Are there organisations that will fund/sponsor a gap year if I can raise the money myself?
Raising the money to fund a gap year project is considered an important part of the gap year experience and all gap year organisations offer advice as to how this can be achieved. A number of gap year organisations run bursary schemes (see www.bunac.org and www.gap.org.uk for two such organisations) but only in exceptional circumstances will these cover the full cost of the placement. There are numerous trusts that offer grants for gap year placements. Details can be found in the “Directory of Grant Making Trusts”, a copy of which should be available in the reference section of your local library. If you are going down this line you need to make your applications well in advance. If you are awarded a grant expect to be asked to report on progress both while you are away and on your return. Do remember to thank the trustees for their help. I want to keep in touch with home by phone and text – how easy is it to buy local sim cards, or is there a better method? It is possible to buy local
