Africa Gap Year Ideas

Africa is a unique continent which can seem quite daunting when looking at options, but with One World 365 you can search amazing trips and programs. Not much in life compares to being in the wild and getting to see elephants and exotic animals like lions in their natural habitat. Programs are open to students, graduates and people seeking an exciting new challenge.

This continent is the second largest continent in the world with 54 countries and the landscape and scenery is diverse, from the vast Serengeti, the wilderness of the Kalahari or the lush rain forests of the Congo and Uganda. Taking a gap year in Africa is a fun way for you to do something different and see a different area of the world. 

Start planning the experience of your life by booking a gap year to Africa! 

 

Best Places to Visit on a Gap Year in Africa

 

Top Things to Do on a Gap Year in Africa

Maybe you are are finishing your studies or possible want to travel and explore this continent. Not only is a gap year the most fantastic thing you can decide to do, it's actually a well respected choice that shows prospective employers and universities that you have developed some pretty important life skills. Visiting a completely new continent and finding your own two feet is good for you too; most people find that they come home more confident, outgoing and interesting people.

Visiting Africa on your gap year will be one of the most amazing things you will ever do, we help thousands of people plan structured trips every year and by viewing our website you can arrange a placement today. This is your chance to help local people, communities, the environment and wildlife by donating your time and effort. Lots of people choose to do join a structured program in Africa because there are few better ways to ingratiate yourself into the cultures and customs of a country.

Whether on your gap year you spend time soaking up the sights, helping underprivileged communities or wildlife - you will come home with some skills you never thought you would acquire, and plenty of new friends who you mightn't have expected to acquire either!

There are lots of immersion opportunities whee you can help local communities in Africa. The gap year programs we promote provide you with a unique opportunity explore rural areas, learn about important global issues and help out on worthwhile initiatives. 

Keen to get paid on your gap year in Africa? There are a limited number of jobs in Africa to foreigners but there are still options for example working in travel, as a tour guide or finding a seasonal position. One option is to take a TEFL certification course and teach in Africa. There are also lots of intern programs in Africa perfect if you would like to gain work experience and boost a future career.

 

Top Things to Know

  • Booking a structured program take most of the hassle out of planning a trip
  • If you are going to work, volunteer or teach be aware a lot of programs are in rural areas which might be a shock to the system
  • Research all destinations before booking an experience to see if where you are going matches your interests
  • The risk of catching an illness, disease and getting bitten by mosquitoes is one of your top concerns. Problems like malaria and dengue fever are a common problem in lots of African countries so take precautions
  • Remember that a foreign country is designed for it's own people, not tourists and you will really enhanced your experience if you research the destination so you know what to expect so you shouldn't get any shocks on arrival
  • Learning a few local phrases might really improve your trip
  • The food in Africa can sometimes be an experience, try to be open to trying new things as some of the local treats are really tasty
  • Try to learn a few local phrases and chat to locals, this is really fun

 

Africa Gap Year Reviews

"Everything was absolutely fantastic - I loved every minute of it! I’m very happy, the living conditions were really good, probably better than I expected but I hadn't really known what to expect. Again I didn't really know what to expect but for the most part everything has been perfect! Duncan our project leader is fantastic, really helpful and goes out of his way to make sure we are all ok. I was really impressed by the hospital too - its a big relief to know that it's a good one. I felt like we were in very safe hands. Everything was wonderful. It was tempting to stay there forever!" - Laura, UK

If you need any help or advice planning your gap year to Africa contact us.