Agents

If you travel the world under arrangements made by a gap year company, you should expect agents or representatives to make your stay as reasonable as possible and to be available if problems occur. Ideally, they should not be involved in your placement, as they will have a conflict of interests.

What help can you get if you are an independent traveller, other than Embassies/High Commissions?

If you would like the assurance of meeting a local when you travel to help plan your trip and help out when problems occur, then have a look at http://www.tripbod.com/ It aims to team travellers up with a vetted local with similar interests at their destination, who can offer pre-trip advice and local knowledge for anything from a local festival, to volunteering to a canoe trip. Prices start from £16 for a one-day trip.