Africa & Asia Venture (AV) - Gap Year Company

Jan 1st, 2022

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!
Nov 17th, 2020

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!
Nov 9th, 2020

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.
Jun 23rd, 2020

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.
May 20th, 2020