07 April 2008
Gap years abroad are valuable lifetime experiences and opportunities to discover the world and learn new skills, which may be why they have considerably increased in popularity over the years.
According to STA Travel, "gappers" are more and more numerous because "the desire of young independent travellers to explore the world is as strong as ever".
Furthermore, long trips are now far cheaper and easier to plan than ever before.
Gap years before university degrees or career break now features more often on CVs, detailing past volunteering and learning experiences.
And many companies offering long-term or short-term volunteering work placements combine work and outdoor activities, so that volunteers can discover some of the country's natural and cultural wonders.
Gambia is a unique destination for volunteers to have a close encounter with chimpanzees on Baboon Islands National Park or with some of the country's best wildlife along the River Gambia.
Research by the Training and Development Agency for Schools carried out in 2007 has showed that more than three in ten graduates chose to travel before deciding on a career.