For many people, taking a gap year before starting university feels right. After spending many years in education, the idea of jumping straight into higher education without a break can feel overwhelming.

A gap year before university gives you the opportunity to become a more grounded, self-aware version of yourself. At Project Trust, we see students who have spent time living independently go on to settle into university life more confidently. Navigating a new culture, managing your own time and delving into a foreign community all contribute to a greater sense of self. Think of it as, instead of taking a year out, you are investing a year in yourself.

A gap year abroad can also shape what you choose to study. Our Volunteers often leave for their international placement with a clear idea of what they want to study. The experience of volunteering abroad, however, can leave volunteers coming home with an entirely different passion to what they left with.

Take Lucy, who volunteered in Ghana with Project Trust in 2023/24 – her volunteering experience changed her focus, and she returned home with a new idea of what she wanted to study. In these cases, it’s better to have discovered this before university, rather than halfway through.

“My goals have changed – they’ve become bigger and clearer than they were before I left. My time in Ghana gave me a much stronger vision for my future, and several experiences there have genuinely shaped what I want to do next. I’m planning to study medicine at university, and while we were away we started a girls’ club focused on women’s health. Being able to teach and have open conversations about those topics was incredibly inspiring, and it made me realise that women’s health is something I’d love to focus on within medicine. I’d also love to bring my career back to Africa one day.”

That might sound great, but you may still be worried about having a university place when you’re home. Many UK universities offer deferred entry, meaning you can secure your place before your gap year begins. You leave knowing exactly where you’re headed upon return, which makes it easier to fully commit to your gap year abroad without the stress of coming back to the unknown.

By the time you complete a degree, you are older, more independent and often clearer on what you want from a year away. A post-university gap year abroad comes with a different kind of freedom and can be a brilliant bridge between study and the rest of your life.

Graduate schemes, jobs and further study will always be there when you are back. Taking the time to do a structured international gap year programme can be a valuable way to stand out when you reach this point. Employers often look favourably on applicants who have done something meaningful in the gap, particularly if it demonstrates initiative and global awareness. Jamie, who completed an overseas volunteering placement in Thailand with Project Trust, credits his experience abroad as a key factor in landing his first job. International volunteering for young people pays dividends long after the year is over.

University years also give you the opportunity to expand your network in a way that can be transformative when it comes to fundraising for your gap year abroad. By the time you graduate, you’ll have built a wide community of friends, course-mates, lecturers and perhaps part-time colleagues – people who believe in you and are likely to cheer you on and support you in hitting your fundraising target.

Alice, who volunteered in Thailand with Project Trust, found that heading into her placement post-university meant she could take her newly built skills and confidence directly into her year abroad. She had already had an experience of living independently, cooking for herself and navigating living somewhere new, so she was able to hit the ground running on her Volunteer year and really delve straight into teaching at her placement.

The One Thing Both Paths Have in Common

No matter what point in life you choose to go, the thing that will define your gap year is the intention. A year spent genuinely immersing yourself in a community and doing meaningful work will both challenge and change you. At Project Trust, we offer structured overseas volunteering placements, currently across Asia, Africa and the Americas. These are designed to give young people the skills, perspective and confidence that last a lifetime, whenever they choose to go.

So, should you take a gap year before or after university? The only wrong answer is letting the question stop you from going at all.

Learn more about Volunteering with us here.

The post Should I Take a Gap Year Before or After University? appeared first on Project Trust.

Living and working in a small Thai village opened Jamie’s eyes to new perspectives and ways of life.

“I’ve met people with completely different world views,” he explains. “Having conversations that challenge how I think about things has been so valuable. Coming to a different country and being thrown into an unfamiliar environment really made me learn to adapt, respect, and embrace new ways of doing things.”

For Jamie, the most meaningful part of his year was the connection he built with his students.

“Seeing the progress the kids are making is incredibly inspiring,” he says. “Watching their English improve and knowing I have played a part in that gave me such encouragement. Building those connections has been really special.”

