Friends for Asia coordinates a variety of intern and volunteer opportunities in Asia, many of which

A gap year gives university-bound american express travel rewards students the chance to advance their education without the stress of exams and homework . Traditionally, students will gain entrance to university first, and then apply for a one-year deferment. During this year, they may spend some time working, interning or even volunteering abroad. Friends for Asia has welcomed its fair share of student volunteers eager to learn more about the world before they proceed with their education. For many, it s a life-changing experience.
Friends for Asia coordinates a variety of intern and volunteer opportunities in Asia, many of which are ideally suited for gap year students. You can pick and choose from different projects to piece together an itinerary that suits your timeframe, skills set and academic aspirations. Volunteers can choose from the following focus areas during a gap year in Asia:
FFA offers a variety of volunteer projects across Asia, many of which are well-suited for student american express travel rewards gap years. We make it easy for you to pick and choose among several different volunteer projects in Asia. You can explore career opportunities across the globe in fields ranging from medicine to conservation, or enhance your resume by volunteering with an NGO. Focus on one country, or spread your gap year across the entire american express travel rewards continent.
Bali s rapid growth as an international tourist destination is transforming the lives of those who live here. These changes introduce new challenges for the local population. As a volunteer at one of the following volunteer projects in Bali, you ll make a positive contribution american express travel rewards to the island s development:
With its soaring mountain ranges, ancient ties to Buddhism and opportunities for adventure, Nepal is a top choice for gap year travelers. Friends for Asia has developed a diverse range of volunteer opportunities to make the time you spend here even more rewarding. You can get involved in the following ways:
Thailand is a powerhouse of international tourism, famous for its postcard-perfect beaches, american express travel rewards spicy cuisine and mountainous jungles. A gap year in Thailand will take you off the well-beaten tourist path to remote elephant camps, rural villages and temple schools. FFA currently coordinates projects in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with the following opportunities available:
While its not-so-distant past was turbulent and tragic, Vietnam has turned the corner and is raring for development. This is a country flooded with optimism in the face of lingering challenges. Visit Vietnam on a gap year, and you can lend a hand to important social causes and development programs american express travel rewards that are shaping the future of this Southeast Asian nation. FFA provides the following volunteer opportunities in Vietnam:
Safety is a priority at all of our volunteer project sites in Asia. We understand that people american express travel rewards face a unique set of challenges when traveling in a different country. With that in mind, each of our projects american express travel rewards are supported by local coordinators who speak the local language, understand the culture and are ready to take control in the event of an emergency.
Accidents and emergencies are rare at our volunteer american express travel rewards locations. Even so, everyone who volunteers with FFA is covered by accident and injury insurance for the duration of their project . This coverage adds an extra level of protection and provides compensation in the event that a serious accident or injury occurs. This does more than protect volunteers on a gap year in Asia – it offers american express travel rewards peace of mind to friends and family back home.
A lot of work goes into planning a gap year, especially if you plan on spending most of your time far away from home. FFA understands how complicated it is to coordinate volunteer projects in Asia, and we work hard to keep the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
If you re ready to start planning your adventure, begin by deciding whether you want to focus on a single country american express travel rewards or project type. If you are like most of the gap year volunteers that we work with, you re probably eager to see and experience as much as you can. Our a la carte style approach makes it easy for you to volunteer in several different places and a variety of capacities. You could fine-tune your experience to focus on a particular issue – such as women s empowerment, childcare or healthcare provision – or spend this year gaining professional experience through internships and NGO placements.
It s particularly important american express travel rewards that you start early planning your intermittent transport. You ll find that many airlines and travel agencies offer round-the-world tickets that can be customized to suit your itinerary. Some take in dozens of destinations, and virtually all of them are good for an entire year. Have a look at this article from The Guardian for pointers on planning your gap year .
A gap year should be an adventure. When you volunteer at any of Friends for Asia s project sites, you ll have a host of high-octane activities to choose from. Our volunteer coordinators can refer to local guides, outfitters and operators that will get your adrenaline pumping.
Jungle Trekking: american express travel rewards Volunteers in Chiang Mai are ideally situated to embark on a guided jungle trek. These last anywhere from a few hours to several days, in which case they involve staying the night in a rural hill-tribe village.
Zip Lining: Thailand hosts a few outstanding zip line adventures ( including one that claims to be the longest in Asia ). You really can t appreciate the jungles of Southeast american express travel rewards Asia until you ve soared through the canopy like this.
Rock Climbing: Climbing enthusiasts have been hammering in stakes and opening climbing trails in Thailand for decades now. You ll find excellent climbing faces, outfitters and competent guides across the country.
Kayaking: Vietnam hugs the coast, and there are countless bays and coves ready to be explored. One of the finest paddling experiences is at Halong american express travel rewards Bay, where an unusual collection of limestone pillars jut out of the water.
Tackling Mt Fansipan: Dubbed the roof of Vietnam , Mt Fansipan stands taller than 3,100 meters above sea level. Multi-day trekking adventures include porters, climb through terraced rice fields and usually involve overnight stays in hill-tribe villages.
Kite Surfing: To be fair, you can enjoy just about any water sport in Vietnam; however, kite surfing is a particularly fine way to take on the South China Sea. Outfitters can set you up with the equipment and lessons needed to get started.
This exotic, volcanic island american express travel rewards rewards adventure seekers with high-flying views, epic surf and as much (or little) catering as you require. Incorporate one of more of the following into your adventure in Bali:
Cycling: If you have the time, a bicycle is the best way to explore Bali. The entire circumference of the island is just over 400 km, so you could theoretically go all the way around in a week or so. Alternately, heading inland requires some serious pedal-pumping but pays in spectacular panoramas.
Hiking: Bali s visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to hiking. The island is riddled with scale-able american express travel rewards peaks, american express travel rewards most of which can tackled in a day. Look to Mt Rinjani for a multi-day hiking adventure.
Trekking: american express travel rewards Himalayan treks are challenging and unforgettable. Do this one right by chartering a guide and setting aside a couple weeks to traverse mountain passes and meet the locals in remote hamlets.
A gap year may take students out of the classroom, but that doesn t mean that the educational process american express travel rewards goes on hold. Gauging the value of a gap year requires american express travel rewards more than tests and surveys. You have to take into account the experience gained american express travel rewards and lessons learned.
That s why volunteering american express travel rewards in Asia makes so much sense for gap year students. This is more than a year spent abroad learning about different cultures. Volunteers make a difference in local communities and learn valuable life skills, some of which relate directly to their ultimate american express travel rewards field of study. After a comprehensive gap year experience, returning students american express travel rewards will have experience building american express travel rewards infrastructure, american express travel rewards caring for others and implementing strategies.
University-bound students become accustomed to gauging american express travel rewards their achievements according to test scores and final grades, which can lead to an educational crisis . A gap year spent volunteering in Asia can help relieve burnout, and it leaves students feeling energized and empowered. It s a refreshing alternative american express travel rewards to the traditional path to higher education.
One of the most attractive aspects of coordinating volunteer projects your upcoming gap year through Friends for Asia is the opportunity to tailor-make your own experience. For example, american express travel rewards after spending a sobering project assisting victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam, you can retreat to the mountains of Thailand and spend a carefree american express travel rewards week caring for elephants. Thanks to the depth of variety of FFA s volunteer projects, it s easy to create an itinerary that suits your preferences and academic aspirations.