Choosing a gap year destination

You’re planning a gap year.  Do you know which country(ies) you want to visit?  If you do then I assume you have done your research and read up on the country, it’s history and its customs.  You have! That’s great.  Go straight to our gap year destinations page, find the country your have in mind and you will see a list of the gap year organisations that offer programs there.

For those yet to choose a gap year destination, it's important to consider not just a place, but what you will be doing when you get there.  Year Out Group is an association of independent gap year organisations with the aim of helping those planning a gap year to organise a safe, fulfilling and enjoyable experience. All of our organisations offer structured programs, helping to ensure that you get the most benefit from your gap year destination.

We can help you choose a gap year destination that fits all your requirements, as well as providing advice and the latest news about the choices you might make.

Which gap year destination is the one for you?

When contemplating a gap year destination, most people may think of countries in South America or Africa. These are all excellent choices for your gap year destination, but they aren't the only options.

Year Out Group’s member organisations offer a wide range of programs in 90 gap year destination countries around the globe, giving you an opportunity to pick somewhere that's right for you.

Whether you're looking for voluntary work teaching in the mountains in Nepal, a conservation project in Madagascar, an expedition in Costa Rica or an internship in Japan, there are plenty of gap year destinations to choose from.  Plus, there are options closer to home - both geographically and culturally - including the UK, Europe and North America.

But choosing the country is only part of picking a gap year destination. There's also the question of the actual location.  Town or country, mud hut or hostel, close integration with the local community or part of a larger group are all factors that need to be taken into account.  So deciding which gap year program is equally important.

Pick a gap year destination with help from the Year Out Group

To start your search for the perfect gap year destination, simply browse our comprehensive list of gap year destinations.   Click on the country of your choice to see a list of the organisations that operate in that country.  Then consider the gap year program and use the search filter to select the gap year activities that are of interest.  On each occasion you will see a list of the gap year organisations that offer that activity.  This should provide you with a number of organisations that offer the activity you are interested in your preferred country.  Now you can research the gap year programs in detail by contacting each organisation in turn.  Use the questions in our Planning a gap year? section to help you select the one that best suits your needs.

At Year Out Group, all of our member organisations have agreed to adhere to our Code of Practice, as well as keeping their risk assessments and training up to date. This means you can rest assured that wherever you choose for your gap year destination, the organising company will be one that you can trust.