Whether you're taking a gap year before university, planning an elective or just want to experience the world, check out the sites below.

The organisations listed in this section are not necessarily endorsed or approved by do-it.  You should research organisations carefully before making any commitments.

All organisations are UK-based charities, public sector or not-for-profit unless otherwise stated.

BUNAC

Volunteering and work experience programmes around the world.

Concordia 

A range of 2-4 week community based volunteer projects.

Connect Youth

Offering young people the chance to discover Europe while expanding their cultural horizons.

Connections IKM /Inka Magik  

Three-month teaching programmes in Lima and around Peru.

Ecologia Trust

Promoting and fostering the process of positive, creative change in Russia.

Gapyear.com 

Useful background info about taking a year out.

Global Development Links

Support and resources to students who wish to build partnerships with charitable organisations in both the UK and overseas.

Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange

Promoting cultural exchange and personal development for young people

i-to-i 

Projects in 23 countries worldwide.

Lattitude Global Volunteering

Teaching, conservation and medical projects for 17-25 year-olds.

Platform2

Ten week fully paid placements on a project in a developing country for 18-25 year olds

 Project Trust 

Opportunities for school leavers in 24 different countries.

ProWorld Service Corps

Profound 2-26 week cultural, service, and academic experiences 

Raleigh

17-24 year olds join an expedition and work on sustainable environmental, community, and adventure projects overseas.

SPW 

Join African and Asian volunteers on Health Education and Environmental Awareness programmes in rural schools in Africa and Asia.

Projects Abroad

Not only teaching but also conservation, medical, archaeological and business and journalism projects. (A company registered in the UK.)

VESL Summer Placements

A charity that sends volunteers to run educational projects in Asia.

VSO 

As well as their main projects, VSO run a number of programmes specifically for people aged 25 and under.

Worldwide Volunteering  

A big database of opportunities; many public access points and your school, college or careers centre may have access.

Year Out Group

An alliance of organisations offering advice, information and opportunities.

Youth Action Net 

Connecting young people to create change.

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