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, hosp... See more
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I had an amazing time at PMGY India doing the medical program ! Vishy (the host) was so kind and helpful, he helped us organise everything, even things we wanted to do outside the program. PMGY also h... See more
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I spent 6 week with PMGY Tanzania and I could not recommend it more. The coordinators were really welcoming making sure you're safe but also having an amazing time and were able to help with and quest... See more
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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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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 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
Wonderful !
We had an amazing volunteering experience in Vietnam! We worked in a school near Hanoi with young children and local teachers, who were all incredibly welcoming and kind. The organization was great and we felt well supported throughout our stay.
It was also the perfect opportunity to meet people from all over the world and discover Vietnam. We visited Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay and Sapa, and even extended our trip to explore the south.
A truly rewarding experience combining volunteering, travelling and meeting amazing people. We would 100% recommend it!
25 July 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Sixtine,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such a rewarding volunteering experience in Vietnam and felt warmly welcomed by the children, local teachers and support team.
It is lovely to hear that you also enjoyed meeting people from around the world and exploring Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Sapa and southern Vietnam. It sounds like a wonderful combination of volunteering, travel and meaningful connections.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Best 2 weeks of my life
I had the most amazing time here with PMGY in bali. Everything from the volunteering to the people was just amazing. I’ve never had so much fun and i will miss the experience i had so much. The trip was so well organised but we still had so much freedom. I wouldn’t recommend enough! Thank you PMGY ❤️
17 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Anne,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your two weeks in Bali were such an unforgettable experience and that you enjoyed both the volunteering and the wonderful people you met.
It is lovely to hear that the trip felt well organised while still giving you plenty of freedom to enjoy your time and make lasting memories.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the experience!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Amazing medical programme
Amazing medical programme, amazing team. Never felt bored even a second on the trip. Everything was so well organised and we felt seafe the entire time!! Thank you sm to vishy and all the PGMY staff for making it so memorable. Would love to come back and do it all over again. :))
26 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Amani,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such an enjoyable and memorable time on the Medical Programme and found every part of the experience so engaging.
It is lovely to hear that everything was well organised and that Vishy and the local team helped you feel safe and supported throughout your stay.
Thank you for joining PMGY! We would be delighted to welcome you back again in the future.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Childcare Program in Arusha
I did the Childcare Program in Arusha, Tanzania, and had a really great experience. I volunteered every morning and really enjoyed spending time with the children.
The support from PMGY was excellent. I always felt safe and whenever I had a question, I received an answer in the group chat within seconds. The accommodation was also good and I felt comfortable there.
Overall, I had a great time and would definitely recommend the program to others! 😊
31 July 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Livia,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such a positive experience on the Childcare Program in Arusha and enjoyed spending your mornings with the children.
It is lovely to hear that you always felt safe, received such prompt support from the local team and found the accommodation comfortable throughout your stay.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
My experience in Sri Lanka
I went to Sri Lanka in August for three weeks and it was honestly the best experience and I would recommend it to everyone. I did the turtle conservation where you not only got to help the turtles but also do beach cleans. The staff were also so helpful and friendly. I also got to do dog volunteering for a day which was so fun.
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Lily,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that your three weeks in Sri Lanka were such a memorable experience and that you enjoyed supporting the turtles and taking part in the beach cleans.
It is also lovely to hear that you enjoyed your day volunteering with the dogs and felt well supported by the friendly local team.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the experience!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Turtle Volunteering 2026
Great fun, good organisation and overall unforgettable experience!
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Megan,
Thank you for sharing your lovely review! We’re delighted that you had such a fun and unforgettable time on the Turtle Volunteering Programme and found everything well organised.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
The programme was extremely well run…
The programme was extremely well run and organised, very safe and friendly staff :)
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Gracie,
Thank you for sharing your lovely review! We’re delighted that you found the programme so well organised and felt safe throughout your experience.
