Taking a gap year to volunteer abroad in Costa Rica

[mywordshalom]

This idea was never really a thought for me a year ago, I myself even thought some of the above comments- as I know of a few people that are taking gap years, or not going to college altogether, that don’t seem to be using their time well.

In looking for a topic to write a research paper on, I somehow came across this idea. The more research I’ve done on it, the more I wish I had taken a gap year myself. I haven’t even had the idea a week yet but when I first started to really think about it, I realized it’s something I’ve been wanting. I’m into my first year of college, currently majored in American Sign Language. I’m not sure whether or not it’s something I want to do.

I have multiple other interests as well. I enjoyed learning Spanish in high school, and want to pursue that education. I enjoyed carpentry and would be interested working there. I’ve also thought of being a real estate agent. I’ve been overwhelmed and just chose sign language as a major just to seem like I know what I’m doing, and to force myself to enjoy it. Once I started looking into the multiple benefits of a gap year, I immediately had a desire to do so myself.

It’s been the latest obsession. I’ve already broadly mapped a plan I’d do if I were to take one.

If I were to take one: I would either do it after my freshman year (this year, spring 2019), or after sophomore year (2019-2020). I’ve been really wanting to travel someplace else out of my comfort zone, and I’ve really been wanting to help others and make a difference.

During my gap year, I would love to volunteer abroad. I’ve been honing in on countries in Central America since i’ve had such an interest in Spanish. Many good programs, not sure which I’d do for sure. Either working with kids, construction, or some environment program.

Ideally, I would love to work around a time frame 6 months. I’d get a second or third job to help save up for expenses, among looking into scholarships. I’ll talk to people I know and try to get support, create a blog or some outlet so they would be able to follow my journey. Right now (hypothetically) if I were to volunteer, I estimate costs would amount to about $6000-$8000 or so- which is a little bit less than what I pay to go to university where I am now.

I wouldn’t be quitting school, I would talk to advisers about this idea and see if there would be any penalties or issues if I were to take a gap year between college years. I think if I were to have a solid plan, I think my school would be fine with it. Taking this trip would give me experience with multiple areas I’m interested, while at the same time helping others.
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This is just an idea, and part of me is scared of the thought of leaving home, but I think it’d be good for me.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

[Lee1]

. I enjoyed carpentry and would be interested working there.

A noble trade indeed. I’m not sure that you could write a paper on it exactly but I expect the life with and around working as a carpenter would be interesting. You’re likely to bump into some real characters. I’m also not sure of where you’d be working.

Carpentry is a hard trade though, you need to be or get fit fast to be effective. Muscle control is important even when using machinery so a certain amount of strength is necessary. It theory it should pay quite well depending on where you work exactly.

The only other thing I could see which might be important to bear in mind is how it would look on the old CV. I don’t know how that would affect you, I think prospective employers could see it as a very positive thing and it may add to your appeal since it might show you have diverse skills.

God bless and I hope it goes well for you.

 

[mywordshalom]

Thanks! I haven’t given it much thought as a career, afraid that it would backfire on me. If I were to go a gap year volunteering, I hope it helps me figure this out!