She Strengthens

The Ultimate Guide to Affording a Year Abroad

Taking a year off to travel the world sounds like a dream come true. From trekking through Nepal’s mountains to learning French in Paris, the possibilities are endless. However, one major obstacle stands in the way: finances. Budgetary restrictions can make it difficult to turn your travel dreams into a reality.

Calculating the Cost of a Year Abroad

To help you plan your trip, we’ve crunched the numbers to show you how far your money can stretch in different parts of the world. We’ve used a theoretical budget of $5,000 and calculated how many days you could spend in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America.

Independent Travel: Charting Your Own Course

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, independent travel might be the way to go. This means you’ll be responsible for making your own travel arrangements, finding activities, and managing your experience abroad. While it requires more effort, it can also be a more cost-effective option.

Asia: The Budget-Friendly Option

Asia is a popular destination for gap year travelers, and for good reason. With a budget of $5,000, you could spend three to five months exploring countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. If you’re willing to teach English, you could even stretch your budget to a year or more.

Australia: Working Holiday Visa

Australia might not be the cheapest destination, but its working holiday scheme makes it possible to work while traveling. With a working holiday visa, you could almost triple the amount of time you spend in Australia. You can also lower your daily expenses by working in exchange for accommodation or subletting a room.

Europe: Culture and Cuisine

Europe is a classic destination for post-graduation travel, language learning, and cultural immersion. While it might not be the most affordable option, there are ways to cut costs. Consider WWOOFing, couchsurfing, or subletting an apartment to reduce your daily expenses.

South and Central America: Affordable Adventure

South and Central America offer a mix of affordability and adventure. Flights are relatively cheap, overland transportation is inexpensive, and the cost of living is low. You could easily spend six months or more on a budget of $5,000, especially if you’re willing to WWOOF, teach English, or stay in one place for a longer period.

Africa: Wildlife and Wonder

Africa is another affordable destination, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas. While activities and tours might eat into your budget, you can still have an unforgettable experience on a budget of $5,000. Consider volunteering in a rural area or exploring lesser-traveled spots like Tanzania or Ghana.

Program Providers: Stress-Free Travel

If you prefer a more structured experience, program providers can take care of the logistics for you. While it might be more expensive, program fees often cover housing, food, transportation, and travel insurance. Be sure to factor in what’s included before writing off a program as too expensive.

Program Examples

• Elephant volunteering in Thailand with Global Vision International: $2,590 (4 weeks)
• Volunteering in Kenya with Volunteering Solutions: $2,205 (4 months)
• 2-Month volunteering program in Peru with Camps International: $3,305
• Gapforce Australia Adventure Program: $2,520 (2 weeks)
• Gapforce Europe Tour Program: $4,500 (4 weeks)

Remember, with careful planning and research, you can make your dream of taking a year abroad a reality, no matter your budget.