It is also wonderful to hear that the friendly staff helped make your time so positive and enjoyable.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
wildlife volunteering project in Costa Rica
I took part in a wildlife volunteering project in Costa Rica. It was an amazing experience, and I have such great memories from it.
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Zuzanna,
Thank you for sharing your lovely review! We’re delighted that you had such an amazing experience on the Wildlife Volunteering Project in Costa Rica and created so many wonderful memories.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
I had an amazing time time volunteering…
I had an amazing time time volunteering in Bali. Doing the teaching programe was incredibly rewarding and exciting. The team were extremely helpful and created such a welcoming environment for us. I would highly recommend doing this experience.
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Hu,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such an amazing time volunteering in Bali and found the Teaching Programme both rewarding and exciting.
It is lovely to hear that the local team was so helpful and created a warm and welcoming environment throughout your stay.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the experience!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
PMGY Bali, Wildlife Programme
I volunteered in Bali, Indonesia with the Wildlife programme which was amazing from start to finish. Getting to know all the lovely dogs and being able to experience the wildlife in the rescue centre was such a highlight. Alongside the beach cleans and mangroves it gave a unique and well rounded experience which was unforgettable. The best part by far, however, are the people. The other volunteers you meet there but especially all the staff that are involved in giving you the most comfortable and friendly stay possible. I cant thabk them enough! Support throughout was impeccable including help with flights and visas before travel. The Akasa house is wonderful and made to feel like home by the lovely community that is created there. We experienced both the Gilli and Ubud trips which were so well organised and planned it couldn't have been any better. To anyone thinking about this, DO IT!! There is no other place like it :)
2 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Eleanor,
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had an unforgettable experience on the Wildlife Programme in Bali and enjoyed the dogs, wildlife rescue centre, beach cleans and mangrove activities.
It is lovely to hear that you felt so well supported before and during your trip, and that the local team, fellow volunteers and welcoming community at Akasa House made you feel at home. We’re also pleased that you enjoyed the well-organised trips to Gili and Ubud.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for encouraging others to experience the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Real Experience Sri Lanka
I did the Real Sri Lanka Experience and can highly recommend it!
Our tour guide, Ishan, was absolutely the best. He always made sure that everything was perfect and shared so much interesting knowledge about the country. The volunteering experience was also really special. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and it was a great opportunity to meet new people, try new things and experience Sri Lanka.
I’m very grateful for the experience and would definitely recommend it.
27 July 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Ladina,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such a memorable time on the Real Sri Lanka Experience and found the volunteering opportunity so special.
It is lovely to hear that Ishan’s care and knowledge helped make your journey so enjoyable, and that you had the opportunity to meet new people, try new things and discover more of Sri Lanka.
Thank you for joining PMGY and for recommending the program!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
The best time volunteering in Bali!!
I did four weeks volunteering in Bali and I had the best time ever!! For the first three weeks I did the childcare project and could earn so much experience in a bit of teaching, playing and working with the best kids. It was incredible to feel the acceptance and kindness of these small people. It is so coo that your are able to try a different project, so I did the wildlife for my last week. You have so many opportunities to experience the mangroves or feed the animals in the wildlife rescue center and sooo much more. The staff is absolutely the best!! They care about every single person and try to assist with everything possible. Amazing job!! A thing I also really liked, were the free weekends, you have enough time to travel from Friday to Sunday and experience the island just like you want to. Thanks so much to everyone and see you again!
1 September 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Joanna,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such an incredible four weeks in Bali and enjoyed experiencing both the Childcare and Wildlife Projects.
It is lovely to hear how rewarding you found working with the children and participating in activities at the mangroves and wildlife rescue centre. We’re also pleased that you felt so well supported by the local team and enjoyed using your free weekends to explore the island.
Thank you for joining PMGY! We would be delighted to welcome you back again in the future.
