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When it comes to researching gap year programs, maybe you’re looking for an opportunity to learn more about yourself, define your interests, and pursue your passions. Perhaps, you’re interested in a gap year program that packs as much fun and adventure as possible into a year. Or maybe you want a way to earn some money and add work experience to your resume. Looking, researching, and choosing a gap year program can be overwhelming and daunting as the options are seemingly endless. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the search to six gap year programs that will broaden your horizons, whether you choose to work or volunteer abroad.
WORKING
1.Languagecorps - 在国外教英语
Languagecorps成立于2003年，专门从事TESOL（向其他语言的英语教授英语）认证和工作安置帮助，以在国外教英语。这个差距年度计划在亚洲，欧洲，拉丁美洲和中东的23个不同地点运行，包括教师培训和求职援助。
为什么这个差距年计划：Program participants develop cross-cultural and leadership skills, while having the chance to travel internationally and gain professional work experience.
2.INTEREXCHANGE – AU PAIR
Interexchange’s au pair program matches au pairs with host families in Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Spain. Au pairs assist with housework and child care, in exchange for room and board and a small salary. In addition to providing training and language courses, this is a great gap year program for those looking to live abroad, while also making some money.
为什么这个差距年计划：Being an au pair fosters skills like patience, responsibility and inter-cultural communication. It’s a great chance to meet other au pairs from around the world, as well as learn what it’s like to live as the locals do.
3.MARK WARNER RECRUITMENT – CATERING
Spend part of your gap year in a European ski resort surrounded by mountains and snowy peaks. Mark Warner recruits sous, commis, and head chefs for several chalet hotels in Austria, France and Italy. Workers on this gap year program are tasked with food preparation, cooking, deliveries and the general running of the kitchen.
为什么这个差距年计划：这个差距年度计划非常适合有兴趣从事烹饪艺术，旅游业和款待或仅仅喜欢滑雪事业的人。它还提供有竞争力的薪水以及房间和董事会。
VOLUNTEERING
4.WWOOF
WWOOF, or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is gap year program that offers food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles, in exchange for volunteer help. Depending on the placement, volunteers can take part in a variety of tasks – from harvesting and cutting wood, to cheese and making.
为什么这个差距年计划：This gap year program is a cost-free alternative to many volunteer programs that require volunteers to cover their own room and board. In addition, volunteers learn hands-on about organic growing techniques and can go almost anywhere in the world (WWOOF operates in over 100 countries!)
5.RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL EXPEDITIONS
Raleigh International Expedition’s aim is to bring together young people and local communities in Nepal, Malaysian Borneo, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Tanzania. Gap year program participants live and work alongside locals in remote rural communities, learning from one another and sharing traditions and customs. The communities where they work are often very remote - places where not many tourists have access.
为什么这个差距年计划：These adventure-packed trips are a way for volunteers to be truly immersed in a local culture.However, this is not an opportunity for the faint-of-heart - the expeditions are challenging and, as their motto states, “this is an expedition into life.”
6.WORLDSTAMP
WorldStamp是一个差距年度计划，在印度，危地马拉和哥斯达黎加的机会九个月都在印度，危地马拉和哥斯达黎加。该计划将志愿服务工作，文化沉浸和世界旅行交织在一起。志愿者协助各种活动取决于他们选择的国家，包括赋予妇女权能，大象护理和教育。
为什么这个差距年计划：Volunteers stay in communities that WorldStamp has strong ties with, ensuring both safety and quality of experience. Having the chance to volunteering in a variety of fields helps participants challenge themselves and find their purpose, returning home with a better idea about how to make a difference in their own communities.
