Impact Gap Year

My experience with this organization was life-changing! The staff and my host family went above and beyond to make me comfortable and give me a truly immersed experience. Additionally, I got hands-on clinical experience that I could not have gotten in the United States.

It was an amazing experience and I have come away with a profound respect for the country and people I volunteered with. Every interaction, whether in the community or during my service, became a lesson in cultural exchange and shared humanity.

I highly recommend this organization! The placement has lead me to have an amazing experience. The staff helped me throughout the entire process and found an internship placement that matched my goals.

I learned a lot about how social work functions in France. I gained personal experience working with a non profit organization that helps low income people gain housing. I wanted to learn more about the subject as a whole, work with people and improve my French and I did all those three things.

I realized once I got back that I learned more than I thought I did- not that I didn't think I learned a lot, already. There of my goals were to make more international friends (check) amp up my french comprehension (check) and expand my worldview (check).

South Africa has been the best experience ever- African Impact has been life-changing! sports volunteering was brilliant. The kids were a pleasure to coach and welcomed me with open arms. The coaches at the schools are doing great job and I will miss them all greatly! I came to South Africa alone and was very nervous but everyone did a fantastic job of making me feel this was my home. I'm leaving here feeling more than content with a completely different outlook on life.

I had the most incredible experience interning in Bangkok, Thailand. They placed me in a host family that was so kind and the Thai advisor was always there for me when I need anything during my stay. I learned so much about Thai culture and Buddhism and had a great internship that taught neme a lot about the medical field. I would highly recommend to anyone who is ready for an adventure.

It’s given me a lot more confidence about what to do next, just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you haven’t got those skills and experience. Something I do notice where I’ve perhaps helped younger people is it’s all new to them whereas I’ve seen it all before. That experience does count for quite a bit, so that has been validating.

Learned so much. Beautiful country. Great people willing to help. The staff was so helpful and my host mom was so wonderful. I met so many awesome people and everyone I worked with was super helpful. I absolutely love my host mom and I just feel really lucky to have had this experience.

The Centre where I’m volunteering in Cambodia is an amazing place for any traveller — young or old. The local staff are very welcoming and are always ready to help with any situation or need that comes your way. The program offers cultural immersion and an enjoyable volunteering experience that I would recommend anyone to try.

Going in I felt anxious on what to expect as I have never traveled on my own, however that was quickly taken away by the support and encouragement from all involved, I have never met kinder and more likeminded individuals! The time I shared will forever be cherished and I would gladly put myself forward to do it all over again.

I was not expecting to meet and find friendship with such a diverse set of people. Ages, backgrounds and cultures. The expedition was an incredibly positive experience and that atmosphere was set right from the start.

We are having time of our lives here! The young offenders are really polite and we like working with them. Things went well at our placement in the Philippines and the organization I worked with was really amazing!

Through my reflections I noticed extreme progress in my spanish language skills as well as my interaction with the people as I strive to understand and appreciate their culture more and more. All the while I experienced a lot of personal growth, which I absolutely love!

Honestly, I don’t want to leave! I’ve met a lot of incredible people from different countries, I’m in love with the staff here, the kids at my site have stolen my heart. I feel so content – my heart is full.”

I received a warm welcome. The guest house hostess is kind and lovely.The school teachers and staff are awesome. All the volunteers are friendly and caring too. Immersed in this welcoming community, every moment feels like a step towards unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships.

It was an amazing experience and I have come away with a profound respect for the country and people I volunteered with. The accommodation is lovely, the food is great, and the girl I’m rooming with is really nice too. Everyone at the project so lovely and welcomed me warmly.

I have always wanted to combine volunteering, travelling and discovering and discovering new cultures this summer. I went volunteering for 3 weeks in Thailand and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the possibility to work in a school helping the kids improve their English and living with local people their which was amazing and so involving because I could get to know Thai people's lifestyle and habits in depth which is impossible as a normal tourist. All the staff is very kind and helpful and they were very fast answering at any questions I had. I strongly recommend it for everyone who is interested in a life changing experience!