Gap Years That Pay!

[_sophie_]

I still have another two years to go at school, but no doubt they will go quick and i just want to start finding out about gap years abroad. I'd love to go to africa/south africa, asia, or brazil but i'd want to earn money at the same time and what i really want to do is work with young children in a primary school or an orphanage. my preferred location is south africa just to let you know! (second best is brazil!) does anyone know a company which combines all these into one and isn't too expensive? or just any information on it would be much appreciated! thankyou

[grange]

Hello, my son went to China for his gap year with an organisation called 'Gap'. This was a few years ago and he had a wonderful time. They were sent in twos to schools to teach english. They lived in at the schools and were paid at local rates. Gap were very supportive of them whilst they were there. They were able to meet up in groups at the weekends and did a fair bit of traveling around China. Brilliant experience all round. He is still in touch with several of his fellow 'gappers'!! Incidentlly he gets married this weekend!!! Hope this helps.

[_sophie_]

Comgratulations on the marriage! Thats so nice that he met his fiancee that way! Thanks for the info - really interesting and helpful! I was just wondering where else i could work instead of a school, i suppose an orphanage is my best alternative! I'm getting so excited now! Did he have to raise all the money himself or did he just save a bit because he got paid whilst out there?
Thanks for the help again!

[grange]

all this was a few years ago!He didn't have to raise any money and they got paid at local rates. this might all have changed now though. Please do make sure that wherever you go that you will be adequetly supported while you are there. You have plenty of time to get it organised properly!! Ben had such a great time in China that he did Chinese at uni when he came back, and that gave him another year at Beiging uni as part of the course. Good luck with it all. Follow your dream!!!

[_sophie_]

Thanks, you have been so helpful to me! I guess I just need to start now.... Woohoooo!