Volunteer teaching in Brazil 'an amazing experience'

American student Meg Healy says a gap year spent volunteering in Brazil has equipped her with the skills needed for her international relations degree.

According to The Viking View, the California teen spent seven months in South America, teaching English and Portuguese to young schoolchildren.

She stayed with a local family for six months, helping to immerse herself in the local culture and play an active community role.

Before heading away on her gap year adventure, Meg attended a leadership class at high school where she learned more about her host country.

The Montgomery High School graduate described her experience in Brazil as "amazing".

She said the opportunity to do something constructive during her year out was highly valuable, as it helped develop new skills and also recharged her batteries for university.

Meg added that voluntary work abroad has opened her view to the world, meaning she is now driven to achieve all her life and career goals.

A number of Year Out Group members organise gap year programs in Brazil, including Quest, GVI, Frontier Conservation, i to i Volunteering, Oyster Worldwide, Project Trust, Real Gap Experience, Projects Abroad and Travellers Worldwide.

See the different gap year destinations on offer.