According to UK-based non profit association Year Out Group, South Africa is the most popular destination among gap year travellers from that country.
|
2007 Ranking
|
Destination
|
2006 Ranking
|
| 1 |
South Africa |
4 |
| 2 |
Canada |
6 |
| 3 |
Kenya |
6 |
| 4 |
Peru |
1 |
| 5 |
Tanzania |
1 |
| 6 |
India |
1 |
| 6 |
Ghana |
6 |
| 8 |
Thailand |
6 |
| 9 |
Australia |
9 |
| 9 |
Costa Rica |
9 |
Year Out Group is an association of 35 leading UK-registered gap year providers and operates in over 90 countries.
New research from the group reveals South Africa as the number one destination of choice for volunteers looking for a location for their Gap-year (usually taken between ending school and before starting tertiary education or a career.)
Canada and Kenya are placed second and third for structured gap year placements.
Within the past year South Africa has risen from joint fourth place to reach the top of the charts - the second time in three years!
The research named Ecuador and the United States as two new entries into the top 12.
Peru, Tanzania and India are perennial favorourites.
So what do these UK youngsters come to our beautiful country for?
One of the most popular volunteer placement areas in South Africa is conservation. The African Conservation Experience arranges a 12-week volunteer programme that includes game monitoring and fence patrolling on horseback on South African private game reserves.
There is a huge need for volunteers to help with programmes for orphaned and ill children. Medical volunteers are in great demand and educational and language programmes also welcome local and foreign volunteers.
For more information on volunteer programmes in South Africa visit the Volunteer Centre website.
Greater Good SA is a great site for advising South Africans how we can volunteer time and skills to a broad range of NGOs, and is well worth a visit.
