Why you might want to choose volunteering as an option on your gap year.

(TRAVPR.COM) DORSET - August 16th, 2012 -

Finally A’Level results are upon us, today is the day you have been waiting for (or maybe not)…

Students all over the UK will be opening what may be their first brown envelope. At least it won’t be a parking ticket or bill, it should be their results. Its decision time, have you got into University or are you going straight to the job market?

Whatever you decide if you need something extra to help you why not consider volunteering on your gap year. Camps International offer 2 week to 3 month volunteering programmes around the world.  Starting from £900 (excl flights) you can become part of an international operation that aims to benefit communities, the environment and wildlife in some of the poorest parts of the globe.

The result of volunteering on your gap year should be beneficial to both yourself and the communities you work in. Treena Bhakta, who travelled with Camps International to Tanzania for 1 month this year says, “I have also gained a newfound confidence. I’ve learned just how quick you can adapt to different surroundings, and how much fun it is to immerse yourself into a different culture. I know that this confidence will help me next year, when I leave for university. I’m so glad that I went on this expedition; it has allowed me to not only learn a lot about the African culture, but also a lot about myself.”

She also says her favorite part of volunteering was the sense of community she felt. “ I was able to experience. I had the privilege of actually knowing the locals, rather than merely being another tourist.”

When applying for a job or university place its important to know that you have an advantage over the rest of the field. Giving back on your gap year is an easy way to get involved in a worthwhile project and have something interesting to talk about. Anna Doyle who has returned from Kenya in January says it has improved her interview technique. “ It has shown a commitment to helping others and also an ability to adapt to a very different environment.”

For more information about Camps International’s gap year programmes please visit www.campsinternational.com/school-team-expeditions. Alternatively contact James Chetwode jamesc@campsinternational.co.uk or call +44 (0)1425 485 390.

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