Taking a Gap Year to Volunteer Abroad

After several years spent learning inside the confines of school, most of you may not be ready to head straight to university.

Some may still be undecided about the program they should take while others may want to experience more in life before they dedicate all their time back in school.

Taking a gap year or postponing college is perfectly fine and can even be beneficial. There are so many things you can do in that time.

Most gap takers tend to join a Freiwilligenprojekt im Ausland or volunteer projects abroad. It’s an excellent opportunity to help other communities and immerse one’s self in different cultures.

Participating in volunteer projects abroad during your gap year can help shape your future. You will learn and experience things that go beyond the walls of a school.

What Is a Gap Year?

The concept of a gap year dates as far back as the path of formal education. This was a trend that originally started in the United Kingdom in the 1970s.

The idea behind this is that a student will take a break after finishing high school to pursue their passion, self-discovery, and independence. After this journey, they must ultimately proceed to college.

The trend of gap years, however, has been on the rise in recent years. It has become quite popular that colleges and universities are not surprised when they see in on student applications.

Recently, fresh-grad high school students are not the only ones taking a gap year. A lot of people in their 20s, 30s, and beyond are also taking a year off after college.

Why Volunteer Abroad?

According to the Gap Year Association, 48% of students are influenced to take a gap year to volunteer. Volunteer projects abroad or Freiwilligenprojekt im Ausland provides opportunities for students to make a positive impact on the world.

Volunteering abroad can help students discover themselves and push them to be more independent. They can learn about the cultures of other places and the hardships that the locals experience.

This allows students to be more empathetic and aware of the problems happening outside the comforts of their home. Through this, they can realize the interdependence of all of us. They can contribute positively to the local community and help overcome stereotypes.

There are several projects from various countries that need volunteers. Projects can cover issues related to health, education, environment, civil rights & equality, culture, and social entrepreneurship.

With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose a volunteer program abroad. Partnering with an organization such as Global Volunteer can help direct your choices and connect you to the best projects available in each country.

Start Your Adventure!

A year or a semester of volunteering for projects abroad is a wise and meaningful way of spending your time. Various projects expose you to the culture of other countries and the issues that their communities experience.

By joining a volunteer project abroad, you can help communities and make a positive impact on the world. Taking a gap year to volunteer can also expand your mindset and transform you into a better version of yourself.

It’s a journey that may change your future for the better.