Gapforce Blog

Ollie's trip to India

2011-04-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, we're all in very high spirits here at Gapforce HQ as the sun is absolutely BEATING down in London.

Today's blog is a special one because its written by one of our volunteer's who is currently in India with Greenforce.

Below is an update we received from him earlier this week.

"I spent the second week living with a host family in Faridabad, a suburb of Delhi, working in a school for slum children. The host family were very nice and the project was great fun, teaching small children basic English and literacy.

For the last 2 weeks I've been working for the organisation Vatsalya, the NGO that runs the Udayan Children's orphanage in Achrul, just outside Jaipur. I spent 2 days there but seeing as the children currently attend school outside of the orphanage whilst preparing for their examinations, there was not a lot of contact time with the children and it wasn't giving me the volunteer experience I hoped for. Since then Vatsalya have been very helpful in transferring me to their Jaipur offices where I am involved in teaching young adults in English communications and also improving their website.

I have been ill once and Rajan was very helpful in accommodating me whilst I was in transit from Delhi to Jaipur. If you have any questions or request to view any pictures then please don't hesitate to contact me. Rajan is very easy going and is contact with lots of different projects and therefore it is easy for the volunteer to pick and choose and discuss with him which project suits the volunteer best. The fact that lots can be organised when in India, and different options/projects are available perhaps needs to be stressed more on the Gap Force personal pages.

All in all, I'm having a greatly inspiring experience and that is the most important factor. The projects have been great and when I wasn't comfortable at the children's village simple coordination by telephone to Rajan and with Vatsalya made a change to more appropriate work very easy.

I hope all is well in London and I'm very much looking forward to returning home and sharing some of the experiences with those who are interested."

Thanks very much indeed Ollie, we look forward to seeing you.

If you would like more info on volunteering in India or indeed on any of our projects, call 020 7384 3028 or email info@gapforce.org

Sportforce volunteers meet Premiership footballers

2011-03-24T10:19:00.001-07:00

Just had an exciting update from Ghana where the latest group of volunteers have had the chance to meet with the Ivory Coast national football team.

Below is an extract of an email we received from our in country leader James

" Hi ,

Thought I will give you a quick update on the current volunteers we have out here.

We organise ticket to watch the biggest game in the ghanaian league last week sunday which we all enjoyed watching and had such a great time.

We also organise them to watch the training session of the Ivory Coast Team. They had the opportunity to meet the Ivorian national team yesterday in their training session here in Accra for the up coming cup of nations qualifier on sunday which we are all going to watch and will upload some photos after.

They managed to get autographs from the players and took some photos together as well so will be good to upload that on facebook if possible. You can imagine how excited they were to meet all these guys.

They met the likes of Didier Drogba- Chelsea, Yaya Toure- Man city, Eboue- Arsenal, Kalou- Chelsea etc"

It looks like the group are having the time of their lives, and they deserve it too for all they are doing for the local community.

To find out how you can join the fun, click here

Gap Year in South Africa

2011-03-23T04:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hows things?

We're enjoying a bit of sunshine here in London, not sure how long it will last so we're making the most of it.

Our blog today is about a location that is fast becoming one of the most popular amongst gap year students and all volunteers, South Africa.

Gapforce run a few projects in the country so we thought we would give you some more details on them.

Sports Coaching South Africa

This is run by Sportforce and is ideal for people looking to advance their own skills as well as gaining experience coaching their favourite sport.

As well as the sport you will also play a vital role in the promotion of health and social awareness. Your duties will include organising matches, planning tournaments and giving motivational talks.

For more info on sports coaching in South Africa click here

Medical & Community South Africa

This project is for anyone who is already or who might be looking to study medicine. The placement will give you the opportunity to make a positive difference in these underpriveledged areas as well as learning loads along the way.

The project typically runs from Monday-Friday with community work invloved including visiting orphanages, townships and the famous Rasta people. Weekends are usually free to explore, enjoy some local activities or relax on the beach.

