Conserve the Grand Canyon through BUNAC volunteering programme

Gap year students can engage with some of North America greatest natural wonders during a conservation volunteering placement.

Writing for the Guardian, Isabel Choat explained that millions of people every year flock to sites such as the Grand Canyon – a geographical feature she describes as an "astonishing feat of nature".

"If you're planning a mini gap year and want to experience the canyon up close, [consider] BUNAC's eight, ten or 12-week volunteer USA conservation programme," she said.

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, this features a number of conservation projects in national parks.

"The work involves assisting with re-vegetation, trail maintenance, fence building and protecting local endangered species," Ms Choat explained.

Participants spend some time camping and some staying in shared housing, she added.

BUNAC – a Year Out Group member – organises overseas work and volunteer programmes to the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ghana, South Africa, Cambodia, India, China, Costa Rica and Peru.

Check out all the difference gap year programs on offer.