What are the best gap year jobs abroad for a high school grad?

I'm graduating soon and considering taking a gap year to work abroad. What are some of the best gap year jobs available internationally that can give me valuable experience and are worth exploring?

Taking a gap year to work abroad can indeed be invigorating and open up unique opportunities for you. Here are some options that won't require a college degree and should provide you with meaningful experience.

1. Teaching English: English teaching roles are popular, and countries like South Korea, Japan, China, and Spain have programs that hire native English speakers to assistant teach in schools.

2. Au Pair: This is a job in which you live with a host family (usually in Europe) and help take care of their children while also learning about their culture.

3. Volunteer Work: International nonprofits like Peace Corps or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) offer opportunities to work globally on initiatives like education, environmental conservation, and farming.

4. Seasonal Jobs: Jobs in hospitality (like working at a ski resort in Canada or a summer camp in the USA) don't require degrees and can help you build customer service skills while enjoying a new setting.

5. Workaway or Helpx: These platforms host listings for work in exchange for room and board. Tasks can vary widely, from hostel work to farm help to assisting with local tours.

6. TEFL Certification: If you're looking to make a career out of teaching English or want a more formal role that pays a higher salary, earning a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification can position you for higher-level teaching roles abroad.

Keep in mind, that each option has different requirements, so be sure to research thoroughly. Lastly, remember to consider visa regulations and working conditions in your chosen country, as they can greatly impact your experience.