A gap year can be a transformative experience, offering a wealth of opportunities to explore new horizons, gain valuable skills, and create lasting memories. To find out what a gap year entails and why you might consider taking one, check out our What is a Gap Year & Should I Take One? blog. In this blog, we’re diving deeper with an extensive list of 19 exciting and diverse activities to make the most of your gap year. From volunteering and internships to adventure travel and creative pursuits, this guide will help you plan a year filled with meaningful experiences and personal growth.
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A gap year opens up a world of possibilities, offering a chance to explore interests and passions that might be difficult to pursue during the usual academic or work schedule. Here are some popular options for what you could do on a gap year:
Travel is a fantastic way to spend your gap year. Whether you choose to travel independently or through an organised program, each option has its own benefits. Self-supported travel allows you the freedom to create your own itinerary, manage your budget, and immerse yourself in local cultures on your own terms. On the other hand, traveling through an agent or provider, such as Year Out Group, offers structured programs that can provide guidance, support, and pre-arranged activities, making the experience more seamless and less daunting. Both approaches can lead to transformative experiences, so consider what aligns best with your goals and interests.
Interrail / cultural travel is a great way to explore countries. With an Interrail pass, you can travel through over 30 European countries, hopping from city to city on a whim. Interrail not only provides the flexibility to create your own itinerary but also makes it easy to discover hidden gems. Whether you’re visiting world-renowned museums, savoring local delicacies, or mingling with fellow travelers, Interrail ensures that your gap year is filled with unforgettable cultural experiences. For more information, visit Interrail’s official website.
Adventure travel, such as surfing and kit-surfing, is perfect for thrill-seekers and ocean lovers. Surfing destinations like Bali, Indonesia are prime spot for both beginners and seasoned surfers. For those interested in kite-surfing, the beaches of Tarifa, Spain, are renowned for their winds and stunning scenery. Websites like Surfline offer detailed surf reports and guides to the best surfing spots worldwide, while KiteWorldWide provides comprehensive resources for kite-surfing enthusiasts, including travel packages and destination guides.
Experience travel gives you the chance to witness the natural world in ways that few ever do. To see wild animals up close, consider guided safaris with SafariBookings, or eco-tourism trips with G Adventures, which offer sustainable and immersive wildlife experiences. Such adventures not only enrich your travel experience but also contribute to conservation efforts, making your gap year both exciting and impactful.
Experiencing other cultures through working abroad offers an invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures while gaining practical experience. Engaging in international work not only broadens your horizons but also enhances your professional skills and adaptability. For visa-dependent opportunities, platforms like GoAbroad and Workaway provide comprehensive resources and listings for finding suitable positions. Additionally, check out InterExchange for various work abroad programs and visa information.
Outdoor adventure jobs are great to take up during a gap year if you crave excitement and love the great outdoors. Whether you’re drawn to the landscapes of the UK or the exotic terrains abroad, there’s a number of opportunities for those seeking to blend work with adventure. In the UK, organisations like PGL offer roles in outdoor education and adventure camps, where you can lead activities such as kayaking, climbing, and archery. For a more international experience, check out CoolWorks for adventure job listings across the globe, from guiding treks in the Himalayas to leading scuba diving tours in the Caribbean. These roles not only provide thrilling experiences but also help you develop leadership and teamwork skills.
A summer season as a holiday rep can be perfect for those taking a gap year. In this role, you’ll be the face of a travel company, helping holidaymakers enjoy their vacations while managing various activities and excursions. This job not only enhances your customer service skills but also allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and develop a network of international contacts. Whether you’re organising events, assisting with bookings, or resolving guest issues, a role as a holiday rep can provide invaluable experience and unforgettable memories. To explore opportunities, check out companies like TUI, Thomas Cook, and Jet2holidays, which often offer summer positions for gap year students.
A ski season is an exciting option for gap year activities, offering the chance to work in stunning mountain resorts while immersing yourself in a vibrant community. Roles such as chalet staff and tour guides are in high demand, providing a unique blend of work and adventure. Chalet staff, including roles like hosts or cooks, often get the opportunity to live in beautiful locations and interact closely with guests. Tour staff, on the other hand, guide skiers and snowboarders, ensuring they have a fantastic experience on the slopes. Companies like Skiworld and Crystal Ski frequently offer seasonal positions, providing detailed information about job opportunities and application processes.
Volunteering during your gap year is a great way to spend your time, as it offers the chance to give back to communities, develop new skills, and gain unique experiences. Whether you’re interested in environmental conservation, education, healthcare, or community development, there’s a volunteering opportunity out there for you. Websites like Volunteer World and Go Overseas provide extensive listings of volunteer programs across the globe, helping you find the perfect fit for your interests and goals. Additionally, organisations like Projects Abroad and International Volunteer HQ offer structured programs that include support and guidance, ensuring a meaningful and impactful experience. Volunteering not only allows you to make a difference but also helps you build a global network, enhance your CV, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Gaining work experience is one of the most impactful ways to spend your gap year. Engaging in internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities in your field of interest not only bolsters your CV but also provides you with practical skills and professional networks. Websites like InternshipFinder and Indeed are excellent resources for finding relevant work placements. Whether you choose to work locally or internationally, gaining work experience during your gap year can significantly enhance your future career prospects and personal growth.
