The 10th June in Soweto sees what has already been tipped to be a historic live concert to open the 19th FIFA World Cup, and the first on African soil. Such events conjure memories of Diana Ross hoofing a penalty kick during her opening performance, and overblown spectaculars that may have looked just a little too expensive, but 2010 is set to be different – following a format similar to Live 8 with rumoured performances from Beyonce and Madonna and proceeds going to disadvantaged communities. The following day sees the first match of the tournament taking place in the country’s largest city: Johannesburg.

Of course, World Cup 2010 is particularly important for England fans and the home country are already preparing for a large number of fans making the pilgrimage from our shores. Fabio Capello’s team are perhaps the strongest we’ve had in years and we have qualified for the tournament with our best foot forward, and with two games to spare after a 5-1 thrashing over Croatia – the omens have never looked so good. Seeing some of these games are an exciting prospect to anyone considering making the journey, but your time in South Africa can be even more memorable.

South Africa has long been associated with gap years and volunteer projects abroad. The reason for this is, at least in part, is due to the country’s diverse social and physical landscape. While a vast majority of the population live in its developed first world cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, the rest of the country is made up of vast landscapes ranging from the desert in the northwest and subtropical lands in the east.

A gap year teaching, for example, will likely take you to the more rural communities of the country – where schools exist on considerably simpler means than those of the cities. Short term teachers are needed to teach basic literacy and maths at primary and secondary level to enthusiastic and eager learners for an incredibly rewarding few months. But learning doesn’t always take place in the classroom, school life involves much activity including dancing, singing and football of course. In fact, for those eager to play as much as they are to watch, soccer clinics in areas such as Philippolis are also frequently looking for volunteer sports coaches. It will be a busy time, but taking in the sights of a beautiful country and the spectacle of the World Cup will feel all the more worth it.

Panda bear Conservation

China is the single place in the world where rare giant pandas can still be seen in the wild. There are a number of panda conservation projects which gap year travellers can take part in, most of which involve feeding and nursing these beautiful creatures as well as doing very necessary research. Most projects will allocate you free weekends to go sight-seeing in the surrounding areas.

Martial arts schools

Ever fancied being able to hold your own in a fight, or perhaps admired the grace of Chinese Kung Fu artists in the movies? In which case, a few months in a martial arts academy may suit you down to the ground. Learn the arts of Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Praying Mantis Fist or Xingyi, and feel Chinese culture while building your physical knowledge at the same time.

English as a foreign language

There’s plenty of paid work in China for English speaking students, and many gap organisations offer training courses which set you up to search for a job. If your’e short of cash this is a perfect way to immerse yourself in Chinese life and visit the countrys major tourist attractions at the same time. You can even use your teaching experience to gain a TEFL certificate, which will look great on your CV.

China by train

A great way to see the most distant areas of China is by booking yourself on to a train. Journey through Russia to Beijing, stopping off to see the Mongolian steps, and explore some of Chinas rural villages also as its big cities. This is a great way to explore the country on the cheap, while finding your own sense of self along the way.

Volunteering is often affiliated with students eager to take a gap year abroad, but opportunities to do so are available in the UK as well as in the more far flung regions of the world. Yet whilst the experience of being immersed into another culture or group’s way of life is both challenging and rewarding for nearly everyone no matter what you intend to do when you get back home again, volunteering abroad can be particularly worthwhile for those who have a definite career path in mind.

Those who are keen to embark on a PGCE leading on to a career in teaching will be likely to benefit from one of the many gap year teaching opportunities available. These schemes are often located in rural areas of Africa, Asia and Latin America, where you can opt to teach primary and secondary level subjects for a term. Such schemes are known for the rewarding nature of the job, teaching in poorer areas with minimal equipment, and having to rely on engagement via presentation and activity – all important skills that will help boost future career opportunities and success.

If you’re an even more dynamic person, more specific schemes are available for individuals interested in sports coaching. Although sports such as football and cricket are immensely popular amongst youngsters around the world, coaches and trainers are quite rare. Again, the enthusiasm of those around you is the thing that really stands out with volunteering in this area – and what better way to hone your skills than in a new and different place and with people who really appreciate your work.

Today, volunteering can really be cut to almost any individual. On conservation and environment schemes, you will work as part of a team but will also get the opportunity to focus your efforts on the wellbeing of the planet itself. Projects needn’t last a full year, specific organizations are adapting to the need for placements which allow individuals time to save up and are offering 2-4 month long schemes as well as shorter 3-5 week stints. Experience is more accessible than ever, and volunteering really can be a great step towards life in the real world.