About Gap Years

TSR Wiki > Life > Gap Years and Travel > About Gap Years

Introduction

A gap year is something that is regarded by many as being extremely worthwhile. The fact is that gap years are very varied, but in this section, we have made some attempt to detail the types of activities which typically fill a gap year, from volunteering to paid work to a year in industry. Also in this section you will be able to find advice on many gap year issues, from insurance to how to fund your volunteer travel.

What is a gap year?

This might seem like an obvious question but there is a wide variety of answers. The majority of those taking a gap year do so between A-level and undergraduate study, however it is not uncommon to take a gap year (or sabbatical) during your career.

A gap year is not an inclusive event and can include a multitude of activities and experiences. Generally gap years will take the form of either travel, volunteer work (charity work) or paid social work (activity centres etc) and are not restricted by location. For more gap year ideas try here

Who can take a gap year?

The short answer is anybody can. Although most of those on a gap year tend to be in the 18-25 age bracket (after finishing higher or further education) there is no age limit for who can take a gap year. More often a gap year would be referred to as a sabbatical in the employment world. A gap year offers you the flexibility to take a break and do something you might otherwise never do (or never get the opportunity to do) in ordinary life.

Should I take a gap year?

Of course this is entirely up to you. Although you may face conflicting advice about the usefulness of a gap year this wont be true if you are able spend your time wisely. Some people might have planned their gap year months or even years in advance. For some however, it might be because they couldn't get a university place, and decided at the last moment. Either way, a gap year can prove to be a valuable experience.

Pros

• A gap year is an invaluable addition to anyone's Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) or Personal Statement. It may be worthwhile mentioning your plans in your Personal Statement or in an interview prior to receiving university placements. This can demonstrate independence and show your diligence in organisation if your year is well planned.

• Many University courses which have links with industry will be extremely interested if you spend your gap year on relevant work experience, showing your dedication to the subject as well as providing a good knowledge base when you return for 1st year.

• Equally, employers will look to see how you demonstrate your personality, a gap year is a great addition to your C.V. to represent your interests as well as independence, as mentioned previously.

Cons

• What is considered to be the major con of a gap year is being away from education. A year away from lessons and study may mean that you are less equipped with the skills you have attained and relevant knowledge may not be fresh in your mind. Some courses specify that those applying with deferred entry are unlikely to receive an offer for this reason.

• Additionally, it is frowned upon by universities to take a gap year before taking a degree in the natural sciences, because these subjects are particularly reliant on collected knowledge which can easily be forgotten.

But what if I can't spare a whole year?

Despite the generic name, gap years do not necessarily have to be a year long. Indeed many 'gap year' companies offer opportunities for as little as 2-3 month trips. If, for whatever reason, you feel that a year is too long to spend travelling, you don't have to miss out on the benefits that travelling can bring. Many people find it more feasible to spend maybe three months or a summer break travelling, some even for only one or two weeks. So, whatever your budget and whatever your time, there will be an experience out there for you! PoD specialises is short term placements which can easily be fitted into University holidays or the summer between A level exams and Uni. They offer placements from 1 week and are available throughout the year.

What will I achieve from taking a gap year?

Gap years have a whole host of advantages (and I'm not just talking lots of fun). More and more employers and universities are finding it hard to differentiate between students with the same grades - so a gap year can really help your CV stand out. Here are a few reasons why a gap year is a good idea:

• Do it while you can! Once work, mortgages and rug-rats come into play, extensive travel can be tricky. Take full advantage whilst still footloose and fancy-free. The world is your playground and the park is open all hours!

• Help other communities. Anyone can spend six months on the beach, but if you choose to volunteer overseas, you can use your time to help others. Whether helping children, animals or rainforests, just one individual can make the biggest difference.

• Learn to love other cultures. Pass through a place and you’ll really only scratch the surface. Living and working alongside local people will really let you into the heart and soul of any country.

• Teach English as a Foreign Language. There are plenty of TEFL courses offered worldwide. Here's your chance to earn a TEFL certificate which permits you to teach English abroad (also pick up a new language at the same time). Make sure to choose an accredited course such as those offered by TEFL England (or TEFL Scotland or TEFL Wales as this is what many schools abroad will ask for.

• Increase you chutzpah! You’ll be surprised how quickly you settle into new surroundings or situations. A confidence boost is a common side-effect of travel, so if you’re a shrinking violet, now’s your chance to bloom!

• Fill your address book. You meet all sorts of colourful characters whilst travelling – every age, every culture, every walk of life. Get ready to fill your address book as some could be friends for life.

• Improve your future prospects. Employers often look at travel in a favourable light, especially if you have worked or volunteered abroad. After all, not everyone can boast saving the turtles of Costa Rica on their CV!

• Something to tell the grandkids. Your experiences will become lifelong memories. Guaranteed, even the most frustrating episode will be a story to dine out on when you return.

• Be inspired! This could be a time for real change in your life. You could find a new career path, find out more about yourself, find love, inspiration or just a taste for strange exotic foods - fried locusts anyone?

• Transferable skills. There are many life skills that you can gain from volunteering that no amount of education can provide. You learn a great deal more from life by living it than just sat in a classroom.

