Where should I go for my gap year?

I'm not sure where to go for a gap year.?

• Hi, I'm 18 and currently in my final year of A Levels. Afterwards I want to go into a full time job, but I don't feel i'm ready for that yet. I have about £8,000 saved up and want to go for a gap year, by this I mean literally a year away from the UK and the people to 'find myself' and hopefully set myself up for life. The only problem is i'm not entirely sure where to go. I don't fancy Australia as this seems to cosmopolitan for me. Ideally I would like to fund my travel with work, as I go. But I know this can be a difficulty due to VISA's. Does anyone know a good country/s to go to, and how difficult it is to get a job, and to get a VISA. One of my dreams would be to set up somewhere in Europe and see where it takes me, depending on who I meet. Alternatively I would love to go to Asia, such as Thailand. Thanks

• Answer:

  Heya, there are loads of things you could do with your gap year and that's a good budget too! You could get a TEFL certificate and work in China as an English teacher or you could go to New Zealand and work if Australia is too cosmopolitan for you; things are a lot more laid back in New Zealand. There are lots of tours in Asia and loads of volunteer placements; community work, conservation work etc. I would take a look at this site if you need some ideas, there are some good options: http://www.realgap.co.uk/