Communication was a challenge at first, but one that taught him some of the most lasting lessons. “Very few people in my village spoke English,” Jamie recalls. “So I had to find other ways to express myself paying attention to my tone, emotion, even using technology to get my point across. My confidence grew so much. Being the only white person living in the village was a big thing to overcome.”

Alongside practical teaching skills, Jamie says the cultural lessons he learned will stay with him for life.

“Thai people are very dedicated, they work hard and take real pride in what they do. Everyone has their responsibilities, and they do them with such commitment. It’s something I really admire and hope to bring into my own work in the future.”

From Thailand to Technology

After returning from Thailand, Jamie decided to take a new direction.

“I chose to go into an apprenticeship in IT rather than university because that style of learning suited me more,” he explains. “I was a bit worried about finding a placement as I didn’t do the best in my A Levels, but that fear disappeared quickly as I had several interviews within a few weeks of coming home.”

In one of those interviews, Jamie discovered an unexpected connection.

“The Chief Security Officer of the company I was interviewing for had also done a gap year in Thailand when she was younger,” he says. “That gave me a real boost of confidence in the interview and a few hours later I got the call saying I’d got the job. It was such a relief.

Jamie’s new apprenticeship has already given him the chance to put his volunteering skills to use.

“My year out definitely helped my confidence levels and my readiness to speak to people I wasn’t familiar with, ” he says. “It also did wonders for my communication skills – learning how to articulate my ideas clearly was essential in Thailand, and that’s carried through to my job now.”

Looking back, Jamie believes his Project Trust experience was a key factor in securing his apprenticeship.

“In my case, my gap year might have been the difference between getting the job and still looking,” he reflects. “My boss had done something similar to Project Trust so knew the kind of person you have to be to complete one. Even just having it on my CV helped get my foot in the door.”

Jamie’s story shows how a Project Trust placement goes far beyond a year overseas — it builds resilience, adaptability, and the confidence to take on new challenges. From the classroom in Thailand to the start of a new career in IT, his experience is a reminder that the lessons learned through volunteering can open doors for years to come.

Learn more about Volunteering in Thailand here.

The post From Classroom to Confidence: Jamie’s Year Volunteering in Thailand appeared first on Project Trust.

“On the 12th of September, I woke up at my mum’s house for the very last time. My head was a whirlwind of excitement and “what-ifs.”

I tried to take it all in – one last look at the room where so much of my life had unfolded. My train to London was leaving Edinburgh Waverley at 7 a.m., and Alex, my best mate, had stayed over so he could give us a lift to the station. While Alex went to get the car, I faced the difficult goodbye with my brother, his girlfriend, and my sister. Somehow, I held it together, but even now, thinking about it makes my chest tighten. As I walked down the stairs of my mum’s flat for the last time, it all came flooding back – the sense of home I had always felt here. If those walls could talk, they’d have plenty of stories to tell, from the chaotic house parties I thought I’d gotten away with to the birthdays that filled the flat with laughter. But it was more than just those big moments. It was the comfort of coming home after a long day, the smell from the bottom of the stairs leading to my mum’s kitchen, and the way I could just be there without thinking about anything else.

When I got into Alex’s car, the silence felt heavy. If you know either of us, that’s a clear sign something’s up. We drove past streets I’d walked down countless times, but everything felt different this time. As my mum pulled my suitcase out of Alex’s car, I said my goodbyes to him. It was easier knowing he’d come to visit, but it was still hard to say goodbye. I really miss him already – no one gets me like he does; he’s definitely set the bar high for what a friend should be.

The train to London went by quickly. When we arrived, we headed to the hotel, dropped off our bags, and spent the rest of the day wandering around the city. It felt oddly familiar – London was a place my mum and I had spent a lot of time in over the years. Walking around, talking like usual, it almost felt like any other trip. But something was different this time. This wasn’t just a casual visit; London was only a stop on the way to something much bigger – Bangkok. The weight of that sat quietly in the back of my mind all day. We had dinner, but by the time we got back to the hotel, the nerves had really set in. As I lay in bed that night, the excitement I’d been feeling all day was mixed with anxiety. I was about to leave everything I knew behind, and the reality of it all was sinking in. Tomorrow wasn’t just another travel day; it was the start of something completely new. My mind wouldn’t stop racing, thinking about what was to come. Eventually, I fell asleep, but it wasn’t easy with the butterflies in my stomach.

