7. Join a Volunteer Program
Joining a volunteer program allows you to make a positive impact on the world around you while also teaching you an important set of new skills. Most volunteer programs aimed at gap year students involve helping in developing countries or saving endangered species. Conservation work in particular can take you to some of the world’s most beautiful places. There are also many volunteer placements teaching English, working on organic farms, helping at orphanages and more. Note, many of these organized volunteer programs have some costs associated with them, so don’t think of this as a free ride.
8. Teach English
Teaching English abroad is such a popular activity that it warrants a section of its own. Although salaries vary enormously, you can easily earn upwards of $2,000 per month in places like the Middle East, Japan or Korea. Other popular options include Vietnam and China, and while the salaries are considerably lower in these countries, the cost of living is absolutely minimal. Those with a TEFL or CELTA teaching qualification can expect to earn significantly more. It’s a fun way to have an international adventure while making some decent money too.
9. Take the Trans-Siberian
Spanning the entirety of Russia and branching off into China and Mongolia, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest rail route in the world. It also passes though some of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet. A full trip from Moscow to Vladivostok takes six days non-stop, but you’ll want at least three months to get the most out of the journey. Some places to stop along the way include Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Baikal and Irkutsk. This is one of the classic wishlist ideas for a gap year abroad.
