Young people in particular want to reorient themselves after school. A gap year abroad is a chance to experience new people, cultures and languages and possibly work there.
That's why good preparation is important for a successful stay.

Gap year abroad - choosing the country and accommodation

If you ask yourself, you'll probably start by listing countries you'd like to visit someday or have grown fond of. But to spend a whole year abroad, other criteria should play a role too:

Can I and do I want to only vacation here, or live for a long period under the country's climate and cultural conditions?
Do I speak the local language, or should I take a course in it beforehand?
How do I reach my goal and what options are available to me?
These questions are important, and everyone should sleep on them for a few nights to be sure that this country really is THE dream destination.
It's true that these days anyone can get by with English. But if you live in the country, you'd do well to master the local language. Everyone makes mistakes, and learning along the way is part of a gap year abroad.

gap year abroad

Gap year abroad - finding good accommodation

After all, this will be your temporary home. Everyone wants to feel comfortable here. There are host families who offer a room. With them you have the chance to build your language skills faster. However, you also have to adapt to the family's customs and ways. But shared apartments are a good alternative too.

You get to know new people right in your surroundings, you don't feel left alone, especially at the beginning, and you have affordable housing. Renting a small apartment or a room on your own is of course just as possible. For the various housing options there are good websites online that offer affordable and reputable accommodation.

Gap year abroad - working abroad, what to keep in mind

If you want to find a job during your gap year abroad, you need a Working Holiday visa. It allows work within a certain time frame as well as pay. Other work may only be done for pocket money or room and board.

Rather than staying in just one place, would you prefer to get to know many cities as a work-and-traveler, and thus a backpacker? That's possible too. But here again everyone needs the Holiday visa and, in various countries, a residence permit.

Just like the project gap year abroad itself, the work needs to be well thought out.
Should it be a few weeks on a farm, a ranch or in food service, or something completely different? Companies also offer internships where interested people can get to know jobs better.
In many larger cities and through online organizations there is help available.

Here's a short list for your gap year abroad:

  • Choose the country
  • Choose accommodation
  • Learn the language
  • Apply in good time for a visa for stay and work
  • Refresh vaccinations (special vaccinations)
  • Choose a job or internship
  • Get help from organizations