Gap year in Asia
Gap year placements in Asia
Gap year sports & outdoor courses in Asia
Asia is the largest and most populated continent in the world, containing more than 60% of the world's population (depending on whether you include the European bit). It has loads of records like the world’s highest mountain (Everest 29,035 ft) and the worlds lowest point (Dead Sea). Less commonly know, it also has the world’s longest coastline and the world’s deepest lake which contains 90% of Russia's liquid fresh surface water (Baikal at nearly two and a half thousand feet deep).
This massive and varied landscape facilitates an equally massive range of sports and outdoor action. There are legendary dive sites throughout South East Asia and the most demanding mountain ranges in the world offer some unique life experience gap years you will find anywhere.
Asia is very rich in natural resources but has many areas of extreme poverty. Asia's surging economic growth has helped to reduce levels of poverty but there are still a huge number of people living on less than £1.50 a day.
It has also been hit in recent years by civil conflict and a string of destructive natural disasters leaving countries like Thailand in urgent need of health care, nutrition, clean water/sanitation and educational resources. These problems are tackled on a micro scale by gap year volunteers on practical and professional placements.
The boom in economies such as China and the relatively recent practice of western corporations moving call centers out to Asia means that there are more opportunities for TEFL related gap year placements than ever before.
There’s a wealth of opportunities available in Russia, from Summer Camp Counsellors to Teaching English (you don’t need to be fluent in Russian, either). These opportunities are offered on a voluntary basis, as you’ll be provided with accommodation and food but very little – if any – wage.
A selection of gap year opportunities in Asia are listed below, click to view more info and apply to the program you like the sound of.