Want to travel overseas for your gap year, but a bit tight on money? Don’t let that stop you – there are plenty of ways you can finesse your way to a budget friendly gap year and make a ton of awesome memories at the same time.
We’ve got 5 ideas to get you started on a gap year that won’t break the bank.
1. Become a Trusted Housesitter
Calling all pet and travel lovers, Trusted Housesitters Worldwide is a platform that connects homeowners with pet sitters who can look after their pets and homes while they’re away.
There is a membership fee for the platform, but it’s only payable once annually and ensures only trustworthy sitters and pet parents can use the site. Plus, the fee factors in verification and support services from the site.
In exchange for your pet-sitting services, you get free accommodation, and Trusted Housesitters have destinations all over the world. If you want a gap year abroad, there’s no better way to do it than living like a local, experiencing new places, and enjoying the company of furry friends.
2. Gap year scholarships
If you’re looking for financial aid but still want to go overseas, you might be eligible for a gap year scholarship. There are organisations that offer programs for students with a gap year focus, with categories both needs-based and merit-based. Each organisation will have their own specifications, but we’ve collected some offering scholarships and grants for your gap year needs to get you started:
- Baret Scholars (U.S) offers need- and merit-based financial aid for their 7 regions of the world exploration program.
- Carpe Diem Education offer an Access scholarship and an Inclusion scholarship for their Carpe Diem gap year program.
- CET offers $400,000 USD in scholarship awards each year for their study abroad programs in multiple countries.
- International Field Studies Inc. offers a Forfar Marine Science Gap Year Program Scholarship for students whose annual household incomes do not exceed $100,000 USD.
- Seguinland Institute has full and partial scholarships (up to $12,900 USD) available for BIPOC students for The Good Life Gap Semester.
- Art History Abroad offers the Trenchard Cox Scholarship, which awards the recipient with one 2-week Summer Course in Italy. Next applications will be in 2025 (information forthcoming).
- The Food Gap offers 3 scholarships each year for their art and food retreat programs in Italy.
- The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) provides scholarships and ongoing support to students with financial need who are underrepresented among the U.S. study-abroad population.
3. WWOOF
WWOOF stands for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. As a WWOOFer, you’ll work on organic farms in exchange for free food and accommodation all while learning organic farming practices, living with host families, and experiencing rural life in different countries.
WWOOF has hosts in over 130 countries, so you can choose from a wide variety of destinations. It’s a fantastic way to travel on a budget, learn new skills, and contribute to sustainable farming communities. If you’re interested in WWOOFing, check out our guide on WWOOFing your way around the world.
4. Work exchange
Work exchange is a similar concept to WWOOFing, but you’re not confined to just working on farms. You get free accomodation and meals in exchange for work. Popular organisations like Worldpackers and Workaway connect volunteers with hosts around the globe, making it easy to find a project that fits your interests and budget.
There are various types of work environments and tasks you can do for a work exchange. Here are a few of the most common options:
- Hostels (common tasks include reception, housekeeping, bartending, night shift, surf coach, yoga teacher)
- NGOs (common tasks include childcare, language practice, animal care, digital marketing)
- Local families (common tasks include childcare, animal care, language practice, gardening, housekeeping)
- Local businesses (common tasks include photography, social media, digital marketing, hospitality, web development)
- Farms and eco-retreats (common tasks include gardening, farming, animal care, permaculture)
5. Backpacking
This one’s a classic for a reason. Backpacking is one of the most inexpensive ways to travel, by – you guessed it – bringing nothing but a backpack. By staying in hostels, cooking your own meals, and using budget-friendly transportation options, you can stretch your travel funds significantly.
Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central America are known for being budget-friendly backpacking destinations with a wealth of experiences to offer. Loads of backpackers also find temporary work along the way, such as fruit picking or hostel work, to earn extra cash and extend their travels.
Want More?
If you’re keen for a way to actually make money while you enjoy your gap year, check out our article on 7 ideas for a working gap year (overseas). For more travel tips and budget-friendly gap year ideas, visit our blog here.