Gap Year Jobs Abroad

Author Susan Griffith's book and discussion of the Gap Year describes why year-long gap year jobs, short-term work, internships, teaching English, long-term travel, and summer study are part of an important trend that has spread from England to the U.S. in recent years. We explore the primary options for U.S. students.

Given the current economic environment, it is likely that Exploring Your Gap Year Options will be one path in life to pursue before or during your college years. Even during the most prosperous times, the experience of extended travel through jobs abroad opens up new worlds and invaluable adaptability skills in the long term or as part of your career choice.

Please note that many jobs abroad require visas which are sometimes not easy to obtain for U.S. citizens. Information on how to obtain visas allowing work can be found in our piece on How to Get Work Permits Abroad. See William Nolting's article on the subject: An Introduction to Short-term Paid Work Programs for Students and Recent Graduates for programs abroad that bypass work permit issues in several countries, particularly for Americans

Gap Year Jobs Abroad InterExchange is a non-profit organization supporting young adults on cultural exchange programs including Au Pair, Teach English, Work & Travel, Spanish Immersion, and Experiential Learning. We make it possible to travel affordably, and in some cases with paid jobs. Our team is standing by to help you set up your gap year with no consulting fees!.
	Contact: Interexchange, Inc., 100 Wall Street, Suite 301, New York, NY 10005, USA. Tel.: 212-924-0446; toll-free 1-800-597-3675. Email: workabroad@interexchange.org Website: www.InterExchange.org
Featured

Work in Australia with BUNAC Dreaming of a rockin' adventure down under? Of course you are. With its amazing surfing, vibrant cities, tropical rainforests and relaxed living, it's easy to understand why Australia is one of the world's most popular backpacker destinations. At BUNAC, we have two different working holiday programs for you to choose from. We'll assist with job and accommodation hunting on arrival, BUNAC's full supportive packages for up to 12 months will make your working holiday the experience of a lifetime.
	Contact: BUNAC USA, 585 N. Juniper Drive Suite 250, Chandler, AZ 85226 Tel.: 866-220-7771 Email: info@bunacusa.org Website: www.bunac.org
Featured

Anywork Anywhere
Resources for work, adventure and travel throughout the UK, Europe and Worldwide. Many opportunities provide accommodations and are full-time temporary positions, with contracts running from 1 week to 12 months; permanent vacancies are also advertised.

CIEE: Gap Year Abroad
Gap years or gap semesters for pre-university students arranged in six countries. Program includes language classes, housing and meals with local host families, and community service, arrival orientation and excursions, insurance, and 24 hour support. Paid semester and year Teach Abroad programs in three countries are available.

Gapwork.com
An information directory and educational provider. Gapwork does not send people on gap years—the organization just lets you know your options, where you can go and how to make the most of your experience.

GapYear.com: Gap Year Jobs Abroad
A site billed as the 'the complete guide to taking time out' (a gapyear community in the UK), created to help people take time out in their life.

Global Choices: Gap Year & Working Holiday Jobs
Offers working holiday programs in Argentina, Austria, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S.A.

Real Gap Experience
Provides a range of travel, volunteer, and work programs such as short-term conservation volunteering in Australia, working with wildlife in Southern Africa, paid teaching in China, and volunteer placements in Latin America.

Seasonworkers.com
A U.K. site, provides a very diverse listing of jobs for all seasons around the globe. Also provided are tools by which those who have such work experience may stay in touch and network with past co-workers via their active messageboard.

Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP)
Administered by the Canadian Federation of Students. Co-ordinates a working holiday program for Canadian students and non-students in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and South Africa.