25 Gap Year Ideas For Young Aussies
Considering a gap year? Here’s everything you need to know.
Should you take a gap year?
Opposite to popular belief, gap years are a great way to gain life experience, improve your resume and focus on making your physical and mental health better. There is no need to rush into uni right after you graduate from high school or even after you graduate from uni you have other options rather than going straight into a 9-5 job in your field.
However, if you're not sure what you can do during your gap year, we have made a list of some of the best ways you can spend your gap year regardless of whether you choose to go down the path of working, travelling or learning something new.
Work
Teach English In Another country
Many countries pay a hefty amount to native speakers to teach English. Some of the highest paying options are in Asia, so not too far from home and an experience absolutely rich in culture. Also, you don't need a teaching degree to land this gig, so you don't have to worry about that. It's almost like you're getting paid to travel - is there a better way to spend your gap year? Here are some countries that have the highest salaries for English teachers
1. Teach English in Taiwan
Taiwan has a pretty generous salary when it comes to recruiting English teachers. They pay anything between $1400 - $2800 per month and considering the cost of living is quite low you could save $500-$600 a month.
2. Teach English in Japan
In Japan, English teachers can earn between $2000 - $3460 per month, Plus most will also cover accommodation and airfare costs. Even though Japan is relatively an expensive place to live you can easily save upto $800 - $1000 a month.
3. Teach English in South Korea
Ah, one of the hottest destinations of 2022, South Korea has so so many job opportunities for English teachers and they are also one of the highest paying countries! If you're smart about it, your cost of living won't be very high and you could save up to $1300 a month! The monthly salary ranges from $2500-$3500 per month and they give you free accommodation.
Seriously contemplating quitting my job, and applying to be an English teacher!
4. Teach English in the Middle East
English teachers can make $4800 - $7000 per month (TAX-FREE) if you get a job in the Middle East (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and UAE). They also cover your accommodation and airfare costs and you also get free health insurance. You could easily save $1000-$1500 per month. I've lived in the Middle East and it was an amazing experience - 10/10 recommend.
5. Teach English in China
China is also a great option if you choose to spend your gap year teaching English abroad. You can earn anything from $1700 - $2500 per month, and usually, the job also comes with free or stipend accommodation so you won't have to worry about rent. Also, some of the schools/organisations will cover your airfare too.
Work as an au pair
Good with kids? There are lots of opportunities abroad and even locally to work as an au pair. It's a. great way to spend your gap year because most jobs come with accommodation, food, and a generous salary. You won't have to worry about rent or bills and make enough to save for whatever chapter is next for you.
6. Work as an Au Pair In Australia
AU Pair Australia can set you up with host families aligning with the lifestyle and city you're looking to go to. They give you options of families in the rural and outback areas but also have opportunities in bustling Sydney and Melbourne.
7. Work as An Au Pair Abroad
One super resourceful organisation that can pair you with a host family is Au Pair World, with lots of options you can explore all over the world. Explore opportunities in more than one country at a time, and picks what fits your needs best!
8. Au Pair Opportunities for Cruise Ships
This is a more niche market, and supposedly one of the highest paying Au pair gigs for people on a gap year! This one might need a qualification in childcare so if you've graduated in childcare and looking to getaway this is for you. Your role will range between 3 months to 12 months, and essentially get paid to travel the world! Famous cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise and Carnival Cruise often need young, energetic people with childcare qualifications to help run their specialist Kids Clubs and Children’s Programmes. So look up their websites to see if they have any openings when you're looking.
Get an Internship
If you've been interested in a field of work but are apprehensive about whether it's the right path for you, then getting an internship is one of the best ways to resolve your doubts. An internship can come in different ways and forms. Here are some internship ideas:
9. Local Internship
If you're not keen to travel then you have the option to explore an internship in your hometown. Make sure you check out Indeed and Seek, they list some of the internship opportunities that you can apply for. Plus, you can also look for a local internship on Internships.com.au which offer internship placement services. It's a great opportunity to network and open up opportunities for growth in the company!
10. Volunteer internship
This is basically volunteer work but in a field that can boost your resume. For example, helping a charity organisation with its promotional and social media work. You don't get paid, but you will be supporting a non-profit and be gaining well-respected experience for your CV.
11. Internship abroad
Ah, the most popular option in internships, you'll be surprised how much easier it is to get an internship abroad than it seems. From student organisations like AIESEC to organisations that dedicate their services to international internship placements like CIS Australia make it so much easier to spot an opportunity you may be interested in, regardless of your field.
12. Start an online business
If you have a creative side or an entrepreneurial side and want to explore the idea of working for yourself, this is your chance to do it. There are so many ways you can start a small business - you can start an Etsy shop, kickstart your sales on a free platform Facebook market place or even simply go viral on Tik-Tok with a packaging video! Create a plan, study and do your research starting a business and go for it! Always believe there is a market for EVERYTHING.
