Mature persons gap year.?

Question

I'm in my 50s. Divorced. Nust about to sell my own business. I've decided it's time I had some time for me and fancy the adult version of a gap year. I dont want bar work but some sort of overseas volntary work (with children) may be good. Any ideas on what I could do and who I could contact? Is this a good idea?

Answer 1

great idea.
possibly volunteer with
mantos huntas, heifer project, world neighbors, or nhimbe for progress. if you have skills then of course doctors or engineers without borders or something like that. hook up with programs already in existence.
i think the peace corps requires two years - and i know it requires you to be debt free with no dependents under 18.
personally i very much favor nhimbe for progress right now,
and most of their work is with children. i think it's zimbabwe

Answer 2

You don't say where you live, but it's quite popular to work at childrens summer camps in America. That would seem to suit your interests.
After seeing last night a report on orphaned / abandoned children in Romania, you could find it rewarding (if disturbing) to volunteer there for some time. That would at leat be less seasonal than the summer camps.
I hope these suggestions are useful, but ultimately it's up to you to decide exactly what you want to do, as you have such a rare and valuable opportunity.
Best of luck.

Answer 3

This is a great idea. The peace corp is a two year commitment with rigorous application process, so I wouldn't recommend that. Perhaps, Unicef or Red Cross may be able to steer you in the right direction. Wow, this will be so inspiring for you. What a way to reinvent yourself! Good luck!

Answer 4

I think this is a great idea. Assuming you are a UK citizen you could try Voluntary Service Overseas(VSO). Good Luck.

http://www.vso.org.uk