07/02/2011

Low Cost Gap Year Work & Volunteer Travel Programs Abroad

Take a gap year, work and volunteer abroad. Go abroad without breaking the bank! BUNAC do all they can to ensure theycan coordinate low-cost, quality gap year programmes that give members the opportunity to volunteer or work abroad without burning a hole in the pocket. As they are not-for-profit, BUNAC members know that they get exactly what they pay for and nothing less.

However, generations of mothers have told us to ‘look after the pennies’, and of course anyone going abroad will want to do some sums and figure out their budget. With penny-saving in mind, BUNAC have put together a short list of some of their cheapest gap year travel abroad options.

Gap Year Volunteer programmes

Gap Year Volunteer USA

How much? From £295 for 12 weeks. This works out at around £3.50 per day.

What am I paying for? Airport pick-up and transfer to your accommodation in the USA, camping equipment and food while on the project, trained professional supervision on your project, 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation, discounts at local shops and special car hire rates.

What will I do? Conservation work in some of the USA’s most spectacular national parks.

How long can I go for? Programmes run for 8, 10 or 12 weeks.

Gap Year Volunteer Cambodia

How much? From £899. The price varies depending on how long you go for. The 16 week programme works out at about £10.25 per day.

What am I paying for? Full visa processing service, placement based on your skills and needs, accommodation and food in a volunteer house, airport pick up and transfer to your accommodation, day trip to the Angkor temples, boat trip to Tonle Sap Lake, walking tour of Siem Reap, Khmer language class, 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation, travel advice from knowledgeable staff in the UK, group or individual flight booking service, pre & post trip health screening, Lonely Planet guidebook.

What can I do? There are two programmes you could take part in; teaching or working with children with special needs.

How long can I go for? You can choose whether you volunteer for 8, 12 or 16 weeks.

Gap Year Volunteer Ghana

How much? From £880. The price varies depending on how long you go for. The 6 month programme works out at about £8.60 per day.

What am I paying for? Placement based on your skills and needs, airport pick up, 5 nights hostel accommodation in Accra during the orientation, host family accommodation during your project, all food whilst living with a host family, 24/7 support from BUNAC and our local partner organisation, tour of Accra, language and cookery lesson, drumming session, pre & post trip health screening, group or individual flight booking service, Bradt Ghana guidebook

What can I do? There are a number of programmes you can get involved in, such as teaching, working on community programmes and working to increase HIV/AIDS awareness.

How long can I go for? 2-6 months. It’s up to you.

Gap Year Work Abroad Programmes

Gap Year Work Canada

How much? £254. You’ll be permitted to stay in Canada for up to 12 months, and if you stay for a whole year, it works out at about 70p per day! Not bad considering you’ll be earning while you’re out there!

What am I paying for? BUNAC’s Canadian partners have offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, which you’ll have full access to. The offices offer extensive job and accommodation-hunting resources, so they’ll be able to help you find work and a place to live. They can also help you set up a bank account and secure a social insurance number, and they arrange regular night out and trips for you to meet other people on the programme.

What can I do? Anything! In order to find a job quickly, we’d recommend being as flexible as possible. However, with the exception of working in the medical field, your visa will permit you to work in any industry.

How long can I go for? You’ll be allowed to stay in Canada for up to 12 months.

KAMP USA / Summer Camp USA

How much? £429. Camps tend to run for about 9 weeks, which means that this works out as about £6.80 per day. Your accommodation and food is provided, plus, depending on your age and the programme you’re on, you’ll be earning up to $1350!

What am I paying for? BUNAC’s summer camps team offers a very personal service to participants. We carefully place participants in camps according to their skills and preferences, so the right people go to the right camps, where they’ll be able to utilise their specific skills. Once at camp, food and accommodation is provided, and there is constant support while you’re away.

What can I do on the programme? On the Summer Camp USA programme, you’ll work very closely with children, looking after them daily. You’ll also teach an activity, sport or skill that you’re passionate about. Participants on the KAMP USA programme work closely with other students on the day-to-day running of the camp, such as working in the canteen, tuck shop, office, on the gate or in maintenance.

How long can I go for? Camps tend to run for about 9 weeks. Your 30 day tourist visa will allow you to travel for up to a month afterwards.

To find out more about Work and Travel Programs Abroad with BUNAC please call 020 7251 3472 or e-mail: traveladvice@bunac.org.uk.

Browse Gap Year 365 Travel Opportunities:
- Gap Year Volunteer Abroad
- Gap Year Jobs Abroad
- Low Cost Gap Year Volunteering Abroad
- Low Cost Gap Year Work Abroad