Gap Year Traveller FAQs
How old do I have to be?
You need to be at least 18 years old at the time you travel to take part in our programmes and we recommend that you have at least some experience of independent travel. We welcome travellers of all ages and many of our travellers are in their 30s and 40s on career breaks.
Can you guarantee a specific placement?
We ask our travellers to be as flexible as possible especially for the volunteer placements. You will be placed where your skills are most needed. We can normally guarantee the area of work whether it be teaching, coaching or conservation.
On internships we arrange your placement in advance by requesting your cv and matching your skills and experience to a placement.
How do I choose a location?
First of all check what programmes are available in which country. Next research the country to see if it is right for you – some destinations are more “westernised” than others. Feel free to contact us for advice and information as we have travelled to many of our locations ourselves.
How much assistance is provided on my programme after arrival?
On all of our programmes an English speaking coordinator is made available to you. On many of our programmes you are met at the airport by one of our staff members who take you to your accommodation and provide you with an induction. Our in-country staff will also assist you with internal travel arrangements and help with excursions and tours. In some of the more remote villages coordinators will have a more basic understanding of English. We provide all of our travellers with a 24-hour emergency telephone number in the UK in case of any problems.
What impact do your programmes have on the local communities?
Our programmes have been carefully chosen in order to maximise assistance to the community and minimise disruption and intervention of the culture. For instance, in South America paid coordinators and employed all year round to ensure that the projects continue when the volunteers leave. In Thailand a contribution is made to a fund to ensure that the whole community benefits from your visit rather than just the people you work directly with.
How much do the programmes cost?
Prices vary depending on the location, programme and number of weeks you require. A deposit of 195 pounds is required at the time of booking and the balance is due 12 weeks before you travel.
Can you help me with flights?
As an ABTA and ATOL tour operator we can assist you in booking flights and travel insurance. Please contact us for a quotation.
Some useful links
- advice on travelling abroad: www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
- information on heatlh requirements / vaccinations: www.doh.gov.uk
(for
E111EHIC application click here) - information on passports: www.ukpa.gov.uk (for group passports download click here)
- general travel information: www.wtgonline.com
- school travel information: www.schoolzone.co.uk
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