First time Gapper!!!

[michaelnatt]

Hi, I'm from the UK and I'm currently doing my a-levels. When i finish i'm planning to go on a gap year before uni. I want to do some kind of environmental volunteer work with a gap organisation but also some lone travel and some adventure stuff. I've looked at a few companys but its really hard to see which will be the best!

I'm looking for any advice, which gap year companys other people have found good, other environmental volunteers experiences,

Anything that might help me decide what to do and where to go!!

Thanks,
Mike

[Conchi]

hiya, i'm on my gap year at the mo and i wanted to do an environmental project. I knew i wanted to go to south america though and in the end i volunteered in ecuador at an animal rehabilitation centre.
I am really against gap year companies. i found out about the place i went to through a company called i-to-i and then after doing further research on the project, i found that i could get it about £800 cheaper if i booked it direct!!!! there was only one girl there at the time i was who booked it through i-to-i and she still had to arrange her own transport to the site! (which was an hour away from the capital by bus!) the only bonus she seemed to have which we didnt was a vocab list and email addresses of other people already there.
I'm not saying don't book through one of these companies but be careful not to rush into anything!
Let me know how it goes and where you end up.
goodluck!
Catherine
xx

[Conchi]

just realised you are from Chesterfield!
Me too, I went to Hasland and Brookfield though -just thought you would want to know for some reason,
ta ta!
x

[pedro9k]

Hi michaelnatt,


I’m getting you very well, and also I understood that what’s your planning. Your planning is good, I will suggest for turkey. It's very good place, we can get all this things there...


Good Luck!!




pedro9k,
Malia Crete

[Quest]

Hi all - I know this is an old post - but if any of you guys are keen to get advice on good volunteering/gap organisations then do check out the following website:
www.ethicalvolunteering.org

It's an independent site, which gives top tips and advice on choosing a good gap organisation.

You are right that you can offer volunteer directly for cheaper - however, some people like to have the pre-departure training and support and in-country support if things go pear-shaped and that's a good reason to go through an organisation. However, make sure you ask what you get for your money - if a company is vague and can't tell you then think again!

Also - ask how much of your money is given directly to the project to pay for project materials and their time - if it's less than £500 per volunteer for a month then i'd also think again!

Basically - ask loads of questions and make sure you are happy that you get what you pay for.

Anyway - hope that helps.

If you're after a wicked GAP year - we specialise in 3 month team expeds in Africa and Latin America - combining volunteer work, learning a language and an adventure expedition. http://www.questoverseas.com/category/gap-years.html

Yes, I am biased - but do have a look. Good Luck!
Beth