Plan My Gap Year

Plan My Gap Year is an award winning organisation, who focus on creating meaningful, affordable, well-supported volunteer placements that balance impact with personal growth. They enable students to gain life-changing experiences while giving back to communities worldwide.

Type of experience: Volunteering

Duration: 1 to 40 weeks

Format: In person

Where: Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Zanzibar, Bali, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Greece, Portugal, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru

Areas of interest

Plan My Gap Year have a wide range of projects that are open to all students and you are encouraged to explore all options. If you are looking for projects related to your degree then certain locations can provide excellent exposure and experience:

English Literature, Language & Linguistics / Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Top locations: Cambodia, India, Tanzania, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Ghana
Top projects: Teaching, Childcare

Faculty of Medical Sciences
Top locations: India, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Ghana
Top projects: Medical, Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health

School of Modern Languages / Education, Communication and Language Sciences
Top locations: Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru
Top projects: Teaching, Spanish Language

School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Top locations: South Africa, Greece, Bali
Top projects: Marine Conservation, Wildlife Conservation/Rescue

What to expect

Working hours can differ depending on your chosen project, usually ranging from 3-8 hours per day. You can use your spare time as you wish. Plan My Gap Year organise evening and weekend activities that all volunteers can choose to participate in - some of these are free but some will be an extra cost. These vary depending on location but can include quizzes and movie nights, hikes and tours, sightseeing, dance and sports.

24/7 in-country support will be available.

Things to consider

Some projects may be based in more rural locations, and living/working conditions may not be the same as you would expect in the UK. Some projects may be more physically demanding than others or require you to be comfortable with swimming, snorkelling etc.

You will be living and working in local communities and you should always respect local traditions and cultural norms. The codes of conduct of Plan My Gap Year and any of it's partners must be followed at all times.

Volunteers are required to have a DBS check.

Fees and funding

Fees start at around £150 (plus a £199 registration fee) and vary depending on your chosen project. You will need to pay the registration fee in order to reserve your place. Your meals are provided by Plan My Gap Year (included in your fee). Transport, some activities and other aspects are also included in your fee.

Applicants who meet the GO Global Scholarship eligibility criteria can apply for £1500 for a 2 week+ project. If you choose a project in Europe, you could also apply for the Sustainable Travel Grant.

Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the project fee. Accommodation is basic and options vary depending on your chosen location - this will usually be in a shared house with other volunteers, in single-sex dorm-style bedrooms (2-8 beds). In some cases you may be sharing a bedroom with another volunteer in a local host family home. You can choose to pay extra for private bedrooms.

Further information

You can follow Plan My Gap Year on instagram (@planmygapyear) or tiktok (@planmygapyearofficial)

Find out more and apply

Contact Plan My Gap Year

Funding

Application process