UK Gap Year Options

Community Volunteer

Outdoor Camp Volunteer

School Volunteer

Homeless Shelter Volunteer

Reviews

Volunteering, Traveling and Enjoying the UK

June 9, 2025

My experience working with children at PACCAR has changed my life and perspective. Itโ€™s taught me to strive to ensure everyone enjoys every second of the activities. To be honest, I learned to appreciate every single laugh and smile because we make a difference in childrenโ€™s live. Also, being surrounded by nature pushes you to be more active and always on the move. Volunteering opened my mind and gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the UK. I can tell you it wasnโ€™t easy, sometimes you really need to face your fears and push your limits in ways you’ve never experienced before, but every sacrifice has a reward and recognition in the end. Finally, this experience will give you lifelong friends around the world that youโ€™ll never forget. I think we need to remember that thatโ€™s the whole point, to experience and connect with people, even if you grew up in different worlds and with different cultures, traditions and even languages. The love you feel around you and with other volunteers with always lingers in your heart. Thank you all. Thank to PACCAR. Most importantly thanks to the gappers 2024-2025.

Avatar for Emilia Brito or Milu
Emilia Brito or Milu

Scout camp volunteer

June 9, 2025

I personally went from volunteering in schools in Spain to scout camps in the uk; from travelling alone in this world to forced to live with strangers

Itโ€™s been the greatest transition in my adventure of this world, I have loved every moment.

Scout camp volunteer has its high and lows but some of the best rewards, like strong work ethic, the closest friends you will ever make and strange but useful skill sets.

I can easily say the past year of working hard have taught and given me the best lesson and memories.

I am leaving my camp teary eyes with a full heart and full head of knowledge.

I would and will recommend this program and PACCAR to anyone willing and interested in hands on and big adventures

Thank you Paccar

Avatar for Regan
Regan

My change of pace

May 26, 2025

Leaving my comfort zone and my home country wasn’t easy, but it’s something I would recommend a thousand times over, to every young person in their 18s.

It’s simply an experience that changes you from the moment you arrive in a new country; it’s like a fresh start for six months.

I haven’t stopped learning since I arrived, and getting to know new cultures and people is amazing.

I took a gap year before university to do something different that would change me. I wanted to experience independence, managing my money, cooking every day, keeping my space clean, moving alone. Nothing seemed better than challenging myself to try something new, halfway across the world.

I am volunteering in an outdoor camp, I have been in Blackwell Adventure for three months now and I am very lucky to have this Team. Staff members are amazing people that are used to welcoming people from other countries, they have become real friends to me.

Avatar for Ana
Ana

Discover the UK

The UK offers a blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural landscapes โ€“ making it a fantastic destination for a gap year.

Vibrant Events

Engage with manyย music, art, and culture events.

Iconic London

Explore Londonโ€™s famous museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.

Natural Beauty

Explore the peaceful countryside, rugged coasts, and picturesque parks.

Language Skills

Improve your English through immersive experiences and daily interaction with locals.

Rich History

Delve into the past with visits to ancient castles, historic battlefields, and timeless villages.

Social Scene

Experience the vibrant social life of the UK with its lively theatres, festivals, and community gatherings.

UK Programme Manager

Supporting volunteer journeys

The UK Programme Manager, James, prepares volunteers for their gap year and provides ongoing support.

James, an advocate for international volunteering, draws from his 1986 gap year in Indonesia. With extensive experience in volunteerism, he held key roles at Project Trust, VSO, and The Prince’s Trust. He contributed to education as a curriculum manager and Student Services Manager. Joining Lattitude Global Volunteering in 2014, he later became CEO. Residing in Ryde, Isle of Wight, with his family and three dogs, James renovated a historic Georgian townhouse, once the workplace of Ryde Conservative Club’s first Chairman, who shared his name.

Fee and Other Expenses

Why NVW charges a fee

New Ventures Worldwide is a UK-registered nonprofit charity. The fee contributes to our operating costs and allows us to continue our mission of arranging volunteering placements for our global network of nonprofit organisations. A financial report is published annually to the UK Charity Commission.

 

Included in the fee

The fee includes a sponsored Tier 5 visa, a thoroughly vetted placement, an appropriate volunteer role based on age, experience and interests, a placement mentor, any necessary training, preparation guidance, a one-to-one call to go through the visa application process, ongoing support, accommodation, food, and a spending allowance.

 

Other expenses

In addition to the placement fee, youโ€™ll need to budget for:

  • Return flights
  • Visa and any related processing or medical fees
  • Health surcharge (typically ยฃ1,300โ€“ยฃ1,500 GBP, depending on your nationality)
  • Travel insurance (must meet the requirements of the host country)
  • Police check from your home country
  • Medical clearance, if required for your visa
  • Legalisation or notarisation of documents (where applicable)
  • Personal spending money for travel and free time

Exact costs can vary depending on your nationality, location, visa type, and personal circumstances. We recommend checking the latest official guidance โ€” and weโ€™ll happily go through whatโ€™s likely to apply to you during your interview.

FAQs

Click each question to reveal the answer

Whatโ€™s the enrolment process for a gap year in the UK?

After completing the application form, our team will check if youโ€™re eligible for your chosen gap year programme in the UK. If so, youโ€™ll be invited to an interview. This interview is a chance to meet the New Ventures Worldwide team, ask questions, and get matched to the perfect UK volunteering placement. Background checks are carried out before youโ€™re officially enrolled.

What are the benefits of a gap year in the UK with New Ventures Worldwide?

  • See the world and experience British culture first-hand

  • Grow in confidence and independence

  • Make a meaningful impact with non-profit organisations

  • Boost your CV with international volunteering experience

  • Learn valuable life skills

  • Gain new perspectives and broaden your understanding of the world

Do I need to book my own flights and travel insurance?

Yes. Youโ€™ll need to arrange your own travel to the UK and provide proof of travel insurance before your gap year begins.

Can I apply for a gap year in the UK with a friend?

Yes! A gap year in the UK means youโ€™ll join a community of local people and other international volunteers. If youโ€™d like to travel with a friend from home, just let us know during the application processโ€”we can usually arrange for you to be placed together.

What if thereโ€™s a problem during my UK gap year?

We have a clear Ladder of Support to help you know who to contact if you need help. Your placement team will usually assist you directly, but New Ventures Worldwide also provides background support for more serious situations.