Then I woke up, ready to catch the Tube to the airport and meet the other volunteers I was traveling with. Lindsay, my mum’s friend, who I call my second mum, came with us to the airport. Having her there reassured me, not just because my mum and I both have a terrible sense of direction, but also because I felt better knowing someone would be there for my mum. I knew saying goodbye would be hard for both of us, and having Lindsay with her made it a little easier. That was probably the hardest goodbye, not because it was worse than saying goodbye to my dad or siblings, but because it was the final one. My mum, like me, isn’t great at hiding tears, and seeing her like that made it even tougher.

Afterward, I met the other volunteers, and we headed through security. As usual, the airport was packed, but we managed to make it through. Naturally, we headed straight for a Wetherspoons breakfast like true Brits. After breakfast, we waited at the gate and then boarded the plane for Kuala Lumpur. The food was surprisingly delicious, but the turbulence was something else. It was so bumpy that it felt like the plane was mirroring how I was feeling inside – nervous, unsure, and full of ups and downs. We flew through several thunderstorms, and the turbulence was so bad that I didn’t sleep a wink.

So, when we finally landed in Kuala Lumpur, I was beyond relieved. Our connecting flight to Bangkok was much shorter, only about two hours, and before I knew it, we had arrived. At the airport, we met our country rep, Aydan, who had been a volunteer himself, so he knew exactly how we were feeling.

We arrived at the hotel, which was absolutely stunning, but in that moment, I was completely overwhelmed. The exhaustion from the long journey and the flood of emotions from all the goodbyes hit me hard. I decided to take a nap, hoping to clear my head and recharge. When I woke up, I felt a bit more grounded and joined the group for a beautiful dinner. The food was incredible, and I started to feel a sense of excitement creeping back in.

After dinner, we headed up to the bar on the rooftop of the hotel. The view was breath-taking, Bangkok’s skyline stretched out beneath us, a mixture of lights and sounds that felt almost surreal. As we clinked our glasses together, it started to sink in: we’d done it. We had raised all the money, packed up our lives, and left home. Standing there, surrounded by new friends, I felt a mix of pride and disbelief. We’d made it through the emotional rollercoaster of leaving, the nerve-wracking travel, and now, here we were, at the start of something so much bigger than any of us. It was a night of celebration, not just for making it to Bangkok, but for all the hard work and courage it took to get here.

The next day, we headed to a shopping centre to get SIM cards, which turned into our first real challenge with the language barrier. Thankfully, Google Translate came to the rescue. We split into two groups, and it still took our group of six nearly three hours to get everyone sorted. By the time we were done, we were absolutely starving, so we found a spot for lunch. I offered to cover the bill to make things easier, and everyone could transfer me later. When the bill came, we couldn’t stop laughing—it was only £16 for six meals and drinks! I felt like such a tight arse asking for the money back, but we had a good laugh about it.

The next morning, we headed off to Tha Ruae. I wish I could say everything’s been perfect, but it’s been a tough start. Since arriving, I’ve been pretty ill—two colds, constant toothaches that resulted in two teeth being pulled, a round of food poisoning, and the inevitable homesickness. Right now, I’m in Chiang Mai, and it’s such a beautiful city, so I’m hoping my luck turns around. Despite the challenges, I’ve already fallen in love with Thailand—the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and of course, the food. There’s something about this place that makes even the hard days worth it.

Our living conditions have been a bit of an adjustment, too. We don’t have a fridge or a proper shower, so it’s cold bucket washes and creative ways to store food. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s teaching me to appreciate the little things. Every day brings new challenges, but I’m learning to handle them.

