Hearing the call of the wild, Chris Green headed off to work with wolves – and learnt why he should worry when they wag their tails

Not sure what to do on your gap year? Check out our listings guide for inspiration.

David Dalgado, 23, is in the final year of a degree in civil and environmental engineering at Imperial College London. He decided to pursue a career in civil engineering to try to make a difference in developing countries.

Chrissie Stockting, 22, graduated from Southampton University last year with a degree in music. Earlier this year, she became a Raleigh International Venturer in a team of 120 volunteers and spent 10 weeks in Tampasak, a small village in Malaysian Borneo. She tells us why ‘potential employers are noticeably impressed’ by her time off.

Emily Ross explains how to organise deferred entry and a gap year

Whether it’s to expand your horizons or your contacts book, there’s likely to be a gap year itinerary to suit you.

Chalet girl Julia Drake explains why a ski season exceeded all her expectations - and prepared her for university life.

Alice Piggott joined the Engineers Without Borders to help others.

Whether you want to teach English abroad or build wells, it's essential to plan ahead, says Miriam Laurance

Esther Shaw advises how not to break the bank while trotting the globe

Whether you want to spot polar bears in the Arctic Circle or trek around Peru, we have listed the best websites to help you plan your trip.

China, Borneo and Japan are the new destinations for young people with a year to fill, says Nick Jackson

Students may like the idea of a year out, but not all are happy with the experience, says Robert Nurden

Brazil sometimes seems to sweat pheromones through its borders. The homeland of Gisele and Ronaldo (take your pick, you know you want at least one of them), and the sensual grotesque that is Rio's carnival.

From the slums of Delhi to the Himalayan foothills, India has a world to offer the young gapper, writes Tim Walker