For more on Medical and Community work in South Africa click here

Great White Shark Conservation

This is a real gem of a project. Imagine working with local scientists to help protect the amazing Great White Shark?

You will primarily join cage diving operations to study these predators as well as undertaking research studies. Strictly monitored paying tourists are vital to help fund work in this area and thus you will have the opportunity to share your knowledge and help spread the word and correct the negative public perception of this primary predators.

For more info on Great White Shark Conservation click here

Jungle Training with Trekforce

2011-03-11T02:24:00.000-08:00

Think you have what it takes?

Trekforce have been running extreme expeditions in the jungle for over 20 years, if you want to find out what you're really made of why not join us?

You can choose between Belize, Borneo and The Himalayas, or if you're really up for a challenge, take part in our expedition leadership course.

Belize:
You'll get expert jungle survival training before completing a vital rainforest conservation project, searching for lost Mayan ruins and caves, learning Spanish in Guatemala, making friends for life working in rural communities and then diving the world's 2nd longest barrier reef.

Click Here For More on Belize

Borneo:

Deep in the world's oldest tropical rainforest and last home of the endangered Orang-utan Trekforce and the indigenous tribes of the Kelabit highlands have been working with Borneo's largest NGO, Heart of Borneo, to combat the threat of deforestation.

Click Here For M ore on Borneo

Himalayas:

Starting in Kathmandu, the Himalayan capital of Nepal, you will spend your first week acclimatising, enjoying cultural visits around the city and most importantly, attending Nepali classes. Then travel to a captivating, remote rural region and undertake key conservation projects that will greatly benefit the local community.

Click Here For More on The Himalayas

Finally if you want to go that extra step:

Expedition Leader Training:

The Expedition Leader Programme provides you with the first step into this exciting world. Our Expedition Leader Training (ELT) course is unique and open to anyone.

It is a four month programme combining legal, safety and Mountain Leader Board training in the UK with with 3 months skills and leadership training in the jungle.

Click Here For More On ELT

Gapforce pass Independent Assessment by YET

2011-02-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

Gapforce are proud to announce they have been independently evaluated by The Young Explorers' Trust as being compliant with BS 8848 "Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adenturous activities outside the United Kingdom"

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the YET for evaluating us and advising us on ways we can improve even further. We are delighted that our commitment to providing safe, educational overseas expeditions has been recognised in this way. We strive to ensure all our volunteers get the best out of all of our expeditions and will continue to so.

Click here for more reasons as to why we are the ideal Gap year provider

Medforce in Cambodia

2011-02-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday everyone, hope you all have thrilling weekends planned.

Today’s blog looks at Medforce and some exciting new developments for the brand.

Our MD Marcus Watts is currently out in Cambodia visiting medical and dental facilities looking for exciting opportunities for medical elective students.

We are already enjoying tremendous success with our placements in South Africa, India and Ecuador not to mention our Physiotherapy course in Ghana.

However such is the success of Medforce we now are struggling to find places for everyone hence why Marcus is out in Cambodia looking for ways of increasing the number of places we can offer.

If you are a medical student looking for an elective placement and you’d like to find out more about how we can help, click here to get in touch.

Our current placements can be viewed here.

2011-01-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

Get Qualified On Your Gap Year

A gap year is all about meeting new people, experiencing new things and expanding your horizons. It’s also a great time to gain qualifications that will enhance your university application and CV.

Why not look at making your gap year expedition applicable to what you are or will be studying? For example if you are interested in Marine Biology why not look at Greenforce’s projects in Fiji or The Bahamas?

If animal/wildlife conservation is more you’re type of thing then why not volunteer at a Panda Sanctuary in China or with Elephants in Thailand?

Another alternative is to actually participate in an expedition that has a qualification at the end. For example becoming an expedition leader or a ski instructor.

