[Agenda Suicide]

So basically I plan to take a gap year before uni, it is something which I had never really properly considered and now it is something which I am ultimately going to be doing.


I don't know where to start. I have a part time job but not much money in the bank (Been paying for driving lessons). So, if I work lots and save money (around 400 a month, maybe less) could I go on an awesome experience?

I was wondering if some people could give me some pointers on great places to look at going to or some hints of how to plan a gap year succesfully.

I have no real requirements aslong as it's somewhere that's reasonably nice (preferably hot but not essential) and I could go for a minimum of a month.

Maybe I'm asking too much, maybe not, but I literally have no idea where to begin as there just seems to be loads of information and I can't grasp any of it.

Any help or stories would be appreciated! Thanks.

[Meena373]

Okay, the first thing I'd say is do something YOU really want to do. Don't go build an orphanage in Ethiopia because it seems to be 'the thing to do'- but go ahead and do it if you really want to. Pick a country to travel to that you are really interested, or an initiative which really appeals to you. You might want to pick up a skill as opposed to travelling randomly- maybe you want to improve a language or do an internship/job abroad (if its the language thing- try and spend six months or more there!). Maybe it fits into the course you want to do at uni?
£400 a month would be okay, depending on which months you intend to be working. If you want to start traveling or whatever in January you might need some more time to raise money (maybe borrow some, then work again to pay it back- though personally I don't like this way of doing it!). Maybe its worth looking for something more full time or just with more hours or which pays more?
Secondly (this is only if you're applying in your gap year, not if you deferred your place) work and earn money (but don't work too hard!) through the application process. You can get into a schedule and have time to apply properly, prepare for interviews etc while earning some money.
Apply early if you want to use an organisation- might be useful if you're going to a country where security is a big issue or if you're doing something in a big group, but it might be a rip off so pick carefully!
My experience is that- even though I made new friends- being on a gap year can be kind or lonely especially in the first few months if your friends have gone to uni. Just a warning.
This is all just my experience, other people might have completely different advice to give, so yeah- just see what applies most to your situation. Feel free to ask me any more questions you have (just quote me please so I know to reply)!
Meena xx

[liv89]

I think it depends what kind of experience you are looking for - ie. voluntary work or paid work or just travelling/sightseeing/having fun. Then decide what country or countries you want to spend time in. If you want to volunteer have a look at http://www.vso.org.uk/volunteer/oppo...olds/index.asp. I also recommend having a look at www.questoverseas.com (their summer trips should be within your price range).