Volunteering gap years 'can be the most rewarding'

For many people, the opportunity to undertake voluntary work abroad is the biggest appeal of a gap year.

And according to Travelbite.co.uk, volunteering is one of the best ways to make the most of your gap year experience.

The travel website explained there are programs running around the world which enable gappers to put their skills and time to best use - many of them run by Year Out Group members.

"You will be able to get to know some of the local people in the place where you are based and learn what their day-to-day lives are like," the site stated.

"In addition, you will have a unique opportunity to get under the skin of a destination by learning all about its culture and traditions."

Travelbite.co.uk said that one of the best things about volunteering is the fact it allows people to give something back to a country they have enjoyed visiting.

Most people enjoy hitting the tourist trail at some point during their gap year, and while this in itself can be a great experience, tourism activities do not always benefit local people.

Voluntary work programs however can make a real difference to their lives, whether this is by helping deliver education, healthcare, accommodation or improved community amenities.

"You could help monitor wildlife numbers to protect the environment in a place of particular natural beauty," Travelbite.co.uk suggested.

"Alternatively, you may assist in constructing new community buildings or teaching English to the locals in order to open up new career opportunities to them."

In a recent report, entitled 'The State of the World's Volunteerism', United Nations Volunteers claimed that unpaid work abroad has an important role to play in wider international development.

Check out all the different gap year programs on offer.