Whatever you do, make the most of your gap year, it really is the opportunity of a lifetime.

2011-01-24T02:11:00.000-08:00

Gap Year In Australia

Want to fund your own gap year? Looking for fun, sun and adventure? Want to make friends and have the time of your life?

Then a gap year living and working in beautiful Australia is perfect for you.

Ozforce takes all the hassle out of organising your adventure. Before you depart we’ll give you all the support you need when it comes to booking flights, insurance and applying for a Visa.

Once you arrive in Australia Ozforce go out of our way to assist you in settling into the Aussie way of life. Firstly our representative Rebecca actually picks you up from the airport and takes you to the hostel for your welcome dinner.

In the first few days Ozfo

rce will help you set up an Aussie bank account, get medicare, a sim card, a tax file number and you’ll also take the RSA (Responsible Sale of Alcohol) course which is vital for getting work in retail/service in Australia.

To increase your chances of finding work we give you advice on your CV and run an interview skills workshop advising on the do’s and don’ts of attending an interview down under.

Its not all work though, we appreciate that a gap year is all about having the time of your life that’s why we lay on a host of fun activities such as a cliff top walk from Bondi to Coogee, a cocktail evening and Sports Day on the beach.

Start your Aussie adventure now, give Ozforce a call on 020 7384 3028 or visit www.ozforce.org

You won’t regret it.

Price Change

2011-01-14T04:47:00.001-08:00

Hi guys, just a quick blog today to let you all know that today is the last chance to book under our 2010 prices, so make sure you put your deposit down today.

The link to the booking form is here

Don't miss out.

2010-12-21T08:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Gapforce!!!!!!!!!

This is just a very quick blog to thank all our in country staff as well as the 1000 plus volunteers we have sent overseas this year for all the help they have given us.

For 2011 we have produced a series of videos which we hope will allow even more people to discover what a fantastic opportunity Gapforce offers.

You can view all the videos here then comment on our youtube channel

2010-12-09T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, welcome to the latest Gapforce Blog.

The sun is actually shining in London at the moment, and its a toasty 2 degrees as well.

Plenty going on as usual at the moment so we thought we would take a breath to tell you about some of it.

The most exciting news is about our NEW PROJECT in Morocco.

We have designed this as an EASTER SPECIAL in 2011, so you can take part during your school/uni or even work holidays as the whole experience lasts 10 days.

Full details are here, to enquire about this project click here

Don't forget to join us at the Christmas Gap Year and Career Break show in Putney on 17th December.

Thats all for now, we'll be back with another update next week.

2010-11-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hi boys and girls, enjoying the weather?

No nor us.

What we have been enjoying though is the amazing pictures and videos we've been sent from our expedition leader out in Borneo, David 'Oz' Osbourne.

This Trekforce project is easily one of our most physically challenging, however as you can see from the vids and pics, the volunteers had a hell of a lot of fun as well.

If you want to find out a bit more about this project give us a buzz on 020 7384 3028 or ping an email to info@trekforce.org.uk

Stay chilled everyone ;)

2010-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Gap Year Open Day

Saturday 20^th November 2010

1pm-3pm

Gap Year Options, Overseas Volunteering, Jungle Expeditions, Medical Placements, Career Change, Its all Here!!!!

It’s finally here! Your chance to meet the wonderful team at Gapforce, get all your travelling questions answered and have your very own advisor plan your trip of a lifetime!

From 1pm to 3pm on Saturday 20th November the whole Gapforce team will be on the second floor of Baden Powell House on Cromwell Road, South Kensington

to discuss all things travelling/volunteering and we’d love to see you there!

We will be delivering several informative

presenta

tions throughout the day and our advisers will be

on hand to chat one to one about all your diff

erent options.

Drop in any time between 1pm and 3pm with as many parents, friends and partners as you like.

Join the Facebook Group

Make Friends, Make Memories, Make a Difference!!!

