Taking a gap year is a great way to gain experience and see more of the world, writes Sebastian Chirino. A gap year can help differentiate graduates from the crowd in a tough economy and working overseas can be a great opportunity for personal growth, offering life-changing insight into the way others live and experience the world.

For those thinking of embarking on a volunteering experience it is advisable to plan ahead. Depending on the time of year, volunteers and backpackers can take advantage of low-season fares and cheap flights.

Those looking to volunteer have a huge number of options depending on their interests. Placements are available in almost every field.

Future teachers can benefit from teaching placements in countries Latin America, Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and some Eastern European countries. Teaching offers a unique opportunity for young people to make a significant contribution to the education of children in countries where schooling is severely lacking.

Those looking to get ahead in law and medicine can boost their careers by volunteering for human rights organisations internationally. Unpaid internships in human rights law are available in countries such as Cambodia, China, Mongolia, Senegal and South Africa.

Many volunteer positions exist for building community infrastructure, ecological conservation and child care. It is possible to explore the beauty of Madagascar, the awe-inspiring mountains of the Andes or the colourful villages of rural India while helping local charities and organisations build wells for communities, construct homes and build shelters for areas struck by natural disasters.

Environmental conservation is another rewarding form of volunteering. There are hundreds of interesting and innovative environmental projects, which include protecting endangered species and immense areas of forests.

Working with children is also a highly rewarding experience, and many volunteers take placements in orphanages and children's hospitals in countries such as Romania, India, South Africa and Peru. Caring for children in need is something that most participants find fulfilling as they genuinely receive heartfelt gratitude from the kids.

Finding funds for a gap year can be a challenge for those without family that can help. Recent high-school and university graduates choose to work full-time in their home countries for several months first to raise enough funds, and time their departure around when they can take advantage of airline tickets. Researching the cost of living, average accommodation prices and securing discount travel are all essential to keep costs under control, but the unforgettable experiences are usually well worth the expense. Most people come back from taking gap years incredibly grateful for the experience.