Ask questions and decide whether AV is right for you.

Choosing a gap year is a big decision. We’re here to answer your questions, talk through your ideas and help you understand what an AV programme involves.

Talk to our team →

Why not take advantage of our free Gap Year Advice session if you are undecided if a Gap Year is right for you or you don’t know how to make sure it will be worthwhile and productive.

Gap Advice Session →

Find an experience that matches your interests and aspirations.

Explore our programmes across Africa and Asia and think about the type of experience, community project and destination that interests you most. Not sure which programme is the right fit? We can also put you in touch with a past volunteer to get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be an AV.

Explore our programmes →

Get to know us, and let us get to know you

Your application starts with a short online application form. Once we’ve received it, an AV team member will be in touch to talk through your plans and the next steps.

You’ll then complete a little more information about yourself and we’ll request two references. You’ll also have a full online briefing with an AV team member, where we’ll take you through your programme step by step, answer your questions and get to know you properly. Parents/guardians are very welcome to join this conversation too.

If we both feel AV is the right fit, we’ll offer you a place on the programme. If you decide to accept, you’ll complete an acceptance form and pay your non-refundable deposit. Once we’ve received these, you’re officially onboard.

Your application journey:
Short application → Personal conversation → Further details & references → Online briefing → Offer of a place → Acceptance & deposit → You’re onboard

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare

Once you’ve secured your place, there’s plenty to organise before you head off — and it’s worth starting early. Travel vaccinations, visas, fundraising, flights and getting everything you need can all take time.

We’ll give you the information and guidance you need to prepare for your programme, including practical travel advice and what to expect when you arrive. But there are some things you’ll need to organise yourself, so don’t leave it all until the last minute!

Your pre-departure checklist includes:

• Travel vaccinations – we’ll provide you with a Medical Brief, but we always recommend you speak to your GP or travel health clinic well in advance.
• Visa – check the requirements for your programme and allow plenty of time to apply; we’ll provide the necessary supporting documents.
• Fundraising – provide a fundraising pack with ideas and practical guidance to help you get started. Give yourself plenty of time to plan your fundraising and reach your target.
• Flights & travel – we’ll provide a nominated flight for you to book, helping you travel out with your AV group.
• Packing – we’ll provide a kit list to help you know exactly what you’ll need for your programme and destination. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything together before you leave.
• Practical preparation – make sure you have the necessary documents, insurance and other essentials in place.

Get to know the people you’ll share the experience with

You’ll meet your fellow AVs for the first time in person at the airport when you set off. But you won’t have to wait until then to get to know each other. A couple of weeks before departure, we’ll share the contact details of your group so you can introduce yourselves, start chatting and make plans before you meet.

By the time you arrive at the airport, you’ll hopefully already recognise a few names and faces — and you’ll be heading off on your AV journey together.

Your AV experience really begins.

Meet your in-country team, settle into your surroundings and start getting to know the community you’ll be living and working alongside.

Become part of everyday community life.

This is at the heart of the AV experience. You’ll live and work alongside local people, contribute to meaningful community projects and experience everyday life rather than simply passing through as a tourist.

Throughout your programme, you’ll have 24/7 support from your in-country manager, who is a member of the AV team and based in your programme country. They’re there to support you throughout your experience, from helping you settle in and answering questions to providing guidance whenever you need it. Our in-country managers aren’t third-party representatives — they’re part of AV and know our programmes, communities and volunteers personally.

You’ll also have the opportunity to learn from the people and community around you, adapt to a different way of life and develop a deeper understanding of the place you’re living.

This is more than volunteering abroad. It’s an opportunity to live, work and learn within a community, with the support of your AV team around you.

Read more about the AV approach →

Develop confidence, independence and skills that stay with you

An AV programme is about more than the projects you work on. Living and working in a different culture, taking on new responsibilities and navigating unfamiliar situations can challenge you in ways you might not expect.

Along the way, you’ll develop confidence, independence, resilience and practical skills — while gaining a different perspective on the world and on yourself.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from past volunteers and parents about how their AV experience has stayed with them long after they returned home.

Read our Parent & Volunteer Stories →

The journey doesn’t end when you return home.

When you return home, we’ll be in touch to hear about your experience, talk through how you found the programme and gather your feedback. It’s important to us to hear what worked well and what we can continue to improve.

You’ll also receive an AV certificate recognising your contribution, and we’re happy to provide a reference for you in the future when you need one.

And if you’ve enjoyed your experience and want to stay involved, we’d love to hear from you. Many of our former volunteers share their experiences with prospective volunteers and parents at gap year fairs and talks around the UK, helping others understand what an AV programme is really like.

Your programme may finish, but your relationship with AV doesn’t have to.

Stay connected to the AV community.

Your experiences, friendships and connection with AV can continue long after your programme has finished. Whether you stay involved, support future volunteers or simply keep in touch with the people you met along the way, you’ll always be part of the AV community.

Ready to take the first step? Explore our programmes or get in touch with the AV team to talk through your options.

Explore our programmes →
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