Africa & Asia Venture | Gap Year Company

Fantastic experience: I have recently just returned home after traveling for five months, four of which were spent with Africa Asia Venture. I had the most amazing experience with them and felt that I got to soak up the atmosphere from the locals, from going to weddings to snorkeling trips, to sports competitions at other schools. The privilege and ability to take a long period out of your day-to-day routine to plunge yourself into life in Msambweni are rare, so you want to sign up with a company that will look after you and cater to your wants and needs. The process right from the start feels super easy as you have an initial consultation with either Andrew or Sarah, who will make sure you have signed up for the right project, as they have many to pick from. AV is a brilliant organization as it is small enough to feel like family, as the people take the time to get to know you as an individual, but big enough that they have a network of connections and contacts who come and look after you. One of the team will meet you at the airport, and that is when you get fully thrown into the experience, as this will most likely be the first time you will meet the people you will be living with for the next three months. Once you arrive in the local town, Diani, you will be met by Grace and Khalfan, some of the AV team down on the ground, who will then give you an orientation. They make you feel right at home immediately as you meet the locals, take you to their favorite shops, and show you the schools. This for me was something that I thought made AV stand out, because leaving your home to spend 3-4 months halfway across the world, naturally, can feel daunting, so this orientation makes you feel very well looked after. After this weekend is over the time starts to fly by. Monday to Friday will be spent teaching at your school, I taught Maths, English, and Science, so don't worry if you feel like you don't know the subjects well enough the teachers are there to help! When you are not teaching lessons, there is still plenty to do. I would often chat with the teachers, draw with the kids, or paint murals on the school walls. If you don't believe me when I say you become best friends with the teachers then let me tell you that my friend Layla and I were even lucky enough a couple of times to go over to one of our teacher's houses and learn how to make chapatti and beans (my favorite). Once the school day is over, you have the opportunity to play football or other sports with the children or go to the beach, which is on your doorstep. It is a surreal experience to be able to walk 100 meters and be on a lovely white sandy beach, a perfect way to cool down after an exhausting and sweaty day. It gets even better, every weekend like clockwork we could wake up on Saturday and go straight to Diani by tuk-tuk, the local transport. In Diani there are so many different things to do, by the beach, you could sail, windsurf, kitesurf, kayak, paddleboard or go tubing. There are also lots of lovely places to eat, all at a very affordable price, and there is a big drinking scene, especially Diani backpackers which was the best and our favourite place we would go every weekend.

Fantastic experience: I recently returned home after spending 12 weeks with AV in Kenya volunteering, and an additional 4 weeks travelling in Tanzania after the program ended. I can confidently say that my choice to sign up for this program with AV was the best decision I could have made for myself. Before arriving in kenya, AV helped us prepare for our travels by sending out information of what to expect upon arrival. We were also put in touch with the other volunteers on the program. After arriving, we had a lowkey, but also very helpful orientation course with our local guides, Khalfhan and Grace. After settling in the first 2 weeks, I quickly fell into a routine of going to school Monday-Friday to teach and participate in after school activities with the kids, and then going into the local town of Diani on weekends with the other volunteers. We found a good balance between the time we spent volunteering in school, and the time we spent relaxing outside of the classroom. I was very lucky with the group I was apart of throughout this program. Because you are all living together in the same house, and sleeping in the same bedroom, it is very important that all of the volunteers are able to get along together. I was very happy with the group that I went with. The main thing that I found so great about the AV project was the cultural immersion aspect of it. This is not a program where you travel from location to location doing very touristy activities, but rather it is meant as a way for you to become immersed in the local culture. This comes very naturally, as you spend the duration of your stay living in the same house among all of the locals. We found ourselves getting invited to dinner at peoples homes, playing football matches with the local team, and many other things. Another aspect that I found to work well is the balance that AV has found between allowing the volunteers to have their own freedom, while also keeping an eye on everyone and making sure that they are safe throughout. We were able to make plans on our own and travel freely around the village, but we always knew that Khalfhan and Grace were always there in case we ran into any difficulties. Overall, if you’re looking to sign up for a gap year program, I believe that AV is the best way to go!

