I visited Sri Lanka through plan my gap year and completed the childcare volunteering. It was an amazing experience, the staff were very excellent and were always there for any supporter needed as the... See more
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This an amazing and unique experience, I met so many lovely people and made so many memories in such a short time. The people who worked there made our day tasks so much fun, and I'll miss all of them... See more
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Amazing Staff, good pre-preperation, felt safe and in good hands at all times, good food - thank you for the vegan and Vegetation options, clean rooms. Only minus point were the showers. Besides that... See more
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I had a great time volunteering in Sri Lanka with PMGY. I loved working with the sea turtles and learning more about the species, the sanctuary staff were super friendly and helpful. Along with the s... See more
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Company details
Contact info
Unit B, The Brewery, TN3 9BD, Bells Yew Green, United Kingdom
- 01892 315006
- hello@planmygapyear.com
- www.planmygapyear.com
4.8
Excellent
6K reviews
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I did three weeks in the zanzibar…
I did three weeks in the zanzibar medical programme and three in arusha too. I got to observe medical professionals in numerous fields and specialties and learned from them on a daily basis. It was so different from back home but in the end it was an unforgettable experience that i hope to repeat in a different destination next year!
9 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Isabella,
Thank you for sharing your experience! Spending three weeks on the Medical Programme in Zanzibar followed by another three in Arusha sounds like a remarkable journey.
We’re so pleased that you had the opportunity to observe professionals across a range of medical fields and learn something new each day. Experiencing a healthcare system so different from home can be incredibly eye-opening, and it’s wonderful to know that your time in Tanzania became truly unforgettable.
Thank you for joining PMGY. We would love to welcome you onto another program next year!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Unforgettable month in Sri Lanka
I spent an amazing month in Sri Lanka! The first two weeks I did the "Real Sri Lanka Experience". I had such a great time and all the trips were well-organized and let us see so much of the country. A big thank you to our guide, Ishan, who looked after us during those first two weeks. He was super experienced and had a lot of knowledge which made all the excursions really enjoyable.
For the last two weeks, I stayed at the volunteer house in Ambolangoda and choose to do the turtle conservation project. The work was really interesting and fun! Special thanks to Samadhi, who runs the turtle project. She is incredibly warm, welcoming, and puts so much heart into caring for both the turtles and the volunteers.
If you are planning a trip or volunteering with PMGY, I definitely recommend it!
26 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Riana,
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! It sounds like your month in Sri Lanka offered a wonderful combination of travel, culture and meaningful volunteering.
We’re so pleased that the Real Sri Lanka Experience allowed you to discover so much of the country and that Ishan’s knowledge and care made every excursion enjoyable. It’s equally wonderful to hear how much you valued the Turtle Conservation Project and the warmth and dedication Samadhi brought to your experience.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
PMGY - Ghana
I volunteered with Plan my Gap Year in Ghana for 2 weeks for a medical elective. I went there for a midwifery placement but also had the opportunity to experience there emergency department.
Volunteering hours were from 9am-1pm. I had the opportunity to be hands on with patients which was really nice.
The support from the UK PMGY team prior to the project was amazing, there communication/response time was very efficient and they were very helpful in answering all my questions.
Also the host in Ghana looked after us well, he did his best to make sure we were all always okay and was very accommodating.
Downside to accommodation was that there was no hot water, and 6 girls sharing one bathroom.
However the living room was spacious and we could all chill in there. The food could have been better but, the host tried to make us as comfortable as possible :)
Advice for future volunteers:
Be proactive!! You have to asked to get involved and be hands on. Make the most of your time there.
16 August 2026
English Teaching PMGY/ VPV
I volunteered through PMGY teaching English in Vietnam and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. I worked directly with Volunteers for Peace Vietnam, teaching university students and one-to-one lessons. I stayed in the Volunteer House and it was great, you were automatically made to feel like part of a family, and I couldn’t be more grateful for all the support I received. I had weekends free to travel around Vietnam, and I made some friends and memories that I will never forget. I completely recommend this experience.
5 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Ruby,
Thank you for sharing such a lovely review! We’re so pleased that teaching university students and providing one-to-one lessons made your time in Vietnam such a rewarding experience.
It’s wonderful to hear that the Volunteers for Peace Vietnam team made you feel like part of the family and that you felt well supported at the Volunteer House. We’re also glad you had the opportunity to explore Vietnam, form new friendships and create memories that will stay with you.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the experience!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
My time in Bali with PMGY was…
My time in Bali with PMGY was absolutely incredible, and a huge part of that was the experience of staying at Akasa House!
