Study Abroad, Internships, and Gap Years. Everything you need to know!

We also know that travelling, in any form, can be expensive. That is why we partner with a number of companies and organisations to bring you the best scholarships and grants around. Find our list of options and our top tip further down.

Let’s jump right in!

Why should I volunteer abroad?

Volunteering abroad is a great way to travel ethically. Working alongside our projects to help tackle issues which impact the local environment and community is a great way to give back to the areas you visit. It is also the perfect chance to get out of your comfort zone and go beyond the tourist trail while safe in the knowledge that you have all the support you could ever need on hand. And if that wasn’t enough, volunteering and working with local people allows you to experience the country you visit in all its glory and immerse yourself fully in its culture.

Volunteering works well as a standalone or part of a bigger trip. Or, if you’re thinking of taking a gap year, volunteering is a great way to make the most of your time and explore your passions. Learn more about yourself and make it look great on your resume!

What’s your fancy? We have Community, Healthcare, Business, Conservation, Education, and Arts covered. Have a look at all of our volunteer abroad projects here.

Why should I study abroad?

Although studying abroad is a tried and tested way of showing prospective schools and employers what you’re made of, nationally there is still only a small percentage of students who choose to do it. That means you can easily make your resume stand out from the crowd by joining a Kaya Project this year.

With our study and service projects, you can spend time studying at a local university and engage in initiatives outside the classroom, putting your studies into practice. While the service element is not compulsory on all projects, we often hear that students feel it complements their studies and enhances their experience. What’s more, it allows you to develop a wider range of skills and sets you apart when looking for a job.

Our study abroad projects can also earn you credit! Speak to your school or department and we can help you arrange it.

With options in Peru, Vietnam and Thailand (and Ecuador soon to come!) you can see all of our study abroad options here.

Why should I intern abroad?

If you are looking for in-depth opportunities in a specific field, an internship is a great choice for you. Compared to our volunteer placements, Kaya internships require a longer time commitment, to ensure you get the most from the project and we will connect you with a supervisor who will provide feedback and assessment of the work being carried out. These placements allow you to gain an understanding of international business and markets and build meaningful (and often useful!) connections.

With a huge choice of subject areas including Women’s Empowerment, Tourism, Pre-Vet, Business, and Healthcare, we can help you narrow down the options and match you with the perfect project.

From speech therapy in Peru to Graphic Design in South Africa, check out all of our internship projects here.

Scholarships and fundraising

Travelling can be expensive and while we try and offer the best prices possible sometimes we all need a bit of help. Scholarships are a great way to fund, in part or in whole, your trip and there are plenty to apply for!

A quick piece of advice before you get started, make sure you read through the requirements carefully! Usually, the information is pretty straightforward but it pays to double check before spending time filling in the application.

You can find a comprehensive list of the scholarships we work with here. The list is constantly updated so keep an eye out for new opportunities!

Another option is to do some fundraising yourself. It may involve some creativity but we have seen some great success and it’s a wonderful way to spread your passion and knowledge for an issue or cause! Check out our previous blog entry to give you some inspiration!