Fantastic experience: I did a 12 week trip with AV to Msambweni in Kenya. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I felt well looked after throughout from the team in England to Grace and Khalfan in Kenya. However although I felt looked after, was also given full independence to make my own decisions and do what I wanted. Teaching in the school was an unforgettable experience and really showed me how lucky we are in England. The house in Kenya is situated in a beautiful part of the world, right near a great beach and near Diani which is a great place also. People in Kenya were very nice, although it took me a while to get used to being one of the only white people there and getting stared at a lot. Overall would reccomend it to anyone looking for an interesting and cultural experience!

Fantastic experience: Wow, thank you AV!! I went on the 16 week programme departing to Kenya in January 2022. I met the most incredible people in the community, who I am still in regular contact with to this day. From invites to weddings, funerals, playing in football matches, teaching, painting and exploring a new culture, you do really get involved with everything. The support you get from Sarah in the UK through to Khalfan in the village is great. They were always on hand when you have a question, and even now asking for job references later down the line. I truly wouldn’t be in the line of work I am now if it wasn’t for my experience and confidence gained through AV.

Fantastic experience: I miss it. I miss the morning routine of showering and breakfasting rapidly to get out the door at 7:45 for Mohammed (my bodda bodda driver aka motrobike) to whisk us along the dirt and tarmacced roads to Milalani school. I miss the bustling smily school day featuring packed classes full of mischevious yet (mostly) studious funny kids. Teaching lessons from improv long jump to what on earth photosynthesis is has helped shaped my confidence and going with the flow abilities today. Our home village of Mwaembe with a stunning beach too was full of amazing people. We befriended the legendary local 'Marcus Rashford' for example, always eager to help us hop into a tuk tuk. The culture was non-stop action for me and my almost fully new 10 friends, experimenting in ugali digestion and trying to mimic the perfect rhythm based dances at weddings and 'baby showers' (unsuccessfully but would v much recommend for the fun). I would stress this is not a holiday, you and your group have freedom in a completely new country and a food and transport allowance to figure out together. The program has taught me invaluable lessons in sharing ideas with others to come to a conclusion that suits all. Such discussions took us to other-wordly places such as Lake Naivasha, home to Crater Lake where we took the most amazing waking safari amongst Masaai giraffe, plains zebra, impala, waterbucks, buffalo... Swahili couldn't be more fitting too- a fast but not overly difficult language to pick up bits, akuna matata. AV is special. Easy access, clear info from great people all the way through, providing you with the perfect balance of everything that Kenya and afar has to offer. Twende AV!

Fantastic experience: This was undoubtedly the most incredible and surreal experience of my life. I was in Kenya for 2 months and within the first couple of weeks we were already teaching the children subjects of our choosing, getting involved in local weddings, football matches and mud hut building, having hour long chats with the local tailor on her living room floor and being invited round our host's house to learn how to make national dishes. The schools we were volunteering at were brilliant with the teachers being extremely accommodating, friendly, and helpful and the children were super fun and cheeky and more or less kept me smiling 24/7. I felt far more like a friend to them than a teacher but I still like to think that they learnt a lot from me - I know I learnt a lot from them. At the weekends, we would go and explore the coast, visiting game reserves, beaches, and villages and getting to snorkel, camel ride and try different cuisine. Everyone was so kind and supportive wherever we went. They were the most caring and selfless community I've met and were eager to teach us about their culture. There were 10 other volunteers and as cliche as it sounds, they become my second family and Msambweni became our home away from home. We all learnt and grew together and I am so grateful to have met such amazing people because experiences like this are much better shared. I cannot recommend AV more. They provide the perfect balance between support and independence and give you the opportunity to get as involved as you wish to be.