Akasa House & Community: Staying at Akasa House truly felt like a home away from home. The accommodation was clean, safe, and incredibly welcoming. The social atmosphere is unbeatable—sharing traditional meals, swapping stories after day of volunteering, and hanging out made it so easy to bond with people from all over the world. The local staff at the house are phenomenal and always made sure we were comfortable.
On-Ground Support: The PMGY coordinators are top-notch. From the seamless airport pickup to the thorough in-country orientation, they ensure you feel confident and safe navigating Bali from day one.
The Volunteering: Getting to contribute to the local community was deeply rewarding. It gave me a genuine, grounded perspective on Bali that you simply cannot get as a standard tourist.
16 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Janice,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! We’re so pleased that Akasa House felt like a genuine home away from home and that its welcoming atmosphere, shared meals and social spaces helped you form connections with people from around the world.
It’s also great to hear that the airport pickup, orientation and support from the local team helped you feel comfortable and confident from the very beginning. Most importantly, we’re delighted that volunteering gave you such a rewarding and authentic perspective on life in Bali.
Thank you for joining PMGY and sharing your experience with us!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
What an experience!
Great communication, everything well organised, didn’t have and concerns while my daughter was away. Amazing !!
19 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Vikki,
Thank you for sharing this with us! It’s wonderful to hear that our communication and organisation gave you peace of mind while your daughter was away.
We truly appreciate the trust you placed in PMGY and are so pleased that the experience was such a positive one for you both.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Beautiful experience !
Hello, my name is Hugo and I spent July 2026 in Cambodia, more precisely in Bakod with Hope Agency, to provide my support and give English lessons to children. Incredible experience, I loved my stay. The children are adorable, the welcome is warm. Jason always makes sure to be available if necessary, to answer all our questions and even helps us organize weekends. The school staff is really nice.
PMGY was a good choice for the preparation of this trip. This is my very first "adult trip" and they took the time to answer all my questions. The course of the stay was very clear on their website, no problem with payment, nothing to complain about. Thank you to them for helping me in the development of this beautiful trip.
Again a big thank you to Kandob, Jason and his wife! They are very good people, I miss them already. Thank you for everything, good experience!
5 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Hugo,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! We’re so pleased that your month teaching English in Cambodia was such an incredible and memorable experience.
As this was your first independent adult trip, it’s especially wonderful to know that you felt well prepared and received clear answers and support throughout the process. It also sounds like Jason, his wife, Kandob and the school staff made you feel genuinely welcome and helped you make the most of your time, including your weekends.
Thank you for choosing PMGY and allowing us to be part of such a special journey. The connections you made in Cambodia clearly meant a great deal.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Everything felt very organised by PMGY…
Everything felt very organised by PMGY with emails sent regularly and the use of the online portal to submit key details such as flight information. I volunteered in Greece for turtle conservation and it was amazing! All the volunteers and staff were so friendly and helpful.
26 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Sophie,
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great to hear that the regular communication and online portal made your preparations feel clear and well organised.
We’re also so pleased that you had an amazing time on the Turtle Conservation Programme in Greece and found both the staff and fellow volunteers friendly and helpful.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Medical volunteering in Sri Lanka
This summer i did medical volunteering in Sri Lanka. My role was observational and I got to see how the medical system works in Sri Lanka and was able to compare it to the western world. The staff here were amazing and really helpful. After a week of medicsl volunteering i wanted to try a little of other ones so they set up a day with turtles and a day with dogs for me. I absolutely loved it. The other volunteering was really hands on and I enjoyed caring for the animals. I went on 2 trips with the program, the adventure hill and the cultural triangle and they were both really great. Because the staff organise everything I just had to be there and it took out all the planning and bookings I hate doing. They also offered activities like water safari and driving tuktuks which i really loved. Other activities like mask painting, henna, sari trials, cooking class and many more were offered as well. My accommodation, I would say was really good. I was in a room with 7 other girls and they were all lovely. It was clean, with our bedding changed weekly. We had our own bathroom and a toilet in our room (i'd say we had the best room). There was AC in the room and toilet was cleaned twice a day. They also offer a laundry service where the sisters of the house would clean and return your laundry after a few days. I really think people should volunteer in this location! The country is stunning, cheap and everyone is really friendly. The local team is really sweet and do their best to help out and the country itself is quite safe. Just follow the rules and avoid places the team tells you to and its a fabulous experience. I would definitely go again!
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Rahamin,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review! We’re delighted that the Medical Programme gave you valuable insight into Sri Lanka’s healthcare system and that the local team also helped you experience the Turtle Conservation and Dog Rescue Projects.
You certainly made the most of your time, from the Adventure Hill and Cultural Triangle trips to the many cultural activities available. We’re also pleased that you found the accommodation clean and comfortable, and that the support with trips, bookings and laundry made your stay easier.
