Gap Year Abroad

Hi all,

I have decided to defer my entry for one whole year and quite frankly, while I do not regret it, I have not much to do other then work. I've been thinking to myself, perhaps it is a chance to meet new people, do new things. By this, I mean go abroad by myself and experience things for myself. However, doing this as a 'holiday' or even volunteering has significant costs for me to burden. Is there anything students like me (finished A levels, 18) could do to perhaps secure a job which provides all the necessities for someone to live out there for a few months.

While I would like to explore, I'd also like to stay close to home. I'd like to go to France for a few months maybe to perhaps learn the language and maybe even become fluent. I did GCSE french and half my family speak it, so I know just about enough to get me by. My main question, however, is what sources (websites etc) might be able to provide a job in which can aid me in learning the language or meeting new people. Or alternatively, what kind of things could I do to volunteer out there or go over there for a fairly cheap price over the few coming months. I'd like to spend some time out there, but just don't have the money to go out right now.