Fantastic experience: I spent nearly 11 weeks with AV on the beautiful southern coast of Kenya. What an experience it was. I highly recommend AV. If you're looking for full cultural immersion on your gap year, here is your answer. Within the first fortnight, we had already attended weddings, supported the local football team, gone to the local market, got rustic (!) haircuts and started teaching at our placement schools. It was the first time that I had been away from home for an extended period of time, as well as living with a group of individuals my age. This brought many challenges as well as rewards and is all part of the experience. I formed relationships that I will treasure for a long time, both with my housemates as well as our hosts. I also witnessed that there is a direct correlation between the effort you put in and the amount you get out. I was committed to the school and wanted to make a difference, which was obviously immensely appreciated by our hosts. Getting to know the kids and teachers takes time but is so rewarding. I had to leave early on account of increasing Covid-19 restrictions but I will be back!

Fantastic experience: I spent 4 weeks in Kenya with AV and it is suffice to say that it was the best time of my life. I made friends for life - not only with the other AVs I was living with but with the locals who I still talk to almost on a daily basis. AV really looked after us whilst we were there, providing necessities such as information, knowledge and electric fans. The staff both in Britain and Kenya were both kind and supportive, our guide Khalfan even missed his prayers at the mosque in order to get me to the hospital. Although the experience can be expensive for some, the value for money you get is superb, especially as it costs less than other gap year firms. Teaching is both challenging and rewarding, I miss the teachers and children at Vingujini Primary School and I can't wait to go back. If you want to be both challenged and rewarded, AV is the company for you. I am very thankful to AV for all the fun, challenges and personal development they have gifted me with. My advice - If you don't have many commitments in the UK go for much longer than 4 weeks, you won't want to leave Kenya.

Fantastic experience: Recently returning from my Volunteering trip to Msambweni in Kenya I have had time to reflect on what an amazing experience Ihad. It was so heart warming being able to help the community and teaching at Msambweni primary school. Being able to see the improvements of the students in my class but also talking to the teachers on ways I have been taught in England. The location of the House if perfect, it is right on the coast and only a short walk away from the local market where you will find the worlds best mangos! The locals are such lovely warming individuals that really help make your time special and make you feel extremely wanted amongst their local community. AV were extremely helpful throughout and prior to the whole trip and allowed me a stress free time away which has really helped me changed myself for the better.

Fantastic experience: I spent 3 months or so living with the family of an indigenous peoples called the Lepchas in North-East India. This was an incredible experience and one I remember fondly. The host family I stayed with were so kind, welcoming and generous. I taught the children of the village English, which was a good challenge and very enjoyable - the children were so keen to learn and really appreciate what you can offer them. The scenery here is spectacular and very rural - the nearest market is an hour walk over the hills. Perfect for anyone looking for something completely different and away from the usual comforts of home! Africa and Asia Venture offer a very special opportunity to live and work in a unique place and become part of an indigenous community. You can give plenty back while taking away a lot yourself from this experience!

Fantastic experience: The volunteering trip to Kenya was absolutely incredible. Made amazing friends and only wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for people that enjoy working with children and want to do something out of their comfort zone. Also on the coast which doesn't hurt so there's plenty of time to relax and have fun on the weekends as well.

Fantastic experience: I had such a great time with AV - and met some guys I hope will be friends for life. And we did something good for the community rather than just playing around like so many gap year programs...

Fantastic experience: Volunteering in Kenya with AV in the summer of 2016 was an amazing experience. I got to meet and great people from across the globe and the local community were very friendly and welcoming. AV were incredibly well organised in preparing the volunteers for what to expect and what to bring. The UK and Kenya office were very efficient, making the whole process very simple and easy for the volunteers, in addition to keeping families at home updated with our progress. The projects and extra activities available were amazing. I can not speak highly enough of our guide Charles. He knew how to get the most out of us and made sure we had as great an experience as possible. The more you put into this fantastic experience, the more you get out.

Fantastic experience: Amazing support before, throughout and after the trip. Such a fantastic opportunity that I would recommend to anyone thinking about a gap year!