As tough as it’s been at times, I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. Thailand, with all its beauty and its challenges, has a way of pushing you, but it also rewards you. Even with all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. I’m growing stronger, and I’m ready for whatever comes next. “

Ready to take on the challenge of leaving home to Volunteer internationally? Find out more about where you can go here.

The post Volunteering in Thailand appeared first on Project Trust.

From traditional Ceilidh music (on the fiddle) or Scottish Folk Rock (on the guitar) or even just a bit of Burns poetry – these are all ways I have shared my passion and stories about my home with the amazing family I have found myself a part of in rural Thailand. Especially at celebrations and parties, I find myself playing music with friends and trading stories through songs until the early hours of the morning. I’ve enjoyed playing Flower of Scotland, Loch Lomond, Scotland the Brave and of course, Auld Lang Syne. I had the pleasure of bringing in the bells on New Year’s Eve with my friend T.Soo (the music teacher at school) and his family. We shared a particularly Scottish moment, and all sang along as I played Auld Lang Syne on the guitar.

Having recently bought a violin from Chum Phae, I have been teaching friends the Scottish fiddle and in return they have taught me the Thai Phin. The Thai Phin is a traditional instrument in north eastern Thailand.

Amid preparing for the upcoming English exams at school, I have also been practicing playing the Thai Phin with my fellow teachers at Baan Faidinsor, which has been a great way to connect and share stories. My friends here in Thailand have noticed my passion for sharing music from home and as a result, I have been asked to perform at my friend T.Aum’s wedding later this month. This will be my first experience of a Thai wedding and while there will be lots of traditional elements, I will be bringing some Scottish stories to the event by playing the fiddle. I am very humbled to have this opportunity and it really reaffirms how music is an integral part of both Thai and Scottish culture.  

Being able to teach students and fellow teachers about traditional Scottish music and learn traditional Thai music in return has been a wonderful new experience for me. I’m just so glad this exchange of storytelling is in a language I understand – notes, chords and songs.

Learn more about what it’s like to Volunteer in Thailand by visiting our country page here.

The post From Fiddle to Phin: Ethan’s Experience of Storytelling through Music  appeared first on Project Trust.

How did you find returning to Coll and reuniting with your cohort after 3 years? 

Being back on Coll after so many years was so surreal. I don’t think it really sunk in until we arrived, that we were actually going back. It was so amazing after so many years to be able to have the opportunity to share our experiences together and see the Project Trust team and Coll again. I am lucky enough to still see a lot of my friends who I went to India with, but being able to go back to where it all started brought up so many emotions that I didn’t realise I had and made me so grateful for this whole experience. Coll has so many happy memories for me, and I feel like being able to go back gave me the best closure to my Project Trust experience I could have wished for.  

How has your experience with Project Trust shaped what you have gone on to do? 

Before I left for India, I was not sure what I wanted to do, but from working with the children at my school and finding joy in helping them with their progression I decided to apply to university. I am currently studying Social Work at the University of Edinburgh, which I truly do not believe I would have had the drive or confidence to do before my time away with Project Trust. I developed so many skills necessary for my degree and gained invaluable experiences that have helped me get to where I am today. 

What was your favourite part about the 19/20 Debriefing? 

My favourite part of Debriefing was definitely being able to reminisce about India all these years later, with the people who also experienced it and with new people who were so interested to hear. Being able to mix with other country groups not only gave me new Project Trust friends but also allowed me an insight into other people’s experiences. (We also got to swim in the ocean whilst the seals were there which was so fun. They kept popping their heads up and making us laugh). 

The post Reflecting on my Gap Year Learning in India appeared first on Project Trust.

Below Anna and Skye tell us what their first 5 months living and volunteering in Phnom Penh, Cambodia have been like.

Skye and I embarked on our Project Trust journey in January, volunteering at Don Bosco Technical School Phnom Penh where we teach English, assist with extra-curricular activities, and help look after the boarder girls.  We have currently passed the halfway mark and it’s difficult to put into words how fantastic our experience has been thus far despite a few difficulties in the beginning. It’s been wonderful to talk to the students and watch as they gain more confidence while speaking English and interacting with us.  