• Perfect you personal statement. The number of people applying to university is growing rapidly. Stay ahead of the race with a UCAS application that stands out from the masses and could be the difference between you getting your first or third choice of placement.

What about money?

Many (most, even) gappers work for the first part of their year to raise funds, which is a great idea. You might even make enough money to go towards starting university!

Fundraising

Money (or lack of) can be quite a big thorn in your side when it comes to taking a gap year. Some experts reckon that the average gap year can cost £4000-£6000 - ouch!

However, help is at hand. Because if you really want to do it you can often fundraise for it - particularly if you are going to do something worthwhile in your gap year such as volunteer work.

There are the straightforward things such as getting a job, having a car boot sale, selling your stuff on eBay etc etc. You can also approach local companies and charities (Lions clubs, Rotary clubs etc) for sponsorship.

However, if you want to stand out from the crowd you can also do something a little bit wacky and getting that sponsored - like the lady who was going to visit a lion park in South Africa and fundraised by sitting in bath of cat food (ew, but it worked).

1. Think, "who do I know"? Successful fundraising costs little and reaches a wide audience. Think: "who can help me?" Does a member of the family work in a large company that could sponsor you? Is there a friend who could provide a venue for a fundraising event? Build your ideas around what you already have.

2. Keep your reasons for volunteering in mind. A passionate desire to help people less fortunate than ourselves will bring in donations - particularly when 'face-to face' fundraising.

3. Produce a leaflet. Explaining your reasons for volunteering abroad and giving some background on the project you hope to join. Include this leaflet in every fundraising activity.

4. Have a goal. Know how much you need to raise and for every fundraising activity, assess how much you expected to raise against what you actually do. Some ideas work, others might not, but you won't repeat mistakes.

5. Ask for specific donations. But don't stand by them. Asking for a specific amount will give your donors a benchmark and allow you to calculate how much you need to raise from each person/organisation to achieve your target. If you’re asking for sponsorship, it may be an idea to go to your biggest benefactor first – people often follow the leader.

6. Write well-targeted letters. To individuals, and individuals within companies, asking for support.

7. Hold an (inexpensive!) event. And make it wacky – like the lion conservation volunteer who sat in a tub of cat-food! Draw attention to your goals, get sponsorship and give publicity to any companies who have already donated to your cause. Local press coverage can also be useful.

8. Always offer something in return to every sponsor who makes a donation. This could be as simple as sending them a copy of your diary via email when you are abroad, or giving a talk when you return.

9. Plan ahead, to avoid missing your targets.

10. Use your time wisely. Fundraisers generally use as much time as they have to achieve their goals. If you are on a tight deadline, you will just be working that bit harder!

PoD

PoD is a leading non-profit organisation arranging ethical, inspiring and supported volunteering opportunities around the world.

They work with long term projects that we know personally and where there is genuine benefit to local communities. All volunteers receive a fundraising guide when they they book onto a project.

Whether it is for 1 week or 6 months, volunteers are needed to help work with disadvantaged children, communities, animals and conservation projects in Belize, Cambodia, Nepal, Peru, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand and Vietnam.

PoD volunteers help to make a genuine difference to the communities where they work while develop their skills and exploring incredible parts of the world.

http://www.podvolunteer.org

Africa & Asia Venture

Africa & Asia Venture (AV) specialise in placing volunteers from around the world into worthwhile projects across the developing world. Operating in Africa, Asia and now Latin America their vision is to promote global citizenship and a deeper understanding of different cultures and communities.

Through teaching, sports, community and conservation projects young people have the opportunity to travel with a purpose - developing personal skills and gaining experience. Since 1993 AV has helped over 5,000 young people aged 18-25 pursue their gap year dreams and do more that just a 'holiday'.

The difference between a traveller and a volunteer is a world of understand. For more information on all projects see http://wwww.aventure.co.uk

Raleigh

Raleigh is a youth charity with over 24 years experience of providing adventurous and challenging expeditions that develop skills and confidence in young people. They provide opportunities for young people (17-24) to explore Borneo, Costa Rica & Nicaragua and India for 4 to 10 weeks throughout the year where you can volunteer on sustainable community and environmental projects, plus an adventure challenge. Get off the beaten track, explore new cultures and make a genuine difference.

For more information visit http://www.raleighinternational.org

i-to-i

i-to-i offers a complete fundraising service to all volunteer travellers, whether they have booked an i-to-i Venture or not. The more people who are in a position to volunteer abroad, the more help we can bring to communities and ecosystems in need around the world.

You can find a FREE detailed fundraising pack at on the i-to-i website at http://www.i-to-i.com

Hutong School

Hutong School Provides internship placements (for all levels of experience) as well as excellent Chinese courses. Live in Beijing, acquire skills in your field of interest, and learn the language. Spend a few months and make your Gap Year more than worthwhile.

Gap Medics

Gap Medics Specifically if you are looking at going to University to study either Medicine or nursing then Gap Medics can provide medical work experience in Hospitals in The Caribbean, India and Tanzania - http://www.gapmedics.com

See also:

PoD Volunteer

Springboard - Gap Year Advice