Fantastic experience: Spending time with the Lepcha community was a truly memorable experience. They were so generous and welcoming even though we managed to embarrass ourselves making their versions of dumplings and dancing! We were given a lot of help and support with planning travelling around India after. Thank you so so much!!

Fantastic experience: In 2014 I had a life changing trip to Uganda for 3 months with 4 others. Becoming an AV was one of the best decisions i’ve made and still years on myself and others on my trip stay in touch. AV are such a communicative company who made the trip such less daunting for myself, who at the time was 17. Uganda is an amazing and beautiful country with the most friendly people. I feel extremely privileged to have had the experience and I plan to go back in the future!

Fantastic experience: Even though it's been quite some time since I went on my adventure with AV (2008), the experience still has a big influence on me now. I really enjoyed every minute of it. We had the change to get to know a whole different world. We stayed in local families in small rural villages, who really became our family. We taught children English at a government school and at the Lepcha night school. And 'in exchange' they taught us precious Lepcha traditions and skills (dancing, language, archery, songs, cooking etc.). They also took us with them to special occasions (weddings and festivals). In the time we got to travel, we saw how incredible and unforgettable the rest of India an Nepal are. We tasted all the delicious spices and flavors Inda has to offer, went to sacred places where we learned about the different cultures living in India and walked to great heights and views. It was also a time and place where I really developed myself. The whole experience taught and gave me so much! What really helped me in being ready to go to college that next year! And last but not least I made friends for live. Even though I don't live in England (like the rest of my group does) and I don't get to see them often, I know that whenever I will go to England, I will have friends there (and they will have me in The Netherlands). The whole experience was live changing and I really recommend this project to everybody! Get to know the Lepchas and fall in love with the culture and people, like I did!

Fantastic experience: I couldn't be happier with my decision to spend 5 weeks in South Africa through AV in the summer of 2015. We lived with a wonderful local family and spent our days in the local primary school, helping out with English classes and extra curricular activities. AV were excellent throughout the entire process and provided great pre-trip advice, support whilst we were there and then were keen to take on our feedback once we had a landed back in the UK. You will also make friends for life!

Fantastic experience: I loved my gap year with av and could not recommend it more highly. I fell in love with uganda and its culture and people. If youre looking to be immersed in a new community, and make some friends for life then this is for you!

Fantastic experience: I'd highly recommend AV to anyone and everyone. It was an incredible experience in Kenya and I would do it again in a heartbeat. AV did everything they could to make it as worthwhile and enjoyable as it was. I have so many happy memories and had the best time.

Fantastic experience: I spent three amazing months with AV in Nepal at the start of this year (2017) and not only was everyone from AV themselves amazing but all the people that helped in Nepal were to. Going away with AV was a once in a life time chance I wish everyone would have the chance to take. AV made everything easy from organizing everything to making sure that we knew what to pack.

Fantastic experience: In the spring of 2017 I had the pleasure to spend four very, very nice months in Nepal - Syangja. I was teaching English and Mathematics at an English boarding school on the countryside of Nepal. It truly was one of the most recommendable experiences in my life. Our host-family and almost everyone I meet there were incredibly hospital, the landscape is stunning and the work was interesting. In my opinion staying with a traditional Nepali, getting to know them and their culture, and getting a glimps of what everyday life is like there was just great! I can only recommend. Furthermore our Nepali coordinator was a really lovely and competent guy, so I never felt unsave or not looked after, in case I would have needed help.

Fantastic experience: I had an amazing experience in the 5-week Kenya mission. We met amazing people, saw the world through a completely different lens, integrated into a new culture, experienced so many different excursions and sites and most importantly, made a lasting impact on the village. I highly recommend taking the leap of faith and applying for this trip!

