Choosing to do a gap year can be one of the most invigorating things, whether you’re choosing to do it directly after high school or between college and grad school or work. Of course, a lot of people who choose to do a gap year often plan out things to do that are way out of their budget. This can really detour many people from wanting to take a gap year. However, there’s a whole lot of things you can do on a budget that will keep you happy during your gap year. Now, you’ll be able to use this special time to find yourself without having to stress over money or where the future is going to lead you. So, think of this period as a deep breath and exhale all of the tension that may be holding you back!

1. Join Peace Corps
If your gap year is taking place after you graduate from college, then Peace Corps may be the perfect option to allow you to meet your goals. When you join Peace Corps you will be sent somewhere in the world that will allow you use your skills while seeing some incredible new places. Peace Corps is a great option for those looking to go into a field that helps the community. Peace Corps will place you in a job that suits what you’ve already learned. You may even be able to get some college credit for the work you do. Plus, you can defer student loans while you participate in Peace Corps. Those who do join the program are given a place to live and an allowance that is similar to what locals would earn. This will help anyone who joins learn to live a different lifestyle, which could be a priceless lesson to learn.

2. Teach English
Another great option for anyone who wants to travel abroad without the huge price tag is to join a teaching program. Different programs require different education levels, but if you can pass a certification test then you may find yourself abroad in no time at all. Most programs will set you up in a job and find you a place to stay, so you won’t have a lot to worry about when you move to your new surroundings. You may even have to take a crash course in the country’s origin, which is sure to help you down the line. Programs like this look really great when you apply to schools and even jobs later on in life. Many people find a program like this is one of the most rewarding things to do with their life and some even make it a lifetime career. You never know how much you’ll love the region you’re sent to or all of the exciting things you’ll see until you try!

3. Work on A Cruise Ship
Another amazing way to see the world is to work for a cruise ship. They have cruise ships that go all over the world, so you should be able to find one that suits your interests. There’s many major names in the cruise line business too, so you can adapt to your interests here as well. If you’re not cool with being on the wide open sea for long periods, then you might want to consider shorter tours. All the same, when you land a job on a cruise ship you will gain valuable work experience while getting to explore the world. You can choose from a wide range of jobs too, so you won’t have to wind up doing something you absolutely hate. Before long, you may feel like you’re vacationing part time as you’ll have lots of fun on the cruise. Not to mention, with meals and housing covered, you’ll be able to save a whole lot of money while you sail away.

4. Be an Au Pair
One timeless way to see the world while you’re young is to become an au pair. Mostly young women, but some young men have been going abroad to work as an au pair for decades now. There’s many programs to choose from if you’re considering this as an option. However, you should always be careful and do a lot of research before you join a program. Also, make sure to look into reviews over the past few years. Most employers will give you room, board and an allowance for being an au pair, which will allow you to experience the world around you while gaining work experience. If you’re great with children then this may be right up your alley, especially if you feel you can teach children English. You may have to work on learning a new language while you’re there, but this will only help you as you progress in life.

5. Work on a Farm
If you’ve lived in the city of suburbs your whole life, then you may want to change your perspective and find a program that will allow you to work on a farm. Some farms will actually house workers during picking seasons, so this can be a wise choice if you’re planning on doing this domestically. You will learn hard work as well as the value of your time and where your food comes from. Of course, there are also farming programs abroad that allows you to see the world. Many of these are located in the UK, but you can find them in many other places in the world too. You will have to join a program to work on one of these farms, but before you know it you could be leading a whole new life that is sure to change the way you live your day to day life. These programs also offer room and board and are sure to leave you with some free time that will allow you to discover your new surroundings.

6. Pursue a Passion
Gap years are the perfect time to follow your hopes and dreams. If you developed a passion for something in high school, or perhaps you feel like you will enjoy doing something, then now is the time to do it. Gap years may actually be the only time you get to do this type of activity, unless you’re holding out for retirement. So, write the novel, paint the masterpiece or spend your afternoons busking on the side of the street. You might also want to try to sell off some of your work to see if you have a possibility of pursuing your work as a full time job, rather than a hobby. If you’re into photography, then you may try to run your own business for the year. Try to draw in clients and perfect your skills as you learn work experience that will last a lifetime. This time can also be used to shadow someone in a career you’ve had your eye on. This could really help you determine if you’re on the right track, which will change your life forever.

7. Improve Your Community
A gap year is a great time to reflect on yourself, but it can also be the perfect time to make your community a better place. Volunteering for any organization in your community is a great way to spend your time while ensuring you understand just what your community needs. Try spending time at soup kitchens, working in food banks, tutoring children or even building houses. Another great option for young adults is to join the Big Brother and Sister Program. This program will set you up with a child who needs your attention, so you can easily make a difference in a youngster’s life. The more you volunteer, the better you’ll know and understand your community. This could help you lead your own program to help the underprivileged, children, the homeless or elderly. All the work you do will look fantastic on a resume or college application too.

8. Try New Things
There’s no doubt, high school can really drain your free time and leave you longing to learn new things you simply don’t have time for. If you plan on taking a gap year, now is the time to hit the books and learn a whole lot of new things. Many people try to pick up some of the basic things they will need for life later on. For instance, a lot of people who take a gap year choose to use the time to learn how to cook. May if be in a classroom setting or picking up grandma’s favorite recipes. Household basics like sewing, cleaning and keeping up with a home are also great things to pick up. Of course, if you really want to be a successful adult, you may want to work on understanding your finances and how to create budgets. Learning a language is another common gap year task. This is especially the case with countries like Germany offering free tuition. Household basics like sewing, cleaning and keeping up with a home are also great things to pick up. Of course, if you really want to be a successful adult, you may want to work on understanding your finances and how to create budgets.

9. Think About Your Major
A lot of students who go to college directly after high school tend to struggle over their major. This can not only cost you a lot of time, but with tuition always jumping you could be paying a pretty penny every time you swap majors. If you’re taking time off for a gap year, then now is the perfect time to mull over your major. Try to talk to experienced scholars in the field and research more into career prospects. If you have a few ideas, then test out the hypothesis. Try to land an internship in one of the fields or interview someone who works in one. You may also want to try putting the skills into action to see if you have what it takes. The important thing is, you should always think and rethink your options before settling on one.

10. Work
If there’s one thing you can do to better your life during a gap year, it’s to actually find a job and work. This will allow you to save up some money for college, so you won’t have to take out as many loans for when you begin. Keeping your money in savings will help it grow and flourish, which should offer you a nice start. You may even be able to join a company that helps pay their employees college tuition. Work also gives you valuable lessons that will look incredible when you put them down on your resume later on. Work experience can’t be rivaled, which is why it’s important to have some. Of course, working a minimum wage job will also show you how hard it is to get by on such a low paying job. This may give you new inspiration to get out there and go to college at last.

Gap years can be an amazing time for students, so don’t let your budgetary needs stand in your way. These quick ideas will give you plenty of options for your gap year experience, which should prevent you from getting bored while allowing you to better your future. So, let your gap year flourish as there’s lots of tensions that college and the work force will bring.