6 ideas to do in a gap year

Taking a gap year after studying can be quite scary. Trust the Butrfly team, we’ve all been there! 

We understand the fear of doing “nothing”, being stuck and wasting your time. Add up some peer pressure and the thought of the gap year suddenly fades away.

🚨 Breaking news though! If it’s your decision, it will be the best decision! 💪

So take a gap year, do it! You will open up to a whole new world, unlock endless work opportunities and gain many skills that will help you in the future.

On both personal and professional level, you will never regret it, this is a unique and thrilling experience! Learn a language, get out of your comfort zone, meet people, discover a culture, food, music, beautiful landscapes, ... the list goes on, as there are so many positive outcomes from your sabbatical leave. 

Let us give you six travel ideas for a gap year:

• 1# Woofing
• 2# Volunteers 
  
• 3# Working abroad

• 4# Backpack

• 5# Be an Au Pair
• 6# Studying abroad
  

Idea number #1 ; Let's WWOOF !

WorldWide Opportunities On Organic Farms means working on a farm in exchange for food and accommodation. No experience needed, because you are supposed to be form. It can be done everywhere in the world! Few years ago, it was a very “roots” choice, but now, the popularity has made a large network, with also more than just farming.

🙌 Asset: The community of woofers will make you feel part of a big family.

Idea number #2 ; Volunteers, helping to travel.

The difference between woofing and volunteers is the field. You can volunteer in other places than the farm, and the food is not provided all the time. It is more of an exchange of services. We see it as a good opportunity to put your skills to action, and to get some working experience for your resume. You're supposed to work around 4 or 5 hours a day, so you also get free time for yourself. It can be made with friends or other volunteers. 

🕹️ Asset: The completely unique experience of working, developing your skills.

Idea number #3 ; Become an Au Pair, our specialty.

The immersion of living in a host family is a cheap, comfort, and unique experience. Being an au pair is more than just working with children, it is to be part of a family with different culture and language. You also have free time to enjoy the way of living abroad. It is a safe way to travel if you use a good agency! Butrfly will make sure you're prepared for it, and assist you all along your journey.

👩‍👧‍👧 Asset: The best way to learn a new language with children, and understand a different culture.

Idea number #4 ; Studying abroad.

Having a degree abroad will show so many good skills in your resume. It is a very nice and quick way to socialize. If you want to take a gap year to travel without taking a break in your studies, this is the solution for you. At the beginning you will be completely lost, but it will be the same for all your comrades, so that will create a strong link between you both. 

👨‍🎓 Asset: The career boost and an incomparable youth development.

Idea number #5 ; Take your backpack, and go on an adventure.

Travelling with only your bag is the best method to find yourself. That way, ​​you eliminate the superfluous and use only the essential. In your backpack, there are just things you really need, and nothing more. By using the absolute minimum, you will be able to focus on what's really important to spend your day and your night. There are different kinds of backpacking ; to be lost in nature, like "into the wild" style, to go hiking or biking with only your tent and disconnect, to do sport or to go city by city without knowing what tomorrow will be made of.

🧘 Asset: The most fulfilling travel to learn about yourself by focusing on all the surrounding things.

Idea number #6 ; Working abroad

You can work as a VIE, but the most common work when it’s your first travel, is to work in a youth hostel. That way you meet so many people with the same mind set, sometimes the same language level, you have accommodation, and you get paid. Be aware of the different rules, and don’t be shy to communicate because the culture choc in the working space can be impressive.

🏠 Asset: The faster way to become a resident and earn money.

For more expert advice and support for your gap year, let's chat together:

Still afraid of taking a gap year to travel ? You can also read our article about homesickness to received advice to manage it by clicking on the link.

They took a gap year, and our instagram !

The Butrfly team assists a lot of young boys and girls who decided to travel abroad as an au pair. They are from everywhere in the world, and they came to live the French life during their sabbatical year. 
Some of them are doing a "take over", and use our Instagram account to make stories about their life as an Au Pair in France.
They answer to all the questions, and give so much advice.
If you want to do a gap year, check out the testimonials of those who have taken the plunge !

      @aupairbutrfly