Filling in Life's Gaps

Are piles of study materials hounding you? Is the 9 to 5 hamster wheel threatening to consume your soul? Take a break, a real break away from everything: a gap year. Giving students and workers alike the chance to regain their lost energy while forging a life-changing experience, improving their CVs and maybe making a difference in the world, gap years are now in vogue. The following is a list of some of the most interesting options throughout the world.

Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple

Hopeless disciples of films like Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Bruce Lee classics will find their dreams come true at the Shaolin Temple in Henan province by training with kung fu masters. Located at the foot of Mount Song and surrounded by rolling mountains, the Shaolin Temple Tagou Kung Fu School is the largest and most influential Shaolin-style martial arts school in China. In addition to learning how to kick butt, the school's one year course also includes classes in Mandarin and Chinese history.

Duration: 12 months

Cost: RMB 85,000

Includes: Classes six days/week, accommodation and meals

Web: www.shaolinwushu.net

Journalism Work in Argentina

Gain real-deal journalism experience while working for a bi-monthly leisure magazine in the wine-making region of Mendoza in Argentina, researching articles about adventure tours, skiing and horseback riding. No Spanish? ¡No problemo! The magazine is published in English.

Duration: 8 -12 months

Cost: RMB 15,100 for eight weeks

Includes: All meals and accommodation

Web: www.gapyear365.com

Teach in Mexico

Mexico fascinates with its mix of Mayan pyramids, colonial architecture and contemporary buildings, as well as its unrivalled handicrafts and colourful cuisine. This volunteering opportunity gives you the chance to live amongst the Mazuan Mexican communities in traditional villages some 100 kilometres west of Mexico City teaching English in both primary and secondary schools. Here you can make an impact in the community while brushing up on your Spanish.

Duration: 22 weeks

Cost: RMB 34,500

Includes: Daily food allowance and accommodation

Web: www.aventure.co.uk

Protect South Africa’s wildlife

The closest most of us city dwellers have come to the African wilderness is via the TV screen. Working with the South African Natural Heritage Site, a non-profit that supports the proactive breeding of rare Sable and Roan Antelope, you'll finally get the chance to experience nature up close and personal. Volunteers get involved in daily feeding and counting of game, tracking and monitoring different animals on the ranch and helping out with the research and breeding programmes. The program in itself is only for about a month, so afterwards what you do in Africa is up to you.

Duration: 18 or 32 days

Cost: RMB 9,840

Includes: Accommodation, meals and education sessions

Web: www.bunac.org