Thank you for your thoughtful recommendation and for joining PMGY. It’s wonderful to know that you would happily return!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
I loved it so much Greece was beautiful…
I loved it so much Greece was beautiful and the people were so kind and helpful. The
2 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Paul,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so happy that you loved your time in Greece and found it such a beautiful place.
It’s wonderful to hear that the kindness and helpfulness of the people you met made your experience even more special. Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
It was an amazing experience
It was an amazing experience. The staff and the local people we're really nice.
If you want to experience a beautiful culture, spend time with really nice local people, see beaches and other beautiful landscapes. Then it's a good place for you
4 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Matilda,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so pleased that you had such an amazing time and felt warmly welcomed by both the staff and local community.
It sounds like you truly embraced everything the destination had to offer, from its beautiful culture and people to its beaches and landscapes. Thank you for joining PMGY and for your thoughtful recommendation!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Currently Missing India!
The PMGY Medical Programme is amazing! We had a range of experiences and even options on what we wanted to see. We were able to experience and support different communities, slums, refugee camps, hospitals, clinics, the list goes on. I learnt so much about the healthcare system in India through its doctors and its patients. Additionally, the host and staff are the highlight. They made the entire experience much smoother. They supported us in weekend trips, driving to Delhi, ATM runs, and overall helped me feel safe. They were incredible people who made saying goodbye so hard.
26 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Haniyah,
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! We’re so pleased that the Medical Programme provided such a varied range of experiences and gave you meaningful insight into India’s healthcare system through its doctors, patients and communities.
It sounds like the host and local team made a real difference, from supporting your weekend travels and everyday needs to helping you feel safe throughout your stay. The fact that saying goodbye was so difficult shows just how special those connections became.
Thank you for joining PMGY. It’s wonderful to know that India left such a lasting impression on you!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Best experience
The organisers were the best, plus all the teachers and the people I was doing placement with were all amazing! Definitely an experience of a lifetime
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Kavina,
This is fantastic to hear, thank you for sharing! We’re so pleased that the organisers, teachers and fellow volunteers made your placement such a special experience.
Knowing that it became an experience of a lifetime means a great deal to us. Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Great experience in every possible way
Great experience in every possible way, through PMGY’s project in Peru I got to known it’s culture in a very authentic way and had countless adventures travelling and discovering the country. Living with a hostfamily allowed me to experience the local side of Cuzco rather than just the touristy spots and build international friendships. The childcare project was brilliant and a real hands-on experience with the most caring and fun kids ever! In the mornings and on weekends there are plenty of traveling opportunities and fun activities, such as salsa dancing, visiting local markets, going on hikes and city trips and enjoying local festivals.
26 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! We’re so pleased that your time in Peru allowed you to experience the local culture authentically, from living with a host family in Cusco to exploring more of the country.
It sounds like you truly made the most of every opportunity, whether working with the children, forming international friendships or enjoying salsa dancing, markets, hikes and local festivals. We’re especially happy that you found the Childcare Project so hands-on and rewarding.
Thank you for joining PMGY and sharing your experience with us!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
I had an amazing time whilst I was…
I had an amazing time whilst I was India. The team ensured that we were all comfortable and if we had any issues that they were addressed. The were also very helpful with booking and arranging weekend trips to visit the local attractions and also ensured that there was plenty on offer throughout the week to.
2 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Alice,
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so happy that you had such an amazing time in India and felt comfortable and well supported by the local team.
It’s great to hear that their help with arranging weekend trips, local sightseeing and weekday activities allowed you to make the most of your stay.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
I enjoyed meeting new people and the…
I enjoyed meeting new people and the volunteering activities grew on me over time. I do have a couple of negative points as well.
1. the leaders don’t really engage with the volunteers or are taking care of us feeling safe especially when sleeping on the beach at night
2. the hygiene in the house was lacking, the kitchen was sooo dirty as well as the rest of the house
3. I think that within the price they could include atleast one meal
4. the leaders were feeling were superior , which is unnecessary given that we are all there to help and only have a minor age difference
5. there was only one van - there should be one more- everyone was fighting for places to go to the inventories, which shouldn’t be happening, when soo much money was paid to go there to save the turtles
28 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed meeting new people during your time in Greece and that the volunteering activities grew on you as the program progressed.
As you joined us during peak hatching season, overnight Hatchling Rescue shifts form an important part of the program. Our website makes clear that these involve staying overnight on the beach, always with at least one other volunteer. Private transport is provided both ways, with field assistants and leaders nearby should support be required. We are sorry if you did not always feel sufficiently supported, and we will review this feedback with the team ahead of next season to ensure volunteers feel as comfortable and supported as possible.
