5 Paid Gap Year Programs For Ya
By
Year13
So, you’ve decided to take a gap year. Great choice – you’ve been in school for thirteen years and now it’s time to get out of here and see the world. But choosing what you want to do on your gap year is hard. Do you work? Travel? Head overseas? Explore your own backyard? The opportunities are endless.
To make it easy for you, we’ve rounded up some of our fave gap year programs where you’re paid to travel.
They’re the perfect opportunity to head overseas and earn a little cash, plus if you go on one of these programs, you’ll be supported through the whole thing which can make convincing your parents that a gap year is a good idea a whole lot easier.
1. AU Pair/nanny in the UK
If you're young at heart, the 'mum' of the group or just love working with kids and want to see the world, then being an au pair/nanny could be for you.
Light housework and playing with the kids are the main responsibilities of an au pair, which doesn’t seem like much in exchange for the opportunity to live in some incredible places on the other side of the world.
There's a tonne of perks with this sort of gap year. It's perfect for anyone who doesn't have a tonne of cash to spend, because you won't have any living costs. Plus, if you or your parents are a lil worried about you travelling the world by yourself then this gap program is perfect; all the host families are carefully screened and most are repeat families that really understand and value the au pair/nanny relationship.
The only downside about becoming an au pair is when you have to say goodbye to your new family at the end of your stay.
2. Au pair in Italy
You don’t have to speak Italian to live in Italy as an au pair and no childcare qualification is required.
These programs will see you living with your host family who will cover all your meals and pay you for childcare and housework. There are programs from only a couple of months up to 12-months, most weekends off and paid holidays so you have heaps of time to experience living in a different country and hopping around Europe on your days off.
Check out all the info over here.
3. Teaching English in China
This gap program is a triple whammy – a qualification, valuable work experience and travel.
It’s a program where you gain the qualifications and confidence to teach English abroad while making money and having adventures along the way. Whether you think you might want to start a career teaching English overseas or you’re just keen for an adventure with a bit of purpose, this opportunity is bloody good. It’s going to look good on your resume and get you certified to Teach English as a Second Language (TESOL). No experience necessary, and you don’t need to speak a word of Mandarin Chinese to go on this trip.
The program includes five months of accommodation and meals, TESOL training, airport transfer, daytrips and activities, Mandarin Chines lessons and access to a local support team 24/7. On top of all this, you earn money during your placement. Plus if you love it, you can continue for a second semester.
Suss out all the details here.
4. Work & Ski Japan
Fancy yourself a bit of a skier or snowboarder? Dying to learn? Or are you fascinated by the idea of immersing yourself in a completely new and unique culture?
If so, we’ve got the perfect program for you. With the Work & Ski Japan program, you work in exchange for accommodation, boarding passes, and a bit of pocket money as well - so you can spend your time off chasing adrenalin and shredding the slopes or becoming absorbed in the amazing culture of the Japanese people. If you know your stuff when it comes to skiing or snowboarding, you could work as an instructor. But, if you’re not super confident on the mountain, then you can work in a ski rental shop, in ticket sales, as a concierge, a bellhop or even in housekeeping – heaps of options for ya. Check it all out over here.
5. Summer Camp in the United States
If you’re the type to spend the summer outdoors, climbing things, playing sports, and being creative, then you’re born to be a camp counsellor in the United States.
Think campfires, ropes courses, kayaking, discos. Of course, it’s for the kids - but that doesn’t mean you can’t have the trip of a lifetime as well. As well as being a source of entertainment (and supervision) for the kids on their school camp, you’ll also be hooked up with food, accommodation, and some pretty decent pay.
One of the best parts about working a summer camp in the States is the people you meet while working there - it’s not uncommon for co-workers to form life-long friendships, and travel around the country together after the camp is finished.
