February 27, 2009
There are a number of things to consider when planning a gap year. How much time can you spare and how much time do you want to spare for a start?
The phrase ‘gap year’ is just that – a phrase. In reality you can go for whatever length of time you want. You could go for a few weeks or even a few years. One of the major constraints is likely to be cash. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll need to save up some money for the time away, bearing in mind that in most cases you won’t be earning during that period.
Next, ask yourself where you want to go and what you want to do. There are so many volunteer projects running these days, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. A good way of going about it is to consider what you personally could offer to a project. There are lots of teaching roles available, but if you’re a plumber or a builder, these are skills that are of great use as well. If you have particular strengths, it is likely that you’ll be able to find a project that can make use of them.
February 24, 2009
Thailand is a popular tourist destination thanks to its tropical climate, unique atmosphere and delicious cuisine. It’s also well known for its miles and miles of coastline, with hundreds of islands, both in the Gulf of Siam and in the Andaman Sea off the west coast.
You can experience this aspect of Thailand by doing some voluntary work in one of these areas. There are many projects available and some will allow you to spend time in some of the most beautiful spots on earth while contributing to the local environment in some way.
One project allows you to carry out marine conservation off Koh Tao – an island in the Gulf of Siam. This area boasts of a number of tropical reefs and the project aims to increase awareness of them while simultaneously looking for ways to protect and even restore them.
Obviously the project involves a good deal of diving and Koh Tao offers some of the finest you are ever likely to experience. You will take the PADI open water or advanced diver course prior to starting and after that you will be able to assist in various underwater reef surveys and information gathering.
February 20, 2009
When people think of gap years and volunteering abroad, they tend to think that it’s for younger people just before they go to university, or perhaps just afterwards. This is a misconception as there are growing numbers of people taking gap years and career breaks later in life.
Around 90,000 Britons take a career break each year. This could be for a couple of months or even a year or more. This may be done with the blessing of their employer, or perhaps it is a means of changing direction with their career, leaving one job and pondering what to do next. Some people even find inspiration in the volunteer work they carry out while they’re away.
Some businesses even see career breaks as a means for development which allow their workforce to gain new experiences and skills and which also ensure that they remain happy and motivated.
Career breaks aren’t right for everyone and as you get older you will tend to find you have more responsibilities that cannot be sidelined. Nevertheless, if you’re interested in doing something worthwhile and in experiencing a new place at the same time, it’s definitely worth looking into. There are so many countries to visit and any number of different projects in which you can get involved.
February 17, 2009
If you’ve been thinking about visiting Cambodia, you might also have considered doing some volunteer work while you’re there.
While Cambodia’s past has been violent, it is becoming an increasingly popular destination as it slowly recovers from the after-effects of the Khmer Rouge and the genocide that happened during their period of rule. The Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the best-known historical sites in the world and the capital, Phnom Penh has much to offer.
One option for volunteer work in Cambodia is working at a bear sanctuary near Phnom Penh. The sanctuary looks after sun bears and black bears within five to six hectares of their natural habitat. Work involves feeding the bears, cleaning their enclosures and managing their habitat.
Volunteers at the bear sanctuary stay in a village a few kilometres away in an area of the country that would ordinarily be little-visited by tourists. Phnom Penh is about 10km away and can easily be visited at the weekends.
Volunteering is a great way of experiencing a country. Staying in one place for a longer period, living in smaller towns and eating the local food gives you a feel for the area and being able to contribute to a worthwhile project at the same time can be greatly rewarding.
February 6, 2009
If you’ve made the decision to volunteer abroad, one of the most difficult decisions is where to go. With the whole world to choose from, how do you narrow it down?
Belize is one option. Belize, which used to be known as British Honduras, is in Central America, between Guatemala and Mexico. A great advantage for volunteers from the UK is the fact that Belize is an English speaking country, although Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.
With lowland forest, highland plateaus and flat, swampy coastal plains, the habitat in Belize is quite varied and the wildlife reflects this. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Eduction Center is one place you can do some overseas voluntary work. The zoo houses over 125 animals and they are all native to Belize and kept in their natural habitat. There are even a number of big cats, including jaguars, pumas and ocelots.
There are many different sorts of roles you can carry out when volunteering abroad and if you have specialist skills, you will be greatly in demand. Belize zoo can accommodate landscape designers, carpenters, builders, plumbers, electricians, marketing professionals, artists, web designers and photographers.
Volunteering abroad can be a very rewarding experience for you as well as the place where you’re helping out. If you fancy spending some time in Belize and doing something worthwhile while you’re there, why not give it a go.
