Taking a Gap year

GAP YEAR - A ROUGH GUIDE

What is a Gap Year?

Taking a year out (or 'Gap Year') offers the chance to experience a different way of life, take a break from studying, make new friends, see new places and have an adventure. A gap year can be a time of education, fun and for young people to learn about themselves and the world.  Tony Higgins, Chief Executive of UCAS, says: "UCAS believes that students who take a well-planned structured year out are more likely to be satisfied with, and complete, their chosen course. The benefits of a well-structured year out are now widely recognised by universities and colleges and cannot fail to stand you in good stead in later life." 

Here are some gap year facts that may help you make the decision to stay or go:

• 200,000 young people take gap years per annum.
• Australiais the number one destination.
• 'Gappers' can travel or work for 15 months between school and university.
• You don't have to go overseas - there are thousands of opportunities here in the UK.
• Universities are actively encouraging gap years. Students who have spent their time constructively are more confident and are more likely to choose a course that suits them.
• Don't let money put you off. Funding may be available from charitable trusts and foundations.
• Almost every 'Gapper' says their year out was the best thing they ever did.
• Only one in five young people who seriously consider taking a gap year actually go through with it.

There are hundreds of opportunities, and activities are vast and varied. Here are some suggestions for what to do, based on the most popular choices:

• Work for cash in hand: tread grapes in Australia, become a waiter in a ski resort.
• Go globe trotting: see the world before the hard work starts at college.
• Have an adventure or discovery holiday.
• Try a cultural exchange: be involved in another community, soak up their language and lifestyle.
• Become an eco-warrior: help survey endangered coral reefs or protect threatened environments.

If staying at home is the preferred option (perhaps you have retakes to sit or plans you've made with friends have fallen through) there are still plenty of opportunities. In a recent survey, 75 per cent of respondents did not believe it necessary to go abroad during a gap year, although all those who responded had themselves been abroad. At home a 'Gapper' might:

• Learn a new language: this may stand you in good stead later both at work and in life.
• Try volunteering: you can stay close to home to do this if travelling far away doesn't appeal.
• Take on a teaching placement - either at home or abroad.
• Learn something that wasn't on offer at school: what about first aid, juggling or Tae Kwon-do?

Is it really all about work?

People take gap years for many reasons. A gap year well spent can enhance a CV and broaden personal horizons and aspirations. Emphasis should be placed on what suits each individual best. You may want or need to stay at home and earn money for university, college or a house, or you may need time out from education to do something relaxing rather than challenging. For most young people, a gap year will be about work, rest and play.

Making it different

The advent of cheaper air travel means that fascinating faraway places are no longer as inaccessible as they once were. However, it can be useful to think beyond the obvious choices. Just because everyone else is 'doing Australia' or working at summer camp in America doesn't mean you have to. Superb gap year experiences can be found without even leaving the country - Britain is diverse and has much to offer.

Look for something that broadens your horizons. You could visit a new country, taking on voluntary work that will connect you with different communities and cultures. You could take on a job that teaches you new skills, or try something challenging. It doesn't have to be white water rafting or bungee jumping to be challenging!

Don't try to cram too much into a year out. You need time to appreciate the view along the way. It is beneficial to work out a carefully structured itinerary that takes rest days into account as an integral part of the travelling experience.

Tips for making travelling safe

• Make sure you understand the culture and social issues of the country you are visiting. Seek out relevant resources (travel books, websites).
• Make sure you have appropriate clothing for the country you are visiting, both in terms of the climate and what is considered acceptable.
• Be wary of taking photographs - not all cultures welcome this.
• Don't get conned. Sometimes you just have to say 'no' and walk away. Many people living in poorer nations imagine Western travellers to possess fabulous wealth. If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, don't take risks - just leave.
• You may not be able to learn a language, but at least learn a few basic phrases and don't be afraid to use them.
• Make sure someone back home knows where you are going. Leave someone a copy of your itinerary and phone/email home once a week.
• www.gapyear.com/gaplasses/ - a section of advice for women travelling the world.
• Don't count your money in public. Take travellers cheques where possible as they come with insurance if they are stolen.
• check if you can drink tap water or not before you do!
• http://www.fco.gov.uk/ - the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office includes information on travelling safety.

Read related articles:

Funding your Gap year

Love Languages? - Catherine Graham offers her experience of working overseas

Why do you need Gap Year Travel Insurance?