Q: Best Countries

With so many diverse destinations in Asia, it’s hard to pick just one. Whether you want a familiar city vibe filled with expats from all over, or a rustic retreat hidden in a jungle village, there is something for everyone on a gap year in Asia. Thailand. The Land of Smiles is the perfect friendly introduction to the Southeast Asia region. It’s a popular place to visit and stay longer term for western expats due to its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, marvelous mountains, cheap cost of living, and of course, smiling locals. The amazing, cheap street food (think, best Pad Thai you’ve ever tasted) doesn’t hurt either! Indonesia. The world’s largest island country and fourth-largest country by population is a mix of different cultures and religions, with a Muslim majority contrasting the many neighboring Buddhist nations. There are literally thousands of islands here to explore, each with a distinct feel. Bali is generally the first stop for tourists and expats alike, as this Hindu island is known for its laid back vibe, cheap and healthy cuisine, and relaxing yoga and meditation retreats—along with some fabulous beaches and monkey-filled forests.

Q: Popular Activities

Once you know where you’ll be for your gap year in Asia, it’s time to figure out WHAT you’ll be doing. Teach Abroad. With the influx of English-speaking tourists to the region, English is a highly sought-after skill. That’s why it’s easy to find opportunities to teach English abroad all over Asia. From more formal exchanges in countries like Korea and Japan where you get your own classroom, a killer salary, and some sweet school breaks, to more informal short-term teaching opportunities all over the big cities and small villages throughout Southeast Asia, if you have a firm grasp of the English language, you’ll have no trouble finding work here. Adventure Travel. Regardless of what you choose to focus on during gap year programs in Asia, travel will certainly play a big part in it. You could easily spend months exploring the many countries in Asia, and luckily, with a lower cost of living compared to many western countries, you won’t break the bank doing it. There are tons of opportunities for group travel, backpacking, and solo retreats in the region. For active adventurers, you can hike, zipline, scuba, and surf. Don’t miss the opportunity to play with elephants and orangutans (ethically, of course)!

Q: GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Whether you’re looking for a break or a change from normal life, Asia gap years are a great opportunity to refocus and refine your next steps while enjoying all the world has to offer. There’s no better time than now to check things off your bucket list, and experiencing other cultures and ways of life will make you a more resourceful, well-rounded, and compassionate human, all things that will serve you well in your future. Pick up some new skills, explore your passions, and return home refreshed for your next chapter in life. So you know it’s going to be super hot, but did you know that locals typically dress more conservatively throughout Asia? This means shoulders and knees are always covered, even on the hottest of days. So if you ever wondered how those flowy backpacker elephant pants became so popular, now you know! Shop local markets to pick up new wardrobe staples and support the community at the same time. Loose and flowy clothing will keep you cool even on scorching days, and won’t weigh down your suitcase!

Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

Looking for a break from the daily grind? Take a gap year in Asia! For maximum adventure on a limited budget, Asia is the perfect place to go. It&rsquo;s easy to country-hop and experience a wide range of cultures, cuisines, and activities here. There are plenty of beaches, mountains, and jungles to explore, complete with exotic animals, tiny villages, and oceanfront bungalows. There are also many opportunities to work if you need some cash to fuel your journey, and equally as many places to relax, generally for pennies a day compared to a normal western prices. Ready for your gap year in Asia?

Question 2

Best Countries

Accepted Answer

With so many diverse destinations in Asia, it&rsquo;s hard to pick just one. Whether you want a familiar city vibe filled with expats from all over, or a rustic retreat hidden in a jungle village, there is something for everyone on a gap year in Asia.
Thailand. The Land of Smiles is the perfect friendly introduction to the Southeast Asia region. It&rsquo;s a popular place to visit and stay longer term for western expats due to its beautiful beaches, bustling cities, marvelous mountains, cheap cost of living, and of course, smiling locals. The amazing, cheap street food (think, best Pad Thai you&rsquo;ve ever tasted) doesn&rsquo;t hurt either!
Indonesia. The world&rsquo;s largest island country and fourth-largest country by population is a mix of different cultures and religions, with a Muslim majority contrasting the many neighboring Buddhist nations. There are literally thousands of islands here to explore, each with a distinct feel. Bali is generally the first stop for tourists and expats alike, as this Hindu island is known for its laid back vibe, cheap and healthy cuisine, and relaxing yoga and meditation retreats&mdash;along with some fabulous beaches and monkey-filled forests.

Question 3

Popular Activities

Accepted Answer

Once you know where you&rsquo;ll be for your gap year in Asia, it&rsquo;s time to figure out WHAT you&rsquo;ll be doing.
Teach Abroad. With the influx of English-speaking tourists to the region, English is a highly sought-after skill. That&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s easy to find opportunities to teach English abroad all over Asia. From more formal exchanges in countries like Korea and Japan where you get your own classroom, a killer salary, and some sweet school breaks, to more informal short-term teaching opportunities all over the big cities and small villages throughout Southeast Asia, if you have a firm grasp of the English language, you&rsquo;ll have no trouble finding work here.
Adventure Travel. Regardless of what you choose to focus on during gap year programs in Asia, travel will certainly play a big part in it. You could easily spend months exploring the many countries in Asia, and luckily, with a lower cost of living compared to many western countries, you won&rsquo;t break the bank doing it. There are tons of opportunities for group travel, backpacking, and solo retreats in the region. For active adventurers, you can hike, zipline, scuba, and surf. Don&rsquo;t miss the opportunity to play with elephants and orangutans (ethically, of course)!

Question 4

What Else You Need to Know

Accepted Answer

Costs. There are gap year programs in Asia for any traveler, in any phase of life, with any budget. A relatively low cost of living makes it easy to stretch your dollar and not miss out on all of the fun experiences. Sure, there are some pricier destinations (looking at you Singapore and Japan) but if you budget accordingly and pick your destinations wisely, anything is possible.  Check out FundMyTravel for help funding for your gap year in Asia.
Accommodations. You might think hostels when you think of budget accommodations, but Asia is the land of guesthouses. These come in all shapes and sizes, but usually are small accommodations run by locals, where you get great amenities, as well as a glimpse into local living. 
Visas. Many countries make it easy for expats to stay for both short and longer term stays. With so many neighboring nations to explore, it&rsquo;s easy to hop borders and explore a new place if your visa in one country runs out. Check out GoAbroad Travel Resources for further information.
Safety. You will never run out of safe and fun destinations in Asia to explore, but do keep on top of travel warnings and plan your trip accordingly.

Question 5

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Whether you&rsquo;re looking for a break or a change from normal life, Asia gap years are a great opportunity to refocus and refine your next steps while enjoying all the world has to offer. There&rsquo;s no better time than now to check things off your bucket list, and experiencing other cultures and ways of life will make you a more resourceful, well-rounded, and compassionate human, all things that will serve you well in your future. Pick up some new skills, explore your passions, and return home refreshed for your next chapter in life.
So you know it&rsquo;s going to be super hot, but did you know that locals typically dress more conservatively throughout Asia? This means shoulders and knees are always covered, even on the hottest of days. So if you ever wondered how those flowy backpacker elephant pants became so popular, now you know! Shop local markets to pick up new wardrobe staples and support the community at the same time. Loose and flowy clothing will keep you cool even on scorching days, and won&rsquo;t weigh down your suitcase!