Everything You Need to Take a Gap Year in Thailand

There is something so special about being young, willing, and able-- opportunities such as gap years are yours for the taking! Picture this: Gap year. Travel. Thailand. Whether you are in between high school and college, college and the so called “real world”, or your current job and whatever comes next, a gap year in Thailand may be just what you need. There’s nothing quite as exciting, challenging, and rewarding as spending a year abroad, nevermind a year in Thailand!

If this isn’t reason enough to take a gap year in Thailand, we don’t know what is

Have you heard people talk about the glow of Golden Hour? Well, if you’re like most people who think that this is the best time of day (we definitely do!), you’ll love Thailand since it is in a constant state of golden. Through the hue of the many Temples, the inviting warmth of the beaches, and the general welcoming nature of Thai-smiles, you’ll feel golden yourself. And what’s better than that? If you’re ready to take the leap and start the process of choosing a gap year program, we’ve got your back! Here’s your ultimate guide to gap year programs in Thailand:

Thailand gap year FAQs

As you start to consider spending a year in Thailand, you may have a lot of questions floating around your mind. The hows, the whys, and the whats of Thailand gap year programs. Lucky for you, we’ve got answers!

What are the benefits of a gap year in Thailand?

No matter what stage you are in your life, spending a year in Thailand will help to expand your heart, your mind, and your world. There are many personal and professional benefits in choosing to spend a year in Thailand. 

Personally, you will be challenging yourself to live outside of your comfort zone. Once you learn that your limits are only set by your own mind, you will be unstoppable. When your bubble expands, so does the way you live your life. That doesn’t mean that the experience will always be easy, but none of the biggest opportunities for change and growth are, right?

The best way to learn a city is to master the public transportation

Professionally, you will gain experience in adapting to a new culture and also learning how to work with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. All of these factors affect the way we live and work, and by choosing to spend a year in Thailand, you will experience new ways of doing that will help open you up to questioning and adjusting the way you do things and live your life. 

And, need we mention, immersion to the curly Q language, tropical beach R&R, and epic rock climbing adventures???

I’m on the fence. Why should I spend a year in Thailand?

Besides the benefits listed above, choosing to spend a gap year in Thailand will help change (or accelerate) the trajectory of your life. If you are one to play it safe and choose the easy route, a Thailand gap year will break out of your box of comfort. And it you typically err on the side of adventure, this will just add to your list of amazing things you’ve experienced in your life. Come on, gap year travel in Thailand… how COOL is that?!

Overall, gap years are great opportunities to live in a new and exciting place for a period of time, while still giving you the flexibility to transition into whatever the next step is, once your program is complete. If you still need more reasons to take a gap year, in Thailand or elsewhere, we’re here to help. When you work in Thailand for a year, you will be welcomed to the Land of Smiles and never want to leave!

Also, if you’re a foodie, think Thai iced tea, authentic pad thai, and spices galore! What more can you ask for? #SWOON

Golden hour all of the dang time

How safe are gap year programs in Thailand?

One of the biggest benefits of traveling, interning, or working abroad as part of a program is that the program will have systems in place to help make your transition as smooth as warm butter. Although programs and providers differ greatly in the services they offer, there is an underlying understanding that they’ve been receiving gappers (that’s you!) for some time, so they know what to expect, and they know how to help you prepare for what to expect. 

This also means that they will give you advice and resources for staying safe and making the most out of your Thailand gap year. As with any place in the world, we can’t give you a blanket statement of guarantee that nothing bad will happen during your year in Thailand, however, programs wouldn’t keep sending/receiving gappers if it was inherently unsafe, right? Right. 

Plus, there are gap year programs in Thailand with local staff members that have the best understanding of how to live in the spaces you will be entering. Of course, paying attention to your surroundings, using common sense, and traveling in groups to new places is always recommended. But if that isn’t convincing enough, feel free to read more about gap year safety!

Learn to live a life of balance

What do people do during gap year programs in Thailand?

As a place filled with stunning landscapes, deeply rooted traditions and values, and welcoming people, Thailand is an ideal place for a gap year focused in experiential learning. We are firm believers that a day that ends with dirty hands, sweaty shirts, and a warm heart is a day well spent. Plus, what an incredible way to learn about a new country!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, which may be why adventure travel gap years are so popular. Spending a year in Thailand experiencing everything that the country has to offer sounds like a great way to become excited about life again. What better way to prepare you for your next step than living a life of adventure?

When you think of Thailand, one of the first images that might pop into your head is that of an Asian Elephant (for loving, not for riding!!!). As a country full of a animal diversity, Thailand is the perfect place for a gap year focused in animals. You can work in elephant sanctuaries, assist in animal research, or help in conservation efforts. 

