link titleMany students take the option of having a gap year. For some it’s a welcome relief from education or a last bit of freedom before settling in to the world of work, but it’s all too easy to let that year slip by. Taking a year off to do something different can be one of the best times of your life so the key to getting the most out of your time is to plan ahead.

Planning your gap year It is worth remembering that taking a gap year is by no means the cheaper or easier option. It can often cost the same or more than a year at University, especially if you intend to spend your year out in a foreign country. A trip such as that could run into thousands of pounds, so between deciding where you want to go and what you want to do, spend some time working out how you are going to finance your travels. Planning in advance is essential, as there is a lot which must be arranged. Just taking a year off with no real plan could end in disaster.

An increasing number of students are taking a year out to work and save some cash for going to University, to cut down debts or just earn some extra spending money. This is a popular route for many students who feel like they need a break from education.

Whilst you may think that working for a year could hinder your career, remember that future employers will look at previous work experience as well as grades, even if the experience has nothing to do with the field you want to go into. The point is that it’s all life experience, which is important in every job you can imagine.

Another popular way to gain work experience is to do voluntary work, a trend which has been nicknamed “voluntourism.” This allows you to see parts of the world at a reduced cost. Volunteering may sound like the perfect opportunity for sun, fun and adventure, but the experience can have a serious purpose too. Many of these programmes will involve getting to grips with a new culture, learning new skills or a new language and doing something good for the community you visit.

Whatever you do make sure that you think it through, as this is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are a few companies out there who con students out of their money, so you must be careful to check out any sites that you are going to use.


One thing you can’t afford to forget is travel insurance, because if things go wrong you could find yourself faced with huge medical bills. So, remember that planning is key.

Whatever you’re looking for, there’s bound to be an option for you if you take the time to find it. It’s worth taking a chance as you only live once, so enjoy it!


Work Experience

A company called ‘The Year In Industry’ provides a service, which allows you to apply for a job in your gap year in your chosen career industry.

Experience in the industry

This is a great way to gain experience in the field that you wish to pursue. It will also look great on your CV and will show your future employers that you are motivated, and that you found yourself a placement early on. It shows that you have thought about this career and are sure that it is what you want to do, as you have already invested a year of your life in it. This is very positive for employers to see and will definitely increase your chance of getting a job in the industry.

The website allows you to upload your CV and personal details and specify what kind of industry you would like to go into. It will then attempt to find you a placement during your year out that is suitable for your requirements. There is also a function on the site that allows you to search for any vacancies by job type, for example: engineering or marketing. This will cost you £25 which could be refunded if you recommend the company to a friend who then uses it. If there is a particular organisation that you would like to work for, the website will get in touch with them for you and try to arrange a placement. Anyone who is sure of what they want to do in the future should consider this option.

www.yini.org.uklink title


Volunteering

Camp America

There are many volunteering opportunities for young people wanting to take time out. Camp America offers a minimum of nine weeks volunteering on one of their camp sites located all over the United States. This will cost you around £380, which includes flights, accommodation, food and activities. There is a range of volunteer jobs on offer, from youth councillor to activity leader, and your duties will vary according to the job you choose.

The camp is basically an adventure camp for American children and you would be responsible for these children and will also be expected to take part in the variety
of activities that take place on the camp, such as tennis and rock climbing.

In order to apply for this experience you must fill in an application form online, you will then be asked to attend an interview to see whether you are suitable for the roles. This seems like the perfect volunteering experience for young people, as you will not only have an amazing time, but also learn many skills that can be transferred to your future career.

www.campamerica.co.uklink title

Working abroad

Ski resorts

One of the most popular places to work abroad for students are ski resorts in France, where there are many jobs available. If you are lucky enough to be a skilled skier, then you can apply for a job as a junior instructor for a year. However, if like most of us, you don’t have this skill there are many other jobs such as reception work or cleaning. This is a chance to escape to the beautiful French Alps and get paid for doing so. Many of the resorts that offer these kinds of jobs for foreign students also provide accommodation, but not often food or flights, so you will have to be very organised and sort this out for yourself.

www.workinfrance.comlink title


Adventure

Real Travel

Seeking a thrill? Then why don’t you try having an adventure gap year! Whilst these may prove to be expensive, they are a lot of fun, especially for those of you who like a challenge. You may think that this will not further your future career in any way, but the experience will be something you will never forget. So, for a life changing experience we recommend the website www.realgap.co.uk; it is easy to navigate and has a concise list of gap adventures. Choose from a number of options from Pygmy elephant conservation in Borneo to paid work on an Aussie outback ranch, or you can choose to tailor make your own round-the-world gap year option.

Real Travel is the leading gap travel organiser offering a diverse range of programmes, including: volunteering, adventure travel and expeditions, conservation, sports, paid working holidays and learning.
Real Travel offers around 500 projects and gap year travel ideas covering 45 countries.

www.realgap.co.uklink title


FOR MORE INFORMATION
There are numerous websites with the potential of millions of
placements abroad. To get you started check out the following links;
www.realgap.co.uklink title www.responsibletravel.comlink title www.madventurer.comlink title
www.vso.org.uk www.trailfinders.com link title www.wwv.orglink title www.gap.org.uk link title