Some young adults decide they need a little time to find themselves before diving into the next phase of life, whether it's college or a full-time career. To accomplish whatever self-fulfillment they might need during this time, people often travel the globe, volunteer in other countries, or simply become a local in another country. The options are endless and the value that can be found in immersing oneself in another country is a once-in-a-lifetime offer. So if you're considering taking a gap year but haven't quite figured out where to go or what to do, read through this list of popular options to see if anything sounds perfect for you.

Travel

The first, and most popular, of many gap year ideas is to travel the globe. Everyone has a list of places they'd love to see, so go start crossing places off! It might seem like traveling the world and experiencing new cultures is only for people who are paid to do so, but this isn't true. Plenty of young adults use a gap year to do exactly this. It can help you figure out what you want out of life and maybe even find a passion to turn into a career.

Paying for travel can be tough and typically requires some significant savings beforehand. This doesn't mean you have to have an entire years' worth of income stashed away, though. Freelancing is a great way to make money while you're jumping from country to country. Skills like writing, photography, marketing, or social media management, are all great freelance careers you can take with you around the world to fund your fun.

Volunteer

Another way to leave your comfort zone and see new places is to volunteer with global organizations. The Peace Corps is a popular gap year choice because it allows young adults to contribute to a great cause and see another part of the world. Other organizations like The Red Cross and humanitarian non-profits have similar opportunities.

Agencies that rely on volunteers typically have a detailed application process and will put their volunteers through some type of training before they leave the country. One benefit of volunteering is that you don't have to worry about funding your trip or time abroad. The organizations typically cover costs of travel, set up housing arrangements, and help to provide food while you're away. The level of aid is typically dependent on what type of program you join and how long you'll be in the destination community.  

Work

Just because you want a gap year doesn't mean you want a gap in your resume. If you're worried about having a year of work experience missing when you return to normal life, then you can consider work opportunities that give you the chance to take a gap year and enrich your life. There are tons of programs that bring people to other countries for jobs working with locals and learning the language and culture.

One option is to teach English in a foreign country. You could travel to Europe, Asia, or even parts of Africa to teach communities how to speak English as well as other practical skills. There are lots of legitimate organizations in the U.S. that can help you get your teaching certifications, find job training, and place you in an area in need of a teacher.

Another option is to be an au pair in a foreign country. This might be especially appealing to people who enjoy working with children or intend to go into some kind of childcare for their career. Being an au pair is a great way to learn a culture and see a new place because you'll have to find ways to entertain the children and keep them busy. Typically, you live with your host family and will spend most meals with them as well, so room and board aren't a major concern with this option.

So go boldly into your gap year by pursuing the path that's right for you!