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Amazing experience
Everything about my volunteering experience in Tanzania was simply amazing! A huge thank you to PMGY and the local team for making me feel supported and welcomed throughout the whole experience. Volunteering at the school was truly unforgettable, and I’m so grateful for all the people I met and the memories I made. Tanzania will always have a special place in my heart
7 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Arianna,
Thank you for sharing your wonderful review! We’re delighted that you had such an amazing experience in Tanzania and felt warmly welcomed and supported throughout your stay.
It is lovely to hear that volunteering at the school was so meaningful and that the people you met and memories you created made your time truly unforgettable.
Thank you for joining PMGY and allowing us to be part of such a special journey!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
An unforgettable experience in Sri…
An unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka
I don’t know where to begin - PMGY Sri Lanka gave me the best four months of my life. I had originally signed up for just one month but ended up extending my stay because leaving never felt like an option. That alone says everything about how special this place is.
From the moment you arrive you can tell how much care goes into making sure everyone is comfortable, happy and safe. The regular house meetings are a small but important touch. They really show how much the team values your experience and wants everything run smoothly. Having breakfast, lunch and dinner provided every day along with weekly room cleaning, just makes everything feel so easy and well taken care of. If there’s ever anything you need, there’s always someone available to help.
What really highlighted the trip is how much PMGY encouraged you to experience Sri Lanka beyond the volunteering. The extra activities they organise are incredible and give you a deeper understanding of the culture and the country. I started my time with the two week Real Sri Lanka Experience and it was the perfect introduction. Huge credit to Ishan, who made it unforgettable with his knowledge, energy and passion made every moment special.
I also had the chance to work on the turtle project, we did beach cleanups, fed turtles and sometimes released baby turtles into the ocean. After that I moved to the dog rescue project which ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of my time there. Caring for the dogs every day and seeing the difference you’re making is incredibly rewarding, and exactly what I had hoped to do.
Sri Lanka was absolutely beautiful but what truly made my time here was the people. Every person goes above and beyond in ways that are hard to put into words. There’s a genuine sense of kindness, care and patience in everything they do. Everyday I felt supported, valued and looked after.
A big thank you to Ash whose leadership and support quietly shape so much of what makes this place run so well. The effort into creating such a positive welcoming environment is appreciated.
And another big thank you to Melissa whose dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. The way you show up everyday, consistently give your time, energy and care to everyone around you is something really rare. You help people feel comfortable, heard and at home and that has such a lasting impact. Thank you for everything you do it means more then you’ll ever know.
Also thank you to Sani, Nisha, Sudhari and Samadhi for all your hard work at the projects, and to Manoj for bringing so much laughter and extra care to the street dogs.
I wouldn’t change a single second of my time here. I didn’t just have an amazing few months - it changed my life. I will carry the experience, memories and people with me forever. A part of my heart will always be here and I will miss it everyday.
Thank you for everything.
Laura Greenaway.
12 January 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Laura,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a heartfelt review! We’re truly delighted that your planned one-month stay became four unforgettable months and that PMGY Sri Lanka became such a special place for you.
It is wonderful to hear that you felt safe, supported and at home throughout your stay, and that you enjoyed everything from the Real Sri Lanka Experience with Ishan to the Turtle Conservation and Dog Rescue projects. Knowing these experiences were so meaningful and rewarding is incredibly special to us.
Your kind words about Ash, Melissa, Sani, Nisha, Sudhari, Samadhi and Manoj beautifully reflect the warmth, care and dedication of the local team. We’re so pleased that they, together with everyone you met, helped you create memories and connections that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for choosing PMGY, extending your stay and sharing your remarkable journey. We hope to welcome you back to Sri Lanka one day!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
Great experience with nice people in Greece
30 August 2026
Reply from Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)
Hello Charlotte,
Thank you for sharing your lovely review! We’re delighted that you had such a great experience in Greece and enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people during your time there.
Thank you for joining PMGY!
Best regards,
The PMGY International Team
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