| "I'm taking a gap year", has become the catch | | | | to spend another few months travelling if you |
| phrase of many young (and not so young) people | | | | have the time and money - so be frugal! |
| as they make the decision to take some time out | | | | India |
| from their busy lives and the expectations of a | | | | While probably not as popular as Africa for gap |
| demanding work or study. Rather than just | | | | year conservation holidays, India has some unique |
| kicking back and doing nothing more strenuous | | | | opportunities to volunteer with animals. The |
| than turning the pages of the daily paper, more | | | | Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa has a wonderful |
| and more people are signing up for placements in | | | | Wildlife Preservation program which is staffed by |
| foreign lands to volunteer on conservation or | | | | volunteers who contribute towards data collection |
| teaching projects. Although unpaid, these | | | | and research. Also in Goa, the Turtle Preservation |
| placements enable volunteers to carry out some | | | | Program is dedicated to saving the endangered |
| worthwhile work as well as experience the culture | | | | numbers of the local marine turtles. It is also the |
| of a different country. | | | | opportunity to live and work in one of the most |
| There are various companies who specialise in gap | | | | peaceful and serene environments in the world. |
| year placements and it is always more advisable | | | | Sri Lanka |
| to go through a reputable firm than to try and do | | | | One of Asia's most fascinating countries, the tiny |
| it yourself. But the main advantage a company will | | | | island nation of Sri Lanka is also home to an |
| have is that it will be able to advise you on where | | | | abundance of wildlife. Unfortunately, due to |
| the best placements are and match you to the | | | | external factors and habitat endangerment, |
| most suitable project. | | | | numbers of some of these beautiful creatures |
| Africa | | | | are dwindling. The government of Sri Lanka are |
| Whether your preference is Malawi, Kenya or | | | | extremely committed to preserving their wildlife |
| South Africa, many people's first choice for a gap | | | | and there are some worthwhile and adventurous |
| year placement is Africa. Your life-changing | | | | projects for volunteers to become involved in on |
| experience could involve working in one of the | | | | their gap year. Whether you choose to work in a |
| many projects on offer in this wildlife-rich country. | | | | placement on an elephant project or in one |
| Choose from the Addo Elephant Park, the | | | | involving the unique Sri Lankan sub-species of |
| Hoedspruit Cheetah Project, Kariega Game | | | | leopard, along the way you will no doubt fall in |
| Reserve, Moholoholo Rehab centre or the | | | | love with Sri Lanka and her wonderful friendly |
| world-famous Shamwari Game Reserve. No | | | | people. The island is small enough that you will be |
| matter where your placement you will have the | | | | able to explore it on day trips and weekends |
| opportunity to work on projects where your | | | | away from your gap year placement or, if time |
| contribution will provide valuable assistance in | | | | allows, once your work is complete take a few |
| research, rehabilitation and maintenance. Once | | | | weeks to really wind down and enjoy the island |
| your gap year placement is over you will be able | | | | paradise. |