Travel
13. Immerse yourself in a new language in Spain
Spain is probably the most affordable destination for a gap year in Europe, they even have specific gap year programs that focus on art, music, and language, and there is a strong demand for volunteers to help with conservation efforts around Spain's beautiful beaches. I mean there is a reason that Barcelona is always on the "Best Cities Of World" list!
The residents of Spain predominantly converse in Spanish so it will be a good way for you to immerse yourself in their culture and learn the language as a part of the process. Spain is also home to many important cultural sites, a vibrant nightlife, and food that will make you see angels and hear music when there is none. A gap year in Spain will NOT disappoint.
14. Go to London for a working holiday
London in its bustling glory is a popular destination for gap years because you can get a casual job to make you enough money and explore the whole of the UK on your days off. There is so much to see, lots of underrated sights like prehistoric architecture and monuments like Stonehenge and over 1,000 other ancient stone circles. Let's not forget the stunning sceneries in Ireland and Scotland.
15. Meet the friendliest people in Canada
Canadians are known to be the friendliest people in the world so you know you won’t have trouble making friends. Plus the country is filled with
Ranging from the Pacific to the Atlantic and reaching far up into the country filled with vast, photogenic wilderness and world-class skiing and snowboarding destinations. It's also one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world, so you can experience many cultures at once.
16. Have an adventure of a lifetime in Costa Rica
When you're in Costa Rica it feels like you've gone back in time - in the best way! It has the most beautiful wildlife, beaches (ideal for surfers!) amongst so many wonders of nature!
If you enjoy adventure sports there is a plethora of it in Costa Rica including white-water rafting, horse trekking, ziplining and so much more.
Volunteer abroad
17. Help turtle conservation in Sri Lanka
There is turtle conservation in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, where they will need you to assist them in caring, cleaning and protecting the turtles all whilst you live on the beach! Plus you will help them educate the local community on the importance of conservation and if you’re lucky, get to release baby hatchlings back into the ocean, it's the absolute cutest thing!
18. Volunteer to help Endangered Elephants in Asia
Go to the deep forests of Western Thailand and enjoy all the mother nature has to offer while you help the conservation team care for Elephants that reside there. You will help bathing and feed the elephants and they are the sweetest more gentle animals so you're sure to have the best time!
19. Volunteer to help children in South Africa
You will head to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, where you will create a safe, fun and creative environment for kids from the local community. Supporting them to have a strong educational foundation and assisting the teachers to give these kids the good schooling experience they deserve.
20. Camp Counsellor in the USA
Americans take their summer camps very seriously and there are heaps of opportunities to join one of those camps as a counsellor. The best part is that it's a short-term gig so you can use the rest of your time travelling around the country, and there are some absolute marvels in the USA that you have to tick off your list!
Train for an adventure
21. Trek The Great Wall Of China For Charity
Trekking and bush-walking is something you love, then this is a great opportunity to put your physical strength to the test! Did you know you can walk the Great Wall Of China and raise awareness and money for a charity of your choice! Doing good for the community and having a once in a lifetime experience - double whammy! They say it takes 12 months to cover the entire stretch of the Great Wall of China as it's 20,000km, but there are many gap year operators which organise 10 to 18-day treks so you cover a decent distance and get to see some amazing sights along the way.
22. Learn How To Scuba Dive
Australia has some phenomenal spots that are just begging to be discovered by Scuba divers but there are other countries like Thailand that have some gorgeous scuba diving spots too. Why not get your scuba divers license and travel around different countries exploring all the underwater glory.
Learn
23. Learn a new language
There is nothing more advantageous than being multi-lingual in our ever-growing global community. If you choose to take a gap year it's the best time to pick up and master a language. Some of the most useful languages that can be handy in the future include Korean, Arabic, French, German, Hindi, and Mandarin, or any language for that matter. Whatever path you choose including using Duo Lingo to moving to another country there is no one way to learn a language best so you do you!
24. Polish a skill
Ever wanted to be a master at one thing? Whether it's a sport, an art form or any skill/trade? Why not take this time off to do just that! Find a local community that can help you do it, or reach out to people on LinkedIn that can be mentors to you (you will be surprised how many people are eager to help!)
Whether it's netball, coding or anything in between it looks good on your resume as well because it shows that you take personal growth seriously.
25. Learn how to adult
Everyone has a different experience growing up, some people may not be able to do their own laundry and some are legends who can do their taxes, chores and errands like it's nothing! However, if you're worried you're a part of the former then take this time off to learn life skills that you may have skipped earlier in your life. Learn to do laundry, cook a few simple meals, open and keep track of a bank account, and any other elements of “adulting” that seems scary and mysterious. It will help you feel more confident about whatever the next chapter of your life is!