Gap Year in Latvia
Formerly part of the Soviet Union, this EU newcomer has a glittering future. As well as Europe’s fastest-growing economy, Latvia has beautiful countryside, home-style cooking and a rich history. Although Latvia has one of the world’s fastest-developing economies, with an advanced infrastructure, the GDP per capita is still relatively low at £8,000 (2006). This means it's cheap to travel, live and eat here. Paid work is tough to find but there are organised gap year programmes that you can sign up to before you leave.