship Programs

If you’re keen on gaining some professional experience during your gap year abroad, you can choose to be a part of an internship program that aligns with your areas of interest (as well as your specializations). For example, this is extremely usually for medical, dental, and nursing students, who can work under senior doctors during their internship, and learn how to function under a systematic healthcare setup.

This will also help you to understand more about the various departments at the hospital and give you clarity on what you’d want to take up in the future.

Internship opportunities are also available for media and journalism students. As an intern, you’ll get an insight into the industry, learn how to write editorial pieces and post copies, assist the seniors of the company, and embark on a learning journey.

 

4. Wildlife Conservation Programs

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast and a keen ‘green worker’ – then what can be better than utilizing your gap year for some conservation programs? Put on your boots and get ready to spend some quality time amidst nature, as you take care of various animals (depending on where you choose to be)!

The most popular wildlife conservation programs are spread across Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Borneo, Spain, Australia, and South Africa.

 

5. Community Development Programs

From building and renovation work to teaching kids in underprivileged schools, working with local NGOs in areas of gender empowerment and microfinance, as well as organizing social awareness drives – you’ll get to do it all.

As the name suggests, community development programs provide immense scope to the volunteers to stretch their boundaries, get their hands dirty and find solutions to problems, making a difference in the lives of the people thriving in that particular area.

No matter whether you wish to work in Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America – we’re here to guide you to be a part of a meaningful program during your gap year.

 

We do understand that the thought of setting out for a gap year abroad can be extremely overwhelming – and hence, we’d suggest you to get in touch with our Program Advisors, who can be your perfect guide in this journey.

If you wish to know more about a gap year abroad, feel free to contact us here – [email protected] – and we’ll be happy to assist you!