For more information or to book your place call 020 7384 3028 or email info@gapforce.org

We look forward to meeting you there!

The Gapforce Team

2010-09-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Ski Fun, Ski Jobs, and Ski Qualifications in Canada and Morzine

If you love skiing you’ll love Skiforce.

Meet loads of like minded young people, enjoy the sights and sounds of two of the world’s best ski resorts and most importantly ski till you drop.

If you want to ski in the alps then your options are:

Snowboard master class

BASI Ski Instructor

BASI Ski Instructor Premium

If Canada is more your kind of place then check out

CASI Snowboard Instructor

CSAI Ski Instructor

Places are filling up fast so book now, you will never enjoy a better ski season than with Skiforce.

Call 020 7384 3028 or email info@skiforce.org now for more information.

2010-09-13T03:25:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, hope you had a nice weekend.

Painful as it is to admit, we are probably enjoying the last of the good weath

er for 2010, so we thought now would be a good time to tell you all about Ozforce.

Ozforce is all you need to start living and working in Australia. We're there for you every step of the way, including providing accomodation, assisting with aussie bank accounts, sim cards medicare and more, we even pick you up from the airport :)

The most important thing though is to find work and again we support you in every way we can.

We give you assistance with your CV and cover letter to make them approrpriate for the Aussie job market and we also run a seminar on interview skills.

Its not all serious stuff, we make sure that you get to experience all the fun and excitement of sydney whilst you are there.

Activities which we organise include the famous Bondi to Coogie walk, Rebecca's (Ozforce Leader) treasure hunt and an fun aussie slag contest.

For more information on Ozforce visit www.ozforce.org or call 020 7384 3028

Don't forget things are starting to heat up in OZ.

2010-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all, just a quick update to thank all those who attended our open day, it was one of our busiest ever.

Don't forget if you attended the open day you still have until Sunday to get a £50 Discount when you pay your deposit.

If you weren't able to attend why not pop along to Stanfords in central London and chat with our adviser Vicky who will be doing a talk there?

For more info on either or indeed anything else you'd like to chat about email info@gapforce.org or call 020 7384 3028

2010-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, hope your all enjoying the summer still, despite the weather (in London anyway) doing its best to dampen spirits.

Todays blog is just to remind everyone about the open day on September 4th in central London. If you aren't sure whether to go overseas for your gap year then come down and chat to people who have been there and done that.

We'll have some great presentations with some awesome pics and stories too.

To get an idea of other gappers you might meet check out the facebook group here

If you can't make the open day but want to chat about your gap year options give us a call on 020 7384 3028.

2010-08-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

First of all can we just say good luck to everyone receiving their email results tomorrow?

What better way to celebrate your fantastic results than by travelling abroad with Gapforce?

Whether its wildlife, medicine, trekking, sports, jobs or skiing that floats your proverbial boat, we have the project for you.

Did you know that we were featured in The Metro this week? Check us out, cool or what?

Have you heard the exciting news? You must have? Surely? You mean no one’s told you? We can’t believe it.

Oh yes the news, Gapforce is launching a new website!!!!!!!!! We are hoping for it to be live by tomorrow (Aug 19th) so keep a close eye on http://www.gapforce.org/

The other exciting news is that our open day is just over 2 weeks away!!!!!!

Come and join us at Baden Powell House in South Kensington on Sept 4th, its always a great laugh and you get to meet our wonderful team ;)

For more info click here, to book your place call 020 7384 3028 or ping an email to

info@gapforce.org

2010-07-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good summer.

Lots going on at Gapforce to tell you about so lets get straight to it.

First of all we would like to wish Rebecca Clarkson well as she moves from our London office where she managed Skiforce, to Sydney, Australia where she takes over Ozforce. Good luck bec.