Fantastic experience: It took me several months after returning from my four-month trip to Nepal to realise just how incredible my experience there was. The Nepali programme with AV is completely immersive; it was as if, for four months, I was living in a completely different world. Teaching a classroom full of children six days a week, spending the many Hindu festival days taking part in ceremonies or travelling the local area, playing games with the children of my host family and their little neighbours each evening after school, going to picnics, weddings - and, during my travel month, trekking through the stunning Himalayas; all of these experiences seem so surreal to me now that I've returned to my life back home, yet I know that they will continue to affect me for the rest of my life. I now have a family of my own in Nepal, true friends, and an understanding of a culture and country to which I hope to return again and again. My AV programme was truly immersive, and always offered plenty of support and guidance, while still allowing me to develop and explore my life in Nepal independently. I could not recommend the programme enough!

Fantastic experience: Europe wasn’t adventurous enough for me. I wanted to travel somewhere new, somewhere completely different from my hometown. In short, I wanted to explore the dark continent. Having settled on Africa, I applied to teach English in Kenya via Africa & Asia Ventures. So it was, that on the 6th of July 2016 I found myself flying from London Heathrow to Nairobi. The flight was just over eight hours long, and on arriving I caught another inland flight to Mombasa. On touching down one hour later, I met most of my fellow volunteers and AV’s representative on the ground, Charles. After getting to know one another a bit, we set off for our assigned village, Msambweni; our home for the next five weeks! It is difficult to do justice to all the fantastic experiences we had, but I shall nevertheless try to do just that in the following paragraphs: Every weekday, we would all pile onto the back of motorcycles and be driven to teach at our school. The children were delightful and after morning lessons, we would take sweet chai tea with our fellow Kenyan teachers. My English class consisted of over thirty thirteen-year-olds, some of whom could be cheeky but by and large were a delightful group of students. In addition to teaching, two of the school’s classrooms were terribly dilapidated, and so we commenced with the building side of our project; challenging work in the tropical heat! We were led by our chief builder, Kaseem, and his aide, Bakari. They were both hard working men and good at delegating jobs. Most days after work, we would relax and swim at the beach, and on one occasion, even collected cockles and shrimp to eat with our supper. As well as work, we also had fun weekend excursions including a stay at a Diani beach chalet, a daytrip to a marine park, and best of all a safari – on this trip, we took plenty of game drives and saw lots of warthogs, buffaloes, and giraffes. The next day, we even saw Sable Antelopes and a leopard mother and her cub. In short, our five week-stay in Kenya is full of lovely memories and stories, and I cannot recommend the gap year company AV enough!

Fantastic experience: I went with AV to Uganda January 2017 and those months I spent in Africa were so far, the most influential months of my life. I met so many gracious and loving people, I learned so much about myself, and I learned so much about a culture that I knew basically nothing about. If you're considering going with AV, a few words of wisdom! Bring plenty of things to do! You have insane amounts of downtime in the village and sometimes fully immersing yourself is exhausting so bring something for entertainment. It's a good time to get through a reading list. Also, spend as much time at the school and in the village as possible. That's what you're there for! That's what you signed up for! Embrace it fully. It's hard experience, but it doesn't make it any less! I hope you choose to go for it and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Fantastic experience: I still find it hard to put into words the time I had in India with AV. It was just some of the best months of my life. I learned so much and have so many wonderful memories that fill my heart with joy. I met wonderful people that I love, my Lepcha family and students hold such a huge place in my heart now and so does the village that was my home. I cannot recommend this project enough. It is not just a teaching project

Fantastic experience: I absolutely loved my time doing AV. I met great people from all corners of the globe and had once in a life time experiences. A great way to spend a holiday and I highly reccomend AV to anyone and everyone interested in volunteering.

Fantastic experience: If what you want is an amazing, meaningful gap year experience where you live and work - for real - in a community in Africa or Asia, then AV is AMAZING! I could not recommend them highly enough, from all the care and attention you get before you go (you REALLY are treated and looked after as an individual, not as a number in a big group) to first-class 24/7 support in country. Go for it: have a great time, make a difference to others lives and to your own!