This list of gap year and career break organisations has been approved by the strictest vetting process in the industry, so you can contact them with confidence.
Gap year organisations
Volunteer
African Conservation Experience
Volunteering opportunities at wildlife conservation projects in southern Africa, including field research, work on game reserves and marine conservation.
www.conservationafrica.netAmanzi Travel
Specialist tailor made trips in Africa, where you can help on wildlife conservation, medical, orphan care and teaching initiatives, join incredible overland trips and take wildlife management and game ranger courses.
www.amanzitravel.co.ukAzafady
A wide range of volunteering opportunities with this UK charity and Madagascar-based NGO, on sustainable development projects.
www.madagascar.co.ukCross-Cultural Solutions
Short-term volunteering programmes in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America - options for families available.
www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Global Volunteer Network
Responsible, ethical and budget-friendly volunteer opportunities worldwide - a wide range of projects and roles is available.
www.globalvolunteernetwork.orgGlobalteer
Responsible and sustainable volunteer placements around the world.
www.globalteer.orgHelping Kenya
Responsible and meaningful volunteer projects in Africa, specialising in matching volunteers with projects where they can make the most difference.
Kaya Responsible Travel
Sustainable, ethical volunteer placements in 24 countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa - courses in languages, diving and other activities available, plus special placements for couples.
www.KayaVolunteer.comProjects Abroad
A wide range of volunteering placements in 27 countries in the developing world, including teaching, orphanage work, conservation and medical programmes.
www.projects-abroad.co.ukProjects Abroad PRO
Volunteer placements for skilled and qualified professionals in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
www.projects-abroad-pro.orgRaleigh
A youth and sustainable development charity that takes volunteers aged 17 - 75 on expeditions in Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua or Tanzania.
www.raleighinternational.orgSunrise International Volunteer Program
Volunteer in a variety of placements throughout China - excursions, Mandarin lessons and cultural experiences also available.
www.sunrint.comTravellers Worldwide
A variety of flexible volunteer placements abroad, including teaching, sports, conservation, work internships and language and culture courses.
www.travellersworldwide.comVSO
www.vso.org.uk/volunteeringLearn
ALLTRACKS Academy
Ski & snowboard career breaks in Whistler, Canada, including instructor courses (2 weeks to 5 months), improvement camps and off piste clinics.
www.alltracksacademy.comAltitude Futures
10-week ski and snowboard instructor courses for career breakers aged 18 to 65, to get you an internationally-recognised qualification.
Boat Building Academy
Learn practical skills on a beachfront sabbatical by joining an intensive, hands-on boat-building or woodworking course – career changers also welcome.
www.boatbuildingacademy.comEducating Adventures
Ski and snowboard instructor courses with a guaranteed job offer in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
Flying Fish
Professional training and jobs for yachtmasters, superyacht crew, watersports and snowsports instructors.
www.flyingfishonline.comNonstop Snow
A range of ski and snowboard instructor courses and powder camps in Canada, France and New Zealand's best resorts - ideal for season-long stays and career breaks.
www.nonstopsnow.comWork
BUNAC
Paid work support programmes in New Zealand, Canada and Australia, paid summer camp work in the USA and volunteer placements in Asia, Africa and the Americas.
www.bunac.org.ukOyster Worldwide
Voluntary or paid work from 2 weeks to a year, including volunteering with animals, teaching English, medical placements, sports coaching, jobs in Canadian ski resorts and farm work in Australia.
www.oysterworldwide.comPGL Travel
Get training and qualifications on the job while you work with children or in support roles on summer camps in Europe.
www.pgl.co.uk/careerbreakInternational Academy
www.international-academy.comTEFL
Teach & Learn Korea
Paid placements teaching English in South Korea for 6 or 12 months with cultural programmes, airfare, accommodation and other benefits included.
http://talk.go.krTEFL England
Get your internationally-recognised TEFL qualification from this fully accredited provider of TEFL courses - free job placement service included.
www.teflengland.co.ukTravel
Trek America
Over 50 unique North American road trips from 3 to 64 days - unique off-the-beaten-track adventure tours with tons of activities.
www.trekamerica.co.uk