10 things to do before I die : Be Happy, Figure out the Meaning of Life, Be really really good, Buy a House … Volunteer in Asia ! ‘All I want to do is have a little fun before I die’ sings Sheryl Crow, don’t we all ! If you would make a list of 10 things to do before you die, what would be on it ? Would a Gap Year Abroad be on the list ? What about a Gap Year in Asia ? More and more people are thinking of doing just that. Asia is a magical continent with a whole range of cultural experiences on offer. There are so many Gap Year programs in Asia such as Volunteer Programs, Conservation Volunteering Work, Teaching English, Meaningful Tours and Backpack Travel.
Where to Go for your Gap Year Abroad Program in Asia ?
The first decision you will need to make is where to go for your Gap Year Program in Asia. There are some great destinations in Asia : China, Thailand and Vietnam and much more. It all depends on your personal preference and what you want to do when you get there. Each country in Asia definetely has its own flavor and the only way to really discover where a country is right for you is to go there. There is plenty of information on the internet so do your research and visit the country that most appeals to you. Thailand is a favorite for Gap Year travelers. In Thailand you can do volunteer travel, conservation work, meaningful tours or just lying on the beach. Vietnam is called the jewel of Asia. Economic development is increasing rapidly and more and more travelers are visiting Vietnam. In Vietnam you can join a volunteer program, join tours and much more. China is always a favorite with its great culture, food and economic advancement.
The two main volunteering activities are teaching and conservation work. In China you can teach English in the great cities of Beijing and Shanghai or in rural China and you can also do conservation volunteering with the Giant Panda bear. In Thailand there is a lot of volunteering work available doing teaching and conservation work. Vietnam is a great destination for volunteering, it is a country in full development and there is a great need for volunteering work.
Should I organise my own volunteer program or join a voluntary agency ?
You could do it yourself but there are drawbacks to this. For starters you will need a few weeks in the country to organise things. You could research on the internet for a project and it might work out well but it is a hit or miss. Does this project suit you, will you get support, what about your accommodation ? It would not be advisable to do things like this. You would need to be in the country and visit several projects to get a feel. You will also need to hire an interpreter. The other option which most people are taking is to join an organised volunteer organization. The benefits are that you will have a fully organised program so you can enjoy the experience fully.
By: Steve Conners