Many organisations will arrange opportunities to volunteer for a variety of projects in the UK and abroad. Most will charge a fee to cover costs, so ensure that you research the company thoroughly before payment.
General information:
- Prospects - Information from the AGCAS 'Special Interest Series' on gap years.
- Target Jobs - Gap year advice.
A-Z of organisers (not conclusive)
Abroad China
Abroad China offers several programs, including internship programs, volunteer programs and study tours
AISEC
AIESEC is a 60 year-old global organisation that develops students and recent graduates into leaders by running and participating in an international exchange program
Barracudas
Children's holiday camps in the UK
British Council
The British Council provides international placements for undergraduate scientists, engineers and architects through the IAESTE program
BUNAC
Opportunities range from the popular camp counselling programme, Summer Camp USA, and flexible work and travel programmes in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand to volunteering/teaching placements in Africa, South and Central America, South East Asia and China
Camp Counsellors USA
CCUSA offers work in children's summer camps around the world
Coral Cay Conservation
Company providing a range of conservation themed expeditions
Earthwatch
An international environmental charity offering expeditions with an emphasis on helping the environment
EcoSwell
Not-for-profit NGO whose mission is to design and develop socio-environmental, educational and infrastructure projects with the purpose of guiding the development of rural/semi-rural localities through the path of a sustainable development, increasing the quality of life of their inhabitants.
Gapforce
Organisation that provides short and long term gap year programs
Global Vision
Providing links to charity-led conservation and community projects
i-to-i
i-to-i is one of the world's leading TEFL course and internship providers, running English government-regulated TEFL training and international placements for first time TEFL teachers plus a comprehensive TEFL jobs board
Intro Travel Gap Year opportunities available in Australia and South East Asia
IST Plus
Programmes in English speaking countries or teaching in China and Thailand
KIYA Survivors
Building educational centres for underprivileged children in Peru
Mad Adventurer
Community projects and adventure holidays around the world
Next Step
Placements across a variety of professional areas in Shanghai, China
Oyster Worldwide
Oyster Worldwide is a well-regarded gap year travel and responsible travel specialist.
Pagoda Projects
An educational organisation which offers online internships, internships abroad and study tours to students.
Projects Abroad
Volunteering projects in developing countries across sectors such as medicine, care, teaching, conservation and journalism
Real Gap Experience
Large gap year travel company offering wide range of programmes
Seed Madagascar
A charity dedicated to environmental conservation and tackling poverty
Travellers Worldwide
Wide range of world-wide projects
Travelteer
Volunteering opportunities in South Asia across sectors such as medicine, teaching, sport and conservation
Trekforce
Conservation, teaching placements, expeditions
UNA Exchange
Provide volunteering opportunities in community schemes across Wales as well as overseas
Volunteer World
Comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities
VSO
Volunteering projects in international development