Why GapGuru
Gap Year Abroad with GapGuru, Volunteer work opportunities in Asia, Africa & South America
GapGuru is a specialist
gap year programme that offers structured opportunities to
volunteer abroad or Intern abroad to make the most of the time people take out of their studies for a
gap year abroad. The team has a wealth of experience in
gap year travel, volunteering and business. We aims to provide young people a unique insight into cultures around the world, make a difference to local communities and have an experience of a lifetime. Just a few of the benefits that a volunteer gets when they choose their
gap year programmes with
GapGuru.
Gap Year volunteers get our time, attention and expertise
All our
gap year volunteers are special people. We take care throughout our process to ensure that you will be happy at your chosen projects. We work together to develop the right
voluntary programme for you with the aim that you get a great
gap year experience. A pre - departures meeting will ensure that you are prepared for your journey to and stay in your chosen destination, covering everything cultural basics, what to wear and what to/not to say and much more, so that you settle into life
Carefully chosen gap year projects
All our projects are carefully researched. Time is spent getting to know them so as to ensure that we provide them with just the right people. Members of the GapGuru team visit each
gap year project to ensure it fits with our selection criteria. We work with a detailed checklist to see how the project is set up and how well it delivers benefits to the people in its care. The objective is to select
voluntary projects that add value to the local community and where you can contribute in making a significant impact with the work you do and the skills you bring.
You will never be alone on your gap year
Our GapGuru representatives meet when once you reach your
gap year destination and help you get settled in to both your accommodation and
gap year projects. They are there to be a guide and mentor and are always available if needed. From how to get around the city, where to get SIM cards, restaurants for good food, where to shop – they are your guide to the local surroundings. They also introduce you to other
gap year travellers in the area or be there for you when you are missing your family and friends and just need someone you can trust
Gap Year Accommodation
The real taste of a place is best had when you stay with a local family. Across all our destinations, we have picked the most welcoming home stay families for you. GapGuru take care in checking out all
gap year volunteer accommodation and talking it through with you before you go. Living with a local family gives you the chance to gain unique insights into daily local life and sample some delicious traditional home cooking Sometimes accommodation may be provided on site with the project or arranged by the organization you work with. In all cases we ensure it is safe and secure and really is your home away from home.
If you have some specific preferences we advice that you discuss these while booking your
gap year programme.
Gap Year Travel/Adventure
Gap year travellers can also go on specially created trips up into the Himalayas, to the jungle, palaces and much more. This is an opportunity for you to see more of this exciting destination without having to worry about how you will travel and
whether you will be safe or will be able to see all the sights. We would love to talk to you about these options and which would suit you best
Personal development on your gap year
During your
gap year time and effort will be spent on people who really need it - this could be through medical, community, teaching , child or health care projects.
Gap year volunteers will learn about life in a developing country, gain experience to include in your CV and enjoy the adventure of travelling around countries full of hidden treasures
Pre-Departure Preparation
At
GapGuru we understand the importance of making sure all arrangements are in place before your arrival into your chosen
gap year destination and that leaving home and travelling to a completely new country can be a challenging and daunting for first time travellers. As a result we put in a lot of effort in planning and preparing you for your
gap year abroad, making sure that you have all the details and know what to expect when you arrive.
Six weeks before your actual departure we ask you to attend a pre-departure briefing session in Newbury to talk about your chosen destination and to discuss your time there. At this meeting you get an opportunity to meet with other
gap year volunteers who will be travelling around the same time as well as the
GapGuru team to ask questions and get all the information you need to get the most from your
gap year abroad.
We provide all our
gap year volunteers with a detailed pre-departure information pack that gives you all the information about the country, the cultural differences that you need to be aware about,
voluntary project and home stay details, a comprehensive list of all contact numbers and addresses as well as what to do in an emergency.
GapGuru also use this
gap year briefing session to go through the logistics, collect visa forms and passports, discuss arrival details as well as all the opportunities for
gap year travel around your chosen destination and how travel independently across the country.
Pre-Departure Meet - August 2007
Parents interacting with GapGuru Team members about their queries...
Upcoming Pre-Departures
- For October 2009 departures - Thursday, 3rd September, 2009
- For November 2009 departures - Thursday, 1st October, 2009
- For December 2009 departures - Thursday, 5th November, 2009
- For January 2010 departures - Thursday, 3rd December, 2009
- For February 2010 departures - Thursday, 7th January, 2010
- For March 2010 departures - Thursday, 4th February 2010
- For April 2010 departures - Thursday, 4th March, 2010
- For May 2010 departures - Thursday, 1st April, 2010
- For June 2010 departures - Thursday, 6th May, 2010
- For July 2010 departures - Thursday, 3rd June, 2010
- For August 2010 departures - Thursday, 1st July, 2010
- For September 2010 departures - Thursday, 5th August, 2010