Archive of articles from 2012

Team GB gymnast returns from gap year volunteering in Ecuador

Even Olympic athletes find time to go on gap years. Jennifer Pinches from the 2012 Team GB gymnastic team, who reached the finals of the competition, has just returned from volunteering in Ecuador with Camps International.

Elephant conservation project in Namibia named best for volunteers

Elephant Human Relations Aid in Namibia has been named the world’s best volunteering organisation at the Virgin Responsible Travel Awards.

Why teaching abroad benefits trainee teachers

Teaching is an exciting profession to go into that always keeps you on your toes and allows you to better yourself. If you are thinking of training for the role or you have recently finished your course, you could consider a voluntary work placement abroad.

Top places to help build homes for communities in need

If you're in the process of planning your gap year, becoming an international volunteer is something well worth considering. Among your options is the extremely rewarding opportunity to build homes for local communities - and you can discover the top places to do so with our guide.

How to make the most of an unpaid sabbatical

There are so many countries to visit and projects to get involved in, it's no wonder the idea of booking a career break can seem so appealing. However, you may be worried about how taking an extended period out of employment could affect your job prospects.

Travel America while you're working there

If you're lucky enough to have secured work at a summer camp or as an au pair in the US, it's worth considering planning an American working and travelling holiday so you see more of the country you're visiting. After all, your job will mean you have money to spend!

Head off the beaten track with volunteer work in Swaziland

Planning a gap year is incredibly exciting, with so many amazing destinations just waiting to be discovered. If you want to have a really unique, rewarding experience during your travels, you should volunteer abroad in Swaziland.

Ideas for voluntary work in the Galapagos Islands

If you're looking for the perfect destination to volunteer abroad while you're travelling, the Galapagos Islands could be the perfect option. These stunning isles in the Pacific Ocean have been a source of fascination ever since Charles Darwin famously visited them.

Want to be an eco volunteer on Catalina Island in the USA?

A brand new conservation project designed to protect the native flora and fauna of a small island off the coast of Southern California is seeking volunteers to help with its work programme this summer and autumn.

A guide to voluntary work in Tanzania

Tanzania is a spectacular country, home to Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as vast nature reserves, a beautiful coastline and bustling cities. To get the most out of a trip to the nation, you should volunteer as part of your travels.

5 reasons to volunteer on your gap year (that you haven’t heard before)

How does volunteering enhance travel? We explore why you should volunteer during your year out, with five reasons you may never have thought about before...

Top destinations for medical volunteering abroad

Travelling around the world is a fantastic experience and one not to miss. However, if you really want to make the most of your time away, make sure you volunteer abroad.It is one of the most rewarding things you can do - giving back to those who are less fortunate.

Take a year out volunteering, paid for by the government

The Government are offering students a 'year out on them' through a new state-funded scheme, which will subsidise travellers looking to volunteer abroad.

3 great ideas for an adventure-filled volunteering break

Travelling the world is a once in a lifetime experience, but to make it even more memorable, choose to fit in voluntary work abroad during your travels. This can add an extra element of adventure to your trip and allow you to give something back to the places you've visited.

Land Rover and Brain May combine to save African lions

Brain May and Land Rover joined forces yesterday to launch the Pride of Cape Town – a fundraising event for the Born Free wildlife charity, in South Africa.

5 things to consider when planning a career break

Thoughts of tropical islands, adventurous treks and unforgettable experiences might be tempting you towards having a career break. However, it isn't as easy as hopping on a plane and exploring the world; here are just some of the most important things to consider if you're heading abroad.

Where can travellers get involved in building projects?

If you're interested in getting your hands dirty on your gap year by signing up to work as a volunteer on a building project, you'll be making a real difference to the community you are based in. Now you've decided what voluntary work abroad you want to do, the next step is to choose where!

What are the different types of volunteer schemes available?

Are you considering undertaking volunteer work abroad during your gap year, but aren't sure what's on offer? Here's a brief guide to the various types of scheme you can get involved in - there's something for pretty much anyone!

i-to-i announce top volunteering destinations

South Africa is the most popular destination for volunteering backpackers, according to recent research by i-to-i Volunteering.

Travel Tales: “I paid £5 to track elephants on Safari”

Backpacker Simon Butcher fills us in on, baby elephants, tribal meetings, cut price safari and volunteering in Ghana, exclusively in mapthegap.

Brazil named ‘top destination’ for gap year volunteers

Brazil has been named the ‘most popular’ destination for volunteer travellers, by Projects Abroad.

Interview with a backpacker

MaptheGap.co.uk interviews Callie Morris about her gap year trip volunteering in Kenya and backpacking through South East Asia and Australia.

Kenya offers a host of volunteering opportunities

If you are planning a gap year and would like to do something worthwhile on your travels, why not consider becoming a volunteer abroad? Kenya is just one of the countries you could visit where there are numerous projects for you to help with.

Use your TEFL knowledge in Buddhist monasteries in Nepal

Nepal is a stunning country to visit on a gap year, where you are guaranteed a friendly welcome and the chance to see some breathtaking sights. If you want to give something back to the communities you visit, why not volunteer during your travels?

Help build up a community whilst seeing beautiful Thailand

Keen to combine doing volunteer work with seeing one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet? If so, you are sure to want to head to Thailand. Spend some time in the country on a gap year and you'll be able to take part in rewarding community projects, as well as see amazing sights.