How much does a gap year in Thailand cost?

Programs are going to vary in price depending on the provider and the length of your stay. Some programs might cost as little as $600 USD per week, while others may be over $5,000 USD per week. We know, we know, now you’re probably asking “why am I paying to volunteer”? To best answer that, you can read a little more about what your program fee includes. This may give you a better idea of what to expect, and justify the $$$ you’re paying—we think elephants and fresh coconut sorbet are pretty good reasons, but accommodation and in-country support is pretty cool, too. 

However, no matter the program, there will be a cost. Paying for a gap year may seem like a daunting task, but it is possible. So don’t let it be a deterring factor in your drive to gap year in Thailand. You can also set up a crowdfunding page through Fund My Travel to help you raise money for your Thai gap year.  

It is also a good idea to plan ahead and take steps early on to better position yourself for a great year in Thailand. Spend time of your own earning and saving money to use to fund your travels to and within Thailand. We can help you plan and prepare for your gap year to ensure that you have the best experience possible. 

**Flashing lights, lights, lights**

Help! What do I pack for my year in Thailand?

The basics: culturally appropriate clothing for hot weather (emphasis on culturally appropriate), sturdy and durable slip on shoes that can be walked around in for long periods of time and that you don’t mind getting dirty, a reusable water bottle to fill with filtered water (#gogreen), and an open mind. AND BUG SPRAY!! :)

More logistically, you’ll also need to think about whether or not you’ll be traveling during the wet season, you’ll also need to plan to get any necessary vaccinations and medications, and on the simplest level, your passport and any other travel documents you may need. We also have some more information on what to pack for your gap year. 

3 recommended programs for your Thailand gap year

1. Go Discover Abroad: Gap Year in Thailand

This gap year program in Thailand offers opportunities for adventures, cultural immersion, and resume boosters. You can choose from adventure tour packages that will bring you across the country known as backpacker’s paradise, or volunteering with majestic elephants. There are even options for multi-country gap years that will bring you to other Southeast Asian neighbors. No matter the experience you are looking for, Go Discover Abroad has an option for you.

• Where? Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Phangan and six other cities in Thailand
• Program focus: Adventure Travel, Volunteering, Animals
• More info: Read more about Go Discover Abroad 

Nothing better than a re*fresh*ing, cold coconut on a hot afternoon

2. Carpe Diem Education: Southeast Asia Gap Year

With opportunities for deep immersion and exciting adventures, this gap year program will bring you to places you’ve never been before (or thought you’d ever go). During this three month long program, you will learn about the history of Cambodia’s tragic genocide, earn your Scuba certification in the South China Sea, and visit rural communities in Thailand. All of your experiences will only be heightened through opportunities for spiritual revelations and retreats for reflection. 

• Where? Cambodia: Rural Areas, Siem Reap; Thailand: Chiang Mai; Vietnam: Rural Areas
• Program focus: Experiential Learning, Language Immersion, Volunteering
• More info: Read Carpe Diem reviews

3. Youth International: Gap Semester in Asia

This 13 week long immersive program strives to connect you with opportunities to learn and gain understanding of East Asian cultures. You will be living with local families in Nepal, India, and Thailand throughout your stay. And trust us, there is no better way to be immersed in a culture than to live with a family within that culture. You will be able to have a balance of unique travel experiences, like spending time at a commune in the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal, and also the must-sees of the region, like visiting the Taj Mahal. This brings you the best of both worlds, and is a great option for gap year programs in Thailand!

• Where? India: Agra, Delhi, Dharamsala and five other cities; Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Rural Areas; Thailand: Bangkok, Koh Samui and two other cities
• Program focus: Experiential Learning, Adventure Travel, Volunteering, Self-Discovery
• More info: Read more about Youth International

[Check Out Our Directory For Gap Year Programs in Thailand]

You’re ready for a gap year in Thailand!

We are proud of you for wanting to gap year in Thailand (and a bit jealous, because we wish we could, too) and hope you feel ready because now you have all of the resources, guides, and tips for preparing for your unforgettable year in Thailand. There is no way to be fully prepared, part of the journey is learning as you go along, but we are confident you will be as prepared as you can be to enjoy this experience fully. 

You will learn and you will grow and you feel as powerful as a majestic elephant during your year in Thailand

Remember, the way that you travel matters. Keep an open mind and embrace the unknown. When you lean into the discomfort of every new space you enter, you will be able to adjust much quicker, which is essential when you are traveling between many cities or countries. Interact with the people you meet along the way, build relationships, and challenge yourself! This will be the experience you will look back on for years to come. And, who knows, maybe it will change the direction your life is going. What an exciting opportunity!

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