Working on cruise ships and super yachts offers an opportunity to travel the world while gaining valuable skills and professional experience. Positions range from hospitality and culinary roles to entertainment and deckhand duties, allowing you to find a niche that aligns with your interests and career aspirations. Many agencies and websites can help you get started, such as CrewSeekers, Yacrew, and Indeed’s cruise ship job listings. Dive into this exciting world and make your gap year one to remember!
Working to get money together for University can be a smart and practical choice. By securing a job during this period, you can alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education. Whether you find part-time work, internships, or full-time employment, each opportunity not only helps you build a financial cushion but also enhances your resume and work experience. Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are excellent resources for job hunting. Additionally, the National Careers Service offers guidance on finding work and preparing for interviews, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make the most of your gap year.
Teaching English as a second or foreign language, commonly known as TEFL or TESOL, can be a rewarding gap year activity. This experience not only allows you to travel and immerse yourself in different cultures but also provides a valuable service to communities around the world. Programs like TEFL.org and TESOL International Association offer certifications that prepare you for teaching abroad, equipping you with the skills to effectively teach English to non-native speakers.
Working as an au pair or engaging in childcare work offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while gaining invaluable life experiences. As an au pair, you’ll live with a host family, providing childcare and helping with household duties in exchange for room, board, and a modest stipend. This arrangement allows you to build deep connections with your host family and community, enhancing your language skills and cultural understanding. For more information on becoming an au pair, visit AuPairWorld. If you’re interested in broader childcare opportunities, organisations like Cultural Care Au Pair and International Au Pair Association offer extensive resources and placement programs to help you get started on this rewarding journey.
Working with Camp America and Holiday Camps in the UK can be a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable experience during your gap year. Camp America offers an immersive experience where you can work as a camp counselor, helping to create memories for children and gaining international work experience. You can find more information and apply here. Similarly, holiday camps in the UK, such as Butlins and Pontins, provide seasonal work opportunities that involve entertaining and looking after families and children. These roles can be found on their career pages: Butlins Careers and Pontins Jobs. Both options offer a chance to develop new skills, build friendships, and enjoy a fun-filled gap year.
Self-directed learning is a perfect investment of your time during a gap year, and online platforms provide opportunities to explore new subjects and gain valuable skills. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera and edX offer free courses from top universities on a wide range of topics, from computer science to creative writing. For those willing to invest a bit more, platforms like Skillshare provide access to specialised classes in areas like design, photography, and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge in a particular field or discover a new passion, these resources offer flexible, high-quality education that you can tailor to your interests and schedule.
Going to college, to test out ideas or retrain in a new field, can be a beneficial way to spend a gap year. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, pivot your career, or simply explore an area of interest, retraining during a gap year allows you to invest in your future. Colleges often offer short courses, diplomas, or certifications that can enhance your CV and open new doors. Exploring options like OpenLearn for free courses or UCAS for full-time programs can help you find the right fit. This investment in education not only broadens your skill set but also increases your marketability, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Testing ideas for a business through a side hustle allows you to experiment with entrepreneurial concepts on a smaller scale before fully committing to them. Starting a side hustle provides valuable insights into market demand, customer preferences, and operational challenges without the pressure of a full-scale launch. Platforms like Shopify and Etsy are excellent for testing e-commerce ideas, while Upwork and Fiverr can help you offer freelance services and gauge interest in your skills. This hands-on experience not only enhances your business acumen but also builds confidence and practical skills that are essential for any future entrepreneurial ventures.
Mental health and self-improvement can be a good things to dedicate a gap year to. Engaging in activities such as mindfulness and meditation can help build resilience and manage stress. Programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, MBSR Program, offer structured practices that promote mental clarity and emotional balance. Additionally, volunteering for organisations like Mental Health Foundation can provide a sense of purpose and connection while supporting mental health initiatives. Pursuing self-improvement through courses on emotional intelligence or personal development, such as those available on Coursera or Udemy, can further enhance skills and perspectives. By investing in mental health and self-improvement during a gap year, you can return to your next endeavors with greater self-awareness and confidence.
As you can see, there are countless ways to spend a gap year, each offering unique experiences that can shape your future. Whether you’re looking to travel, gain work experience, or simply explore your passions, there’s something out there for everyone. We hope this blog has provided you with some inspiration and practical ideas for your journey ahead. For any parents who’s child may be thinking of taking a gap year, check out our Gap Year Advice for Parents blog. Whatever path you choose, make the most of it and enjoy every moment!
The National Careers Service offers free advice about careers and skills to anyone aged 13 or over and living in England. To speak to a professional careers adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use webchat (8am – 8pm Monday – Friday; 10am – 5pm Saturday).
