How to choose a gap year provider for your volunteer project
If you are considering using a specialist provider to help organise your gap year, there are some essential questions you need to ask, so that you make the right match that meets with your budget.
How much help do you want from your gap year provider?
Some gap year organisations help you with initial arrangements and take a back seat while you’re away, acting as a point of contact if you face any difficulties. Others will be closely involved with you throughout your trip. Ask yourself how much help you want, and go with an organisation which reflects what you want from the experience.
Why is it worth paying to do a gap year volunteer project?
Most gap year volunteer projects are run by charitable organisations, so you’re likely to be asked to raise money to pay for your trip before you go. At first glance the costs may seem very high, but the money you raise will cover your travel, food and lodging while you’re there, all the administration costs and the price of any equipment. You are paying for the convenience and assurance of having the organisation plan and arrange the whole trip. Don’t just go for the cheapest option, but make sure you know what you’re getting for your money.
Can you trust your gap year provider?
Make sure the organisation you choose to arrange your volunteer project is reputable. Check whether the organisation is listed on the Year Out Group website. The Year Out Group is an umbrella organisation and members sign up to a code of practice.
How much will your gap year provider expect you to fundraise?
Some companies expect you to spend nine months of your gap year fundraising so you can go on a three-month placement. Others will give you longer placements – for six months or a full year. One benefit to raising money is that you may get some of it back while you’re there. Many organisations will supply you with weekly ‘pocket money’ – on top of your food allowance where meals are not provided.
Where will your gap year provider send you?
You may be able to choose your location to some extent. Will you be in a city, or a remote rural area? If you’re going to be working alone, does the organisation may have a network so you can meet up with other volunteers in the country?
What accommodation will be provided for you during your gap year volunteer project?
Ask about your accommodation: whether you’ll be staying with a local family, sharing a house with another volunteer, or living in a volunteer community. Induction and training sessions before you leave offer a chance to meet future housemates and co-workers. Find out about food. You may have every meal supplied, or just the raw ingredients – but you might have to shop and cook for yourself.
Are there organisations that will help you to find paid work during your gap year?
If you decide that volunteering is not for you, but you still want to undertake a productive project that will impress employers when you come back and start job-hunting, you may still find that it is worth going through an organisation to arrange an internship or job overseas.
