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Funding your Gap year

Getting sponsorship and funding

Do you want to take a gap year but are worried that you can't afford to? Don't be! Every year thousands of young people manage to raise the funds they need, or opt for a scheme where they can actually earn money at the same time.

Funding is available for Students to Volunteer Abroad

Each year approximately 230,000 18 to 24-year-olds take a gap year worldwide*, and as A Level and Higher exams loom, Lattitude Global Volunteering is encouraging more to volunteer abroad, when their exams are over. To help young people, Lattitude has full and part funded places available.

Many 17-18 year olds will have their heads buried in books right now in anticipation of their exams, but the big question on many students’ minds is “What next?” For those opting to take a year out following their exams, not-for-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering is offering various funding options to enable them to volunteer abroad.

Lattitude projects range from 3 months to a year, and the volunteers make a positive difference to another community which they become a part of, through living and working with the people and learning about a new culture.

Lattitude runs various volunteering placements, including caring, environmental, teaching and community projects in 17 countries around the world. Concerned parents can be reassured that Lattitude provides a secure and structured way to take a gap year, with hosts and representatives in each country to look after the volunteers’ welfare, and a 24 hour telephone line in case of emergency. Potential volunteers can even discover the project and destination best suited to them before they apply, by visiting www.whatkindofvolunteerareyou.org.uk.

To qualify for Lattitude’s funded placements, applicants must be able to prove they would otherwise struggle to raise the funds. To find out more, visit www.lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914.

Raising the money yourself

The type of gap year where you go on an expedition, do voluntary work overseas or learn a new skill gives you, quite literally, a world of opportunities. The problem is that this is often at a high price. Most gap year organisations will give you guidance on how to raise the funds you need but for starters, here are some suggestions:

  • Approach your school or college for help. Some schools actually have a charitable trust that issues grants to students.
  • Approach local charities or clubs for grants. Fore example Rotary or Lions clubs may consider your project worth donating too particularly if what you intend to do will help others in some way. Offer to do a presentation to them about your plans, this may help.
  • Approach local businesses for sponsorship or a donation. Big companies - ones with a national presence - may be less likely to offer sponsorship to you as an individual. Start in your local area first.
  • Organise a sponsored anything! Contact your local paper to publicise your event and get as many people as possible involved. The wackier your idea the more publicity and sponsorship you'll get.
  • Organise an event and set an entrance fee. As for the sponsored event above, people you invite must be aware that the entrance fee is going towards your travel fund. Quizzes, music events and sports events all work well. Ask family and friends to help with publicity. Some venues may not charge for hiring particularly if you can offer them some publicity or even, a good profit at their bar!

Get on a gap scheme that pays

Some companies and organisations run gap year schemes where they pay you to work for them for all or part of the year, leaving you time at the end to travel. Gap years like this can be good on your CV and your bank balance. You may even be offered sponsorship through university if you impress your employer. Here are four of the best schemes:

  • IBM Pre-University Employment Scheme:
    Offers an initial three-week intensive training course, between 9 and 12 months meaningful paid work experience with good support during your placement. To apply you must have good numerical skills with predicted A level grades of AAB. You should apply by the end of March in the final year of A levels, for a September start.
  • The Army Gap Year Commission:
    Offers officer training, foreign travel and expeditions with no obligation to join the Army at the end of it. To apply you must have achieved to A level passes with 5 GCSEs graded A-C. This must include maths, English language and a science or language. Or you could have a deferred university place. Apply early in the final year of your a levels.
  • The Year in Industry:
    Offers meaningful paid employment in industry from September to July, 20-25 days training, and potential university sponsorship. Most of the work placements are found in engineering, science or IT based companies so your must have the appropriate qualifications and interest to apply.

[NYA would like to thank Springboard for providing this information.]