There have been many memorable times so far spent with the students and staff. The Khmer New Year celebrations have been a highlight.  During the month-long celebration, we played numerous traditional games including lots of running, and danced every day.  We’re quickly becoming fans of Khmer music. We were able to engage with and have fun with both students and staff. There was nonstop joy and laughter. We all wore traditional Khmer dress for the day which contributed to our discovery of the various traditions and cultural aspects of this celebration. One of our favourite moments was when we danced and sprayed water at each other with hoses, as playing with water is an important part of New Year celebrations here. These moments will live with us forever.

The Don Bosco Feast Day which was held in January was yet another extremely memorable occasion.  This was a four-day celebration where we remembered the founder of the Salesian community, watched the students play football matches and other games, and ate traditional Khmer food. It was an exciting atmosphere as the students claimed the football championship.  The following day we had mass and got assigned our team colours – green and blue respectively and joined the students in a quiz about the life of Don Bosco. Over the course of the 4 days, the colour teams competed in various events culminating in the distribution of trophies. It was lovely to learn more about the Salesian community and the important values Don Bosco represents.

One piece of advice we can share is that the best days are the ones you don’t expect. We can’t wait to see what the next few months looks like and hope to continue sharing these special moments with our students.

The post Volunteering in Cambodia appeared first on Project Trust.

Hi, I’m Ellie and I am currently living in Senangkhanikhom, Thailand, with Hattie, my project partner. Within three short weeks, I’ve already experienced more than I’d ever imagined, and I can’t express how excited I am for the year ahead. This will be my attempt at a summary to provide an idea of what living internationally as a volunteer is like; however, I could talk about it forever, so feel free to contact me.

In reflection of our time so far, the number of events we’ve witnessed and been involved in is inconceivable. After saying our goodbyes to the team in Bangkok, we embarked on the ten-hour bus journey to our village, where we were both immediately greeted by a group of the community in Senangkhanikhom, all ecstatic to meet us. We were taken straight to the village market for a 6 a.m. breakfast of sticky rice and noodles (chicken feet were optional), then to the school where we would work for the year. Upon arrival at Senangkhanikhom Kindergarten, we were met by critical committee members and given gifts of gorgeous flower garlands and Thai silk scarves from the mayor and school principal.

The scarves the mayor gave us resembled our Thai names; I am ‘Praewa’ and Hattie is ‘Pha Mai’, both are types of traditional Thai silks. We paraded around the school, saying hello to all the children and trying out the bikes the community bought for us. Afterwards, our host, Tam so kindly threw us a traditional Thai Barbecue party which included the divine menu of pig ear, pig intestine and raw beef (killed a few hours prior to eating).

It was all prepared beautifully by her family, using ingredients from her Mum’s garden that includes a wide herb selection, ranging from spring onions to more exotic choices. We sat around the table all evening with loads of people from the area, warmed by everyone’s hospitality whilst being massively humbled in terms of spice tolerance. This set the scene nicely for the next three weeks.

At first, living internationally was like being thrown into the deep end, it felt like being at square one with a severe language barrier and no connections apart from your partner. From a different perspective, being immersed in a foreign environment naturally encourages independence and has unknowingly induced a new approach to meeting people and communicating. It should be expected that there will be challenges- even if it’s sleeping in an ant infestation because the chocolate was left out (literal ants in the pants situation). It may seem relatively tame but, I can confirm, that I was left scarred by the ants.

Since being here, we’ve met some insanely lovely people, have explored all types of places, learnt SO much and have jumped at every opportunity presented to us- something I highly recommend. Hattie and I have found ourselves in some mental situations of which a mere exchanged glance can send us into hysterics.

We’ve found some of our favourite moments were spent navigating around our village and getting to know this new, foreign place. Also, the religion, music, art and food is so interesting and I really recommend spending time learning about it all because you appreciate everything in different perspectives.

The post 1 Month In: Ellie’s Thailand Experience appeared first on Project Trust.