Take a walk on the world side

Take a Walk on the World Side
Sunday 17 August 2003
The Observer
by Oliver Mann

An estimated 50,000 18-year-olds will leave the country after receiving their A-level results this year, either to take a break from academic study or to get over the pain and rethink their options. Either way, gap year travellers have never had a greater choice of activities. Follow in the footsteps of Prince Harry as he heads off to Australia, the most popular destination for British gappers, or go seal spotting in the Falklands – the possibilities are endless.

According to Gapyear.com, the average gapper spends around £3,000 on their trip and stays off British soil for four months. Tell your parents that statistically it’s safer to go on a gap year than to go to university, and you’ll be on your way to Borneo before they can say Bristol.

Teach English in Nepal
Move from one side of the classroom to the other by teaching Nepalese children English, or anything else you are proficient in. According to Cosmic Volunteers, a Philadelphia-based charity, they even had a volunteer teach circus acrobatics. You won’t be alone in teaching the children, aged between six and 17, as all the classes have permanent staff and their own lesson plans. If you can’t handle living in a farming village without TV or McDonald’s, perhaps this is not the one for you.

Where? Chitwan, five hours outside Kathmandu, Nepal
How long? One to three months or more
How much? From $450 for one month to $1,025 for three months, $200 per extra month, including travel within Nepal, meals and accommodation with host family and some sightseeing
Contact: Cosmic Volunteers