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Thailand

Thailand is a whirlwind of culture, history, sights, and sounds. With colorful cuisine, vibrant cities, and quirky towns, Thailand is an excellent place for a gap year and a fantastic, budget-friendly location to explore Southeast Asia and broader. English-speaking travelers have many opportunities, such as volunteering in volunteering programs, helping in local orphanages, and teaching English. The country has been experiencing rapid growth in tourism and education, so the English language is becoming more widespread. You can also take your time learning the Thai culture, from interacting with locals, learning the language, and becoming familiar with the cuisine, which is a big part of the country's culture. You will also grow by giving your time and skills to the locals!

If you want to pursue teaching in Thailand, there is a 3-month window to obtain your visa, and once issued, the visa will extend for up to a year from entry. Thailand is a land of ancient history, beaches, temples, bustling cities, and jungles teeming with life. Take the plunge and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to this vibrant country. Remember to try some water sports and discover the joys of island hopping. 

Peru

Speckled with world heritage UNESCO sites, Peru is a land with a rich history and culture worth sinking your teeth into during your gap year. This budget-friendly place is a gem for backpackers, too, so you can meet like-minded travelers from all over the world, which is a perfect way to make new friends and connections.

Unlock the magic of the Amazon jungle and the Andean highlands. Discover the Nazca Lines. Join a program that takes you to the heart of the Sacred Valley and become wholly immersed in cultural and local life. Learn to plant crops by hand and encounter wild llamas. Many programs offer a blend of community projects, living alongside local communities, and exploration and adventure. You will also learn about the ancient Inca people and how they have shaped the land and the culture there to this day. Here in Peru, you will take in the Rainbow Mountains with your own eyes and tick off a major bucket list item by hiking to the summit of Machu Picchu.

Peru is also a wonderful gateway to the rest of South America and a great base for immersion, learning, and an authentic experience of a culture comprising colorful textiles, love for their animals, and history. Be sure to consider Peru as a destination for a budget-friendly place to live during your gap year, cost of living is generally low,and the incredible experiences are high!

Turkey

Turkey, the bridge between Asia and Europe, is becoming increasingly popular for backpackers. It is one of the least expensive countries in Europe and the Middle East region. You can enjoy living in areas like Istanbul for a third of the cost of living in most cities in the U.S. Check out this video on inexpensive meals from Waypoint of View and this cost of living breakdown from Immigrant Invest. With affordable transportation and a hundred things to do, this is a place you will want to take your time exploring.

From the lively, bustling, and old-world charm of Istanbul to the serenity of the Cappadocia region, spend your days exploring temples and mosques, promenading through markets, and sampling tea to your heart's content. Take a hot air balloon ride over an otherworldly landscape and indulge in some of the world's most delicious comforting food. Turkey is a beautiful base location for exploring southern and eastern Europe and the Middle East, with accessible routes to Egypt and the Baltics.

Take the time to learn the local culture, etiquette, and language. Turkey is a cultural melting pot, teeming with rich religions and customs you will enjoy becoming familiar with. This large country is also the home of various ancient sites and a long string of rugged coastlines. Many travelers will enjoy sailing around the coastline, jumping into the deep blue waters, and becoming acquainted with other like-minded people. Remember to check out local gap year programs!

Turkey is a colorful and vibrant, budget-friendly place to live during your gap year, and you will unveil an array of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and connections during your time in this country of all kinds of sights and sounds.