Gap year interview - Coral teaches sports in Ghana


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To find out more about what to expect from volunteering, read our case studies and interviews of previous volunteers. Coral is volunteering with a football and teaching programme with Real Gap Year for Grown Ups this year - read what he has to say.

Teaching football & educating children in Ghana with Real Gap for Grown Ups

What was your motivation to take a break and go travelling?
Sounds like a cliché but I wanted to give something back as I have a great life. My 3 passions in life are kids, travel and sport so this seemed the ideal programme as it combines all 3.


How long have you been thinking about going travelling?
I have travelled quite a lot in recent years and I lived in New York for a year back in the 80’s so this is just a continuation of that.


Have you ever done anything like this before?
I was a nursery leader at a UK day camp but this is my first experience of volunteering abroad and I can’t wait.


Why did you choose to travel with Gap Year For Grown Ups?
The programme appealed to me for the reasons above and I have been very impressed with the help I have received from the UK office following my booking.


How do you feel now that you have booked?
I am very excited and can’t wait to board the plane!


What have you had to organise for your trip? (House, pets, car, finances, family).
I have rented my flat out and I am house sitting for a friend. My car will be garaged and off road. I did a sponsored cycle ride to raise money to help fund my expenses and also to enable me to buy some things for the project.


What do your family and friends think of your plans?
I have had an amazing response from family and friends – no regrets.


How do you think you will feel when it comes to saying your farewells to friends and family?
Having lived away from home before I know what to expect and e-mail makes it easy to stay in contact .I will miss people obviously but they will still be here when I get back.


What do you hope to achieve during your trip?
Without sounding too corny, I would like to make a difference. I think sport has helped me enormously and I would like to pass on this passion and enthusiasm to others less fortunate than me. I would also like to learn about another culture and I think living with a family gives me a better opportunity to do this.