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Should I take a gap year?
A year out or gap year between leaving school or college and going up to university or starting a job is something that every school leaver should consider. A gap year can offer you exciting, challenging and valuable opportunities in the UK or overseas. It can and probably will enrich your life forever. It will broaden your view of the world and of those around you.
 A gap year is unique to you, the participant. Only you can decide what you wish to achieve and experience in the time available. Planning is the key. The more time you allow to research and plan using all the information available, the greater the chance of a really fantastic experience.
How you spend you gap year is up to you! It can make a big statement about you as a person. Universities know that those that have taken a well planned gap year arrive refreshed, focussed, more mature and worldly wise and consequently are far more likely to complete their chosen course. Employers know that a structured gap year enables participants to acquire and develop the essential personal skills that they seek. So, properly planned, a gap year can say more about you as an individual as any set of exam results ever can.
 What you do on your gap year is vital. Whilst lounging around at home doing a bit of temporary work, or bumming around the world with a backpack and some mates, may seem tempting, in reality it can rapidly end up in disillusionment. Merely clocking up the air miles or devising exotic ways of spending your own or your parents' hard earned cash will do little to convince people of any sustained commitment to your all-important future goals. But with careful thought and planning you can learn to live in a new environment and deal with the unexpected. You can demonstrate sustained commitment, develop personal skills and acquire valuable experience that will enhance your employability and stand you in good stead for years to come.
What can I do?
The choice is enormous. For example you can:
Improve on or learn a new skill on a course in UK or overseas.
Live abroad on a cultural exchange.
Participate in an expedition.
Be a volunteer in UK or overseas.
Join a structured work opportunity.
(For a longer list of activities see: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/providers.htm?search=activity).
How long are the placements?
Placements last from a few weeks to a whole year. Generally speaking, the longer you stay in one place the greater the opportunity to really understand the culture of the local community.
 Where can I go?
You choose! It can be in UK or almost anywhere in the world. The accredited organisations that are members of Year Out Group operate in over 80 countries (see: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/providers.htm?search=location).
Research the country. Even if you go with an accredited organisation do research the country. Start by visiting the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's website (http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel) and follow up by buying a good travel guide.
Insurance. It is vital that you have proper insurance cover (see: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/Insurance.html).
Health. Visit the doctor and the dentist at least six weeks before you depart to check whether you need any vaccinations (see: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/Health.html or http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or http://www.masta.org).
How do I choose a good organisation?
This can be a difficult task for everybody involved. This is where the research and planning really kicks in. Year Out Group has developed a series of questions that can be applied to any organisation (see: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/Vital.Information.html). When you have a short list ask to be put in touch with recently returned gappers. Speak to them or, better still, arrange to meet. This is also an area where your parents can help by asking to be put in touch with parents of recently returned gappers. It all helps you to make an informed decision.
There are no right or wrong answers in this process. Only you can decide which organisation and which placement is best for you. But you will need to be ready to show commitment, as dropping out of a placement can be damaging and disruptive - and not just for you. The bottom line is - is the placement right for you? Are you right for the placement?
A successful gap year is summed up by the words of this student who volunteered in NW India: "My gap year is part of who I'm going to be for the rest of my life. Everything that I have learned about myself, about the world and the people in it will help form my opinions and shape my decisions in the future. Just as I have been able to give something to the world so I am able to take much from my experiences".
Every year tens of thousands of students enjoy similar experiences. So do give a gap year serious consideration. Have the courage of you convictions and go for it. It could and probably will be the best decision you ever made and change your life forever.
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Coral Cay Conservation - www.coralcay.org
International award-winning coral reef and tropical rainforest conservation expeditions worldwide. Full training provided including scuba diving. No previous experience required - anyone can be a CCC volunteer!
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Gap Activity Projects - www.gap.org.uk
Volunteer Abroad. Aged 17-25?
Gap Activity Projects places over 750 volunteers in 23 different countries. Bursary schemes available. APPLY NOW!
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Oyster Worldwide - www.oysterworldwide.com
LIVE, WORK, CONTRIBUTE!
Get under the skin of amazing destinations
Make a positive impact
First class support from Oyster throughout
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BUNAC - www.bunac.org.uk/uk
With BUNAC's support you can work on the doorstep of some of the world's most amazing destinations: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia China, Costa Rica, Peru, Ghana, South Africa
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Camp America - www.campamerica.co.uk
Work and Travel in the USA and make the most of your summer.
Apply now and get with the programme!
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Greenforce - www.greenforce.org
Greenforce is a non-profit organisation which arranges overseas volunteering projects for students taking a gap year, or adventure break. Whether it's marine conservation with tropical fish in the sapphire waters of the South Pacific, or caring for majestic pandas in the bamboo forests of central China, Greenforce has an opportunity for every interest. We are the best in the business.
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Flying Fish - www.flyingfishonline.com
raining and jobs in water sports and winter sports Professional training for Yachtmasters and instructors.
Join Flying Fish for a career, a gap year or time out from work.
Start the adventure of a lifetime or a lifetime of adventure.
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Changing Worlds - www.changingworlds.co.uk
We include work in orphanages, schools, and hospitals among our placements.
We are a family company.
We take care to get to know you personally.
We prepare you thoroughly.
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Africa and Asia Venture - www.aventure.co.uk
If you want total immersion in a culture that will allow you to appreciate the really important things in life, we can help. We offer teaching, sports coaching and community and environment placements working in some of the world's poorest communities for groups of 18-24 year-olds throughout Africa, Asia and Mexico.
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African Conservation Experience - www.ConservationAfrica.net
Join us to work on Wildlife and Conservation projects in Southern Africa. Animal rehabilitation, Elephant monitoring, Vet work, Game Capture and much more!
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Gap And Career Breaks - www.gapandcareerbreaks.com
A varied choice of volunteer and work projects, many in developing countries. Want to work with animals, communities, the environment or children we could have the project for you.
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Action Professionals - www.actionprofessionals.co.uk
Train to be a fitness instructor and get internationally-recognised sports qualifications in Argentina & South Africa.
Other activities, such as kite-surfing & Spanish lessons also available.
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Trekforce Worldwide - www.trekforceworldwide.com
The experts in delivering remote conservation projects, teaching placements and challenging expeditions which actively and sustainably protect vulnerable environments and assist communities throughout the world.
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