If you fancy joining her over there check out http://www.ozforce.org/ or give us a call on 020 7384 3028

Another staff member who has been jet setting is expedition adviser Jake who has recently returned from Ecuador. Add Jake on Facebook to check out the awesome pics and a video where he has a close encounter with a seal. :)

If you'd like to meet some of our lovely team, and have a laugh and a chat about an overseas expedition why don't you pop along to our Destinations Fair in September?

Check out the facebook group then book your place here

As always we are happy to arrange a one to one or group consultation at any time if you can't make the fair, email info@gapforce.org or call us on 020 7384 3028.

2010-07-06T03:46:00.000-07:00

Wow its been a long time since our latest blog, we've just been so busy arranging everybodies dream gap year projects :)

We know that today is IB results day so good luck to all.

The main purpose of this blog is to let everyone know about our destinations fair in London on Saturday 4th September

We'd love to meet anyone who either has already booked on a project, or is looking at the possibility of booking on.

The fair is always really relaxed and informal although because it can get quite busy we do advise giving us a bell to book a place.

Our expedition advisers all love getting out of the office and having a chat with people looking to fulfill their dreams and have the trip of a lifetime, so you're sure to get a warm welcome.

We always lay on some tea and coffee and we might even sneak in a few biscuits.

If you want a bit more info check out http://www.gapforce.org/open_days.htm

You don't have to wait for the open day though, we're always happy to have a chat over the phone (020 7384 3028) or we'll put the kettle on here if you fancy dropping by, we're based right next to Parsons Green which is a lovely part of London.

Lastly congratulations to San 'Spikes' Puri who was closest when it came to predicting the score of the opening world cup game between Mexico and South Africa.

Thats all for now, if we can help you with anything at all, drop us a line ;)

2010-06-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful British summertime (ha!)

For those of you who feel that sunbathing is over rated anyway have you checked out skiforce?

www.skiforce.org

You can have a great time, meet loads of new friends, have loads of parties and on top of all of that you can become a qualified ski instructor at the end of it. You'll end up skiing for a living!!!!

If this sounds of interest give Rebecca a call on 0207 384 3028 now

oh and we do snow baording as well

2010-06-01T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a great bank holiday weekend, always nice to start the week without that monday morning feeling.

As you may have noticed we have ramped up our social networking and part of that is the creation of new Facebook groups for our projects.

If you are signed up for one of our projects then check out our profile on facebook and see if a group exists for it. Its a great way of getting to know people before you set off.

Join us on Facebook Here

2010-05-28T05:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first Gapforce blog!

We have decided to create a blog to keep all of our current, former and potential volunteers up to date on the latest goings on at Gapforce.

As this is the first blog we begin with a bit of an introduction to the company.

Gapforce are specialist in gap year, study break and career break expeditions.

The company is separated into 7 separate brands each specialising in different types of overseas expeditions.

Greenforce specialise in conservation projects, community development and teaching. You can also achieve PADI diving qualifications.

Trekforce run extreme expeditions such as trekking in the Himalayas or the Amazon. They also run Expedition Leader Training where the best of the best can gain employment with Trekforce.

Medforce offer medical placements in several exotic locations. Whether you're looking to study medicine at University, a current medical student, or an experienced professional after a change of scenery, Medforce has the project for you.

Sportforce allows you to volunteer as a coach at your favourite sport. We have courses for football coaches in Ghana, Rugby in Fiji, Cricket in India and much much more.

Skiforce give you the opportunity to become a BASI qualified Ski Instructor in some of the most fun and vibrant resorts in the world. Meet great people, have a great time and pick up a great qualification. The perfect way to spend your study break.

Ozforce provide help and support to people who want to work in Australia. We pick you up from the airport, provide you with accommodation for the first 7/14 days, cook you breakfast and give you access to job fairs and a info on current vacancies.

Careergap Is for those of you in employment who fancy a break from the treadmill. We can offer projects from 2 weeks to 4 months depending on your preference. Check us out to see the vast variety of expeditions we offer.