Written by The Leap on 07 / 12 / 2018
Gap Year Advice
You only get one long summer before working life begins. Be bold, take a leap of faith and do something extraordinary with your summer, if like us you’ve been inspired by David Attenborough’s dynasties conservation and how you can get involved!
With UCAS forms completed and in the bag, it’s time to think about your summer! Though this may feel like a long way off, it is the perfect time to start planning how to spend your summer wisely. It’s the longest time you will have off work in theory so why not make the most of it and do something worthwhile that will stay with you forever.
If like the rest of the nation, you’ve been gripped by David Attenborough’s Dynasties documentaries, we offer the opportunity to visit the extraordinary destinations with a team of like-minded volunteers to assist in our conservation programs. It is vital to play a part in conserving the wildlife and natural habitats in the environment, for example the Black Rhino is so endangered that we could have none left in the wild in ten years’ time. We believe in offering sustainable programs where all our volunteers have the chance to restore the environment and have a greater understanding of why their work is so important with the help of our local guides.
We are proud that our programs offer a real opportunity to give back to the community, help conserve wildlife and protect the environment. As well as the benefit to the planet, this also enables you to grow your skill set and begin the next chapter of your life with a real range of skills, increased confidence and a real understanding of being beyond your comfort zone, all while seeing the most incredible sights!
If you’ve ever been interested in exploring Namibia and its vast landscape, we offer the chance to live safari style in a private reserve helping leading conservationists conserve and re-wild an eco-system devastated by hunting. Namibia is also the adventure capital of the world, whether you are keen to try sky diving, quad biking, sand boarding or if dolphin spotting is more you thing then it’s the place to be as there is something for everyone. You can be sure your friends will be green with envy when they see your latest photos!
Marine conservation is a key contributor to protecting the planet. Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island is home to our marine, forest and animal conservation program. We’re all painfully aware of the devastating photos showing the amount of plastic in the ocean and the threat this is having on reef and sea creatures alike (key culprits are food containers, packaging and plastic bags), this is your chance to get involved and do something about it. If you’re interested in looking after turtles, Costa Rica is the best place for this – 86% of all sea turtle species have been harmed by marine plastic pollution. This beautiful area of the world holds 5% of the world’s biodiversity with vital nesting sites for turtles, as well as having more national parks per square metre than anywhere else in the world. While you’re doing your bit for the environment, you could also learn how to surf or speak Spanish – Si to that! This program has it all and will leave you with memories to last forever, it doesn’t get better than that!
Our 8 week Cambodia program focuses on teaching, community development and elephant conservation. Live like a local and get deep into the jungle rehabilitating the elephants, washing them in the river and protecting the Pnong tribe’s rural way of life. While here you can also take part in a variety of maintenance projects which can include digging trenches, building water towers and construction.
It is truly rewarding to explore a whole new culture, stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning something new while doing something positive for the environment. Whether you then go on to university or working life you will have great experiences lending themselves to this new area of your life. Employers will like to see that you are flexible, have learnt either a new language or other new skill and can successfully work in a team and have not just sat on the sofa for the entire summer. However it’s not all work and no play! Weekends and evenings are you own so spread your wings, embrace the local culture and start exploring. It’s a given that you will make new friends and form long term friendships spanning across the world – great for free accommodation when you visit them!
So all that’s left to say is be brave, take the leap and do something you will remember forever all while giving something back to the environment. Sounds pretty good to us!
