The Real Deal
One of the best ways to avoid the tourists and really understand a country and culture is to go there and do something.
Real Gap Experience works throughout the world, helping to join people with a passion and the projects that need them. Our volunteers work with animals, volunteer with children and help on environmental projects.
Here are 10 reasons to volunteer with Real Gap:
1. Expert guidance
My Real Gap travel advisor was great, she explained what I'd be doing, what to expect and answered any questions I had. Real Gap provided me with all the right information before I left.
Speak to someone who's been there and done it - 5 days a week, from 8 am - 7pm and 10 am - 4pm on Saturdays. We help fit the skills and interests of our travellers to the right projects and experience, bearing in mind of course that you want to have fun as well as make a difference!
Our pre-departure packs give you detailed information in preparation for your trip.
2. The opportunity to make a difference
I thought I was too old and ‘over the hill' but apparently not! The project touched my heart - I went for adventure and came back home with commitment.
Our projects need all the help they can get. Whether you simply bring your time, energy or focus or have special skills, we want you all!
It sounds rather grand, but we believe that in the wider scheme of things, the interaction between Real Gap people and their projects will help to bring a better understanding between communities across the world.
3. Real Gap lets you know what to expect
When I arrived in Ghana I felt nervous and excited but felt that Real Gap had prepared me as much as possible.
We make sure that everyone knows in advance what their role will involve.
We also make sure that you know what to expect and that you're comfortable with it before you commit.
4. A warm welcome
Upon arrival I met many volunteers, and also Mary and James - my project leaders! Immediately they were very welcoming and I felt straight at home.
You've probably made the biggest leap of faith of your life. And we know how important it is to feel confident and supported in your choice. So, we meet you at the airport, and once you've drawn breath, take you through an orientation, which gives you all those useful little tips that help you live and work comfortably.
We also introduce you to other people on the projects and the communities with whom you will be working.
5. Help where it's needed the most
Volunteers have made all the improvements at this wildlife centre. It is their donations, hard work and dedication that drive the project forward and give orang-utans in this part of the world a great chance of survival.
We work with individuals, organisations, NGOs and Christian groups. We only work with established partners on the ground who know where the help is most needed and how best to channel and co-ordinate the skills and time of volunteers.
We know all of our project partners personally and keep in close contact with them.
6. 24 Hour Safety & Security Assistance
The trip was better organised than if I has planned it myself. Also Real Gap made me feel more safe and secure whilst I was out there.
Our co-ordinators are always on hand to help. We also regularly assess our programmes - identifying and minimising potential risks, as well as evaluating the overall benefits for all concerned.
Everyone travelling with Real Gap has 24-hour emergency back up and can contact a member of our UK team should they need to.
7. Know where your money is going
Costs vary from programme to programme depending on destination, duration and programme particulars. Your money is used to cover the costs of developing and managing the Real Gap business, services on the ground, such as food, accommodation, local transport, and coordinators, and of course, project donations.
The success of Real Gap directly contributes towards the success of our partner projects. We are committed to running a lean and efficient business, focused on our customers and our charitable partners.
8. Witness real progress
Each contribution - no matter how small - can help make a difference
We will show you how your contribution makes a difference in the context of the long-term goals of the project. During orientations, you will learn about what has already been done by current and past volunteers to ensure a smooth ‘hand over'. We also encourage volunteers to document their work to help new volunteers when they come in.
9. The big picture
Real Gap volunteers come back with first hand experiences of the challenges faced by other communities less fortunate than ours. This often means that you will develop a deeper interest and awareness in global issues. We hope that this will stay with you throughout your life and that you will take this greater understanding wherever you go.
And as far as our projects are concerned - we are working on a regular news bulletin that will keep you up to date with their developments and achievements.
We ask all our travellers to complete a feedback form, which helps us to evaluate our programmes, maintain the high standards that we expect and continue to develop and respond to the needs of our customers and partner projects.
10. Real Gap's contribution
Real Gap's success is based on the success of the project's we support. They are at the heart of what we do. The collective commitment of Real Gap volunteers has helped improve the lives of communities in over 40 countries across hundreds of projects.
Volunteering Not For You?
50% of our programmes are just about having fun - going there and doing it. They include sports, expeditions, adventure travel and paid work. But what all our experiences offer is a taste of the REAL place and the REAL culture.
We are member of the Year Out Group. This association of UK registered organisations promotes models of good practice. All the member organisations are carefully evaluated and provide annual confirmation that they continue to abide by the Group's Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines.
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