The accommodation is based around shared, dormitory-style living, with volunteers expected to clean up after themselves and help keep bedrooms, kitchens and communal areas tidy. Naturally, maintaining these standards also relies on everyone respecting the shared environment. However, we appreciate your comments and will check in with the team regarding the general oversight of the accommodation and ensuring volunteers receive regular reminders where necessary.
In terms of meals, our Program Fees and what is included are outlined before booking. We keep these fees as low as possible while covering accommodation, airport transfers, local staffing and support, project transport, equipment, and the infrastructure needed to run the conservation program in Europe. We provide kitchenette facilities, so participants can prepare their own meals at their convenience and budget according to their individual preferences. The team can also assist with shopping delivery before arrival, and volunteers are given opportunities around their shifts to purchase groceries. Including catered meals would inevitably increase the Program Fee and can also be difficult to manage around the different shift times and locations for each volunteer.
We are sorry to hear that you sometimes felt the leaders came across as superior. This would certainly never be their intention. They take their responsibilities, particularly volunteer safety and the welfare of the turtles, very seriously and at times need to communicate clearly and confidently when coordinating larger groups, different shifts and participants with varying levels of travel, training and volunteering experience. However, this should never leave someone feeling patronised, and we appreciate you raising this with us.
Finally, the team ordinarily has access to multiple vehicles for project transport and the Argostoli field station, alongside bicycles for the more local beach patrols. We are sorry if there were circumstances during your stay that temporarily limited vehicle availability. Shifts and transport are planned in advance, and volunteers should not feel they need to compete for spaces to participate. We will therefore review this with the local team as well.
Thank you again for joining us in Greece and for contributing your time to the turtle conservation program. We are glad there were aspects of the experience that you enjoyed, particularly meeting the other volunteers and becoming more involved with the conservation activities, and we appreciate the feedback you have provided on the areas where you feel improvements could be made.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
My exciting time volunteering in Tanzania with PMGY
I volunteered in Tanzania for four weeks on a childcare project. It was honestly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Every morning, I went to a day care placement where I worked with children aged 2 to 6. Seeing all their smiles when we sang songs, played games, and introduced them to new activities was definitely one of my favourite parts of the experience.
I also felt really well supported throughout my placement. All of the coordinators were always there to help with anything. On the first day of placement, a coordinator would come with us to ensure we settled into our day care.
Outside of volunteering, I was able to experience so much of Tanzania. Some of my highlights were going on a three-day safari, visiting Zanzibar, going to the hot springs, and visiting a Maasai village. These experiences gave me the chance to experience the culture and beauty of Tanzania.
The accommodation was kept beautifully clean by the staff, very comfortable and provided all necessary facilities.
My biggest piece of advice for future volunteers would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Step outside of your comfort zone, and embrace the culture because it is highly educational and eye opening. The more open you are to trying new things, the more you will get out of your time there.
Overall, I made incredible memories, met some amazing people, and had experiences I will never forget. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone thinking about volunteering in Tanzania!
1 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Rebecca,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review! Your four weeks in Tanzania sound truly special, and we’re so happy that working with the children through songs, games and activities created some of your favourite memories.
It’s great to know that the coordinators helped you feel supported from your very first day and that the accommodation was comfortable and well maintained. You certainly made the most of your time by exploring Zanzibar, going on safari and experiencing more of Tanzania’s culture.
Your advice to embrace the experience and step outside your comfort zone is incredibly valuable for future volunteers. Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Maddy,
This is wonderful to hear, thank you so much! We’re really happy that you had such an amazing experience and truly appreciate you choosing to join PMGY.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
I just got back from 4 weeks in…
I just got back from 4 weeks in Zanzibar and it was the most amazing experience ever. The staff in the house made you feel so welcomed and the mamas cooked amazing food and always ensured the house was clean. The program itself was amazing, and well organised, and the location was perfect!
2 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Cordelia,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your four weeks in Zanzibar were such an amazing experience and that you felt so warmly welcomed throughout your stay.
It is lovely to hear that you enjoyed the food, appreciated the clean accommodation and found the program well organised in such a great location.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Sri Lanka Intro Experience
I travelled across Sri Lanka for two weeks and the experience was incredible. I made some amazing friends and it was the best part of my year. Ishan our local coordinator was so helpful when something became lost or we had questions about our itinerary. I would reccomend this experience a million times over.
10 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Abbie,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your two-week Sri Lanka Intro Experience was such a memorable part of your year and that you made some amazing new friends along the way.
It is lovely to hear that Ishan was so helpful whenever you needed assistance with the itinerary or a lost item.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for such a wonderful recommendation!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
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