Q: GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Why will your gap year in Thailand rock? You’ll be taking a unique, unforgettable path that will open doors for you in the future. Take advantage of this time in your life to do some soul-searching (while munching on mangoes and pad thai). A gap year in Thailand will provide you with a new perspective, new friends, a new language, and a new outlook on life. Friends back home will envy the Instagram pics of you bathing elephants and playing with kids at the beach; although, you’ll know it’s not about the photos, but the memories you now have forever. This is your chance to take Thai cooking classes, learn to drive a motorbike, get your scuba diving certification, and so much more! With a festival about every month, you’ll never be at a loss for something to do or see in Thailand. Experience Songkran (a three day water fight), the well-known lantern festival, the Lopburi monkey buffet, and the Chinese New Year! The learning opportunities during your gap year will stretch beyond your education—the possibilities are endless. Saying yes to a gap year in Thailand will be one of the best decisions of your life!

Question 1

intro

Accepted Answer

Picture yourself enjoying a bowl of tom yum goong (hot and sour Thai soup) while relaxing beneath swaying palm trees after a day of exploring bustling markets and taking a dip at the nearby beach. Sound too good to be true? Well, it&rsquo;s actually within your reach! Taking a gap year in Thailand is this and so much more. You&rsquo;ll not only have the time of your life, you&rsquo;ll be helping to improve the lives of others with the myriad of volunteer programs and activities available for your Thailand gap year!

Question 2

Best Cities

Accepted Answer

The first step to an amazing gap year in Thailand is choosing your destination and program. Check out these very different cities to see which would best fit your interests!
Bangkok. If you&rsquo;re looking for an exciting city to explore, Bangkok takes the cake. Its vibrant city streets, ornate temples, and incredible shopping districts will keep your schedule packed. Its central location also makes it a great base camp for further explorations during gap year programs in Thailand! Did we mention the mouth watering street food?!
Chiang Mai. Located in the mountainous north of Thailand, Chiang Mai provides a calmer form of city living for a gap year in Thailand. You&rsquo;ll have access to cafes, restaurants, and markets while still being a stone&rsquo;s throw from the picturesque countryside. You&rsquo;re also sure to have company as Chiang Mai is full of expat artists, teachers, and more.
Phuket. Dreaming of living the beach life? Phuket is definitely the place for you! Southern Thailand&rsquo;s island of Phuket is known for its white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Day trips to outlying islands (especially Phi Phi) are a must, and snorkelling will soon be your favorite past time (just watch out for those jellyfish).

Question 3

Popular Activities

Accepted Answer

Thailand gap years are incredible because they are chock full of amazing activities! You didn&rsquo;t think you&rsquo;d spend all your time lying on the beach, did you?
Volunteering. Thailand gap year volunteer opportunities include working at an elephant sanctuary, teaching English at a local school, and working with refugees. You&rsquo;ll be making an incredible impact while adding to your resume. Start your day with a delicious Thai iced tea, head to your volunteer project for a few hours of meaningful work, and cap it all off with a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose (and maybe a bit of snorkelling!).
Internships. Why not test out a new career path while abroad? While your buddies back home are fulfilling their higher ed requirements with textbook overload, you&rsquo;ll be getting hands-on international work experience. Whether you are curious about hospitality and tourism, education, or environmental conservation, you can be sure to accomplish some rare academic and work experience in the land of smiles!
Adventure Travel. Perhaps you are seeking an ultimate adventure? Backpacking around Thailand is not only awe-inspiring, it&rsquo;s affordable too! Gap year programs in Thailand can include trekking through jungles, scuba diving off the coast, or practicing muay thai.

Question 4

What Else You Need to Know

Accepted Answer

Costs. Gap year programs in Thailand are very affordable compared to other countries. The cost of living is low; you can get a delicious meal for as little as 1 USD, plus massages, tuk tuk rides, and accommodation for just a few dollars more. Although penny pinching won&rsquo;t be necessary in Thailand, be sure to check out FundMyTravel for scholarships and fundraising ideas.
Accommodations. There&rsquo;s no better way to experience a new country than through a homestay. A homestay will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself into Thai family culture and comes with many other benefits&mdash;like delicious homemade food!
Visas. You&rsquo;ll need a visa to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days. There are different procedures for volunteers, interns, and backpackers when applying for a visa. Make sure to check out GoAbroad Travel Resources to ensure you are following the right steps to securing your year-long stay in Thailand.
Safety. Thailand is a very safe place to travel but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your valuables in public places and know the price range of taxis and tuk tuks before hopping in. Overall, people are extremely friendly and helpful.

Question 5

GoAbroad’s Inside Scoop

Accepted Answer

Why will your gap year in Thailand rock? You&rsquo;ll be taking a unique, unforgettable path that will open doors for you in the future. Take advantage of this time in your life to do some soul-searching (while munching on mangoes and pad thai). A gap year in Thailand will provide you with a new perspective, new friends, a new language, and a new outlook on life. 
Friends back home will envy the Instagram pics of you bathing elephants and playing with kids at the beach; although, you&rsquo;ll know it&rsquo;s not about the photos, but the memories you now have forever. This is your chance to take Thai cooking classes, learn to drive a motorbike, get your scuba diving certification, and so much more!
With a festival about every month, you&rsquo;ll never be at a loss for something to do or see in Thailand. Experience Songkran (a three day water fight), the well-known lantern festival, the Lopburi monkey buffet, and the Chinese New Year!
The learning opportunities during your gap year will stretch beyond your education&mdash;the possibilities are endless. Saying yes to a gap year in Thailand will be one of the best decisions of your life!