Taking a Gap year is not an easy decision and choosing the right option can at times be a little daunting. A year out is unique to you, choose carefully and it will enrich your life forever. It doesn’t have to be a year of course, our experiences come in a variety of durations, take a look at our Ventures and we’re sure you’ll find your perfect trip. Only you can decide what you wish to achieve and experience on your year out. Planning is the key to success, relax, have a look around our website, read our brochure and give us a call.
Gap Year specialists
VentureCo have been organising Gap Years for the past 10 years to South America, Asia and Africa using our three phase itineraries.
Join us for an exciting, challenging, valuable and unforgettable experience.
All our Ventures involve working within a group, helping developing communities and exploring off the beaten track. If you’re looking for adventure with a purpose, in the company of like-minded travellers, then we may have something for you.
Our unique Ventures consist of three phases. Learn. Volunteer. Explore.
We travel in groups with a qualified leader and your experience begins by living with a local family, we learn the language, how to cook the food and how to dance the dance. After we’ve settled in and learnt about our host country we volunteer with the local community on sustainable development projects. Your experience culminates with an exploration of the host country/continent. We climb volcanoes, we raft down rivers, ride down mountains and relax on beaches. The complete Gap Year experience.
Learn more about our Three Phase approach
Making your Gap Year work for you is at the heart of our philosophy and we should know because the travel experience of the VentureCo office staff is huge! A good Gap Year can give you a lot of the skills that you’ll require at university, and later, prospective employers will look for such skills as confidence, initiative, problem-solving, thinking on your feet and working with defined resources. Taking a break could be the best career decision you ever make. As well as being a lot of fun, it can boost your career prospects and give your CV plenty of added zest.
Make the best use of your time out
Taking a Gap Year with VentureCo allows you to make the best use of your time: There’s no doubt about it, when you’re travelling with expedition travel professionals you get more done; this doesn’t mean that we cram a multi-stop tour into a short itinerary, far from it; with our guidance the group is able to make ambitious plans and see them through.
Ice climbing in Patagonia? No problem ..... Visit the Shaolin Temple in Central China? Fine ..... Renovate that shabby classroom in the village nursery school? ..... Here’s the paint. Throughout our projects, journeys and expeditions you will be part of something special and most likely doing something for the first time. Joining VentureCo means you make the best possible use of your time overseas.
Full Support - Before, After, During
Here at VentureCo we arrange everything, our itineraries are well prepared, organised and of course safe. Choosing the right Gap year for you takes careful consideration and we aim to provide you with as much support as possible before, during and after your venture.
Before:
Our pre-departure support network enables you to speak directly to our staff, all of whom are experienced travellers. We have taken gap years and lead trips around the world so we know the choices you face and the decisions to be made.
Our staff are always on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have or just to provide advice and inspiration, call us or email us.
Once you have made the decision to travel with VentureCo our pre-departure preparation is second to none. As soon as your booking is confirmed you will be sent a detailed VentureCo Handbook, packed full of advice on what to expect and how to prepare for life outside the traditional comfort zone of your own culture.
We also set up a facebook group for every departure so you can chat with your fellow travellers before heading overseas. This is also a great way to stay in touch when you arrive home.
Every trip includes either a one or three day Travel Safety Course (TSC) depending on the duration of your chosen itinerary.
These courses provide straightforward advice and guidance on such essential topics as staying healthy while you explore and obtaining the correct travel documents, as well as practical sessions on personal safety, fitness levels and choosing your equipment.
You will also be provided with a Field Manual, a guide to essential information on your chosen itinerary.
The three day course includes a full day outdoors, brushing up on practical skills and working together on a hike, where you’ll have chance to practice your navigation and pick up some tips on trekking techniques.
There is no charge for these courses, and food and equipment are included.
"The TSC was essential and really helped me understand what I was letting myself in for" D Apsimon
During:
Once overseas we have a comprehensive support structure which is based on over 20 years of expedition experience. All our leaders are experienced travellers, trained in first aid and expedition leadership and are equipped with satellite phones. We have a Major Incident Plan on stand-by, ready to react to unforeseen situations and 24 hour worldwide emergency support.
Our leaders are one of our real strengths. We only hire people who combine people-skills with long term experience of the harder realities of outdoor life. Everyone employed by VentureCo is passionate about what we do and the style in which it’s done.
After:
Life can seem rather tame when you’ve returned home. During your venture you will have undoubtedly made friends for life you’ll find it useful to remain in contact as they’ll be able to help put your travel experiences in context.
Each September we hold a VentureCo reunion party giving you the chance to meet up with your fellow Venturers and enjoy a spot of camping once again.
Join us for an unforgettable Gap Year, an experience that will stay with you forever. Do it differently! Do it with VentureCo!
For gap year ideas, check out our ventures.