A gap year will provide you with new skills, new memories and new friends and is an amazing opportunity. You don’t have to travel, if you want to stay at home and get work experience some organisations offer specific gap year programmes such as Pinsent Masons or PwC.
Research
There are many different options available to those wishing to travel during a gap year and it is worth looking into these to find the one that is best for you. There are many questions to consider before you start, such as do you want to work or volunteer, in the UK, or overseas? Do you want to travel independently or would you rather go with an organisation?
Budget
Find out about the costs of the trip and work out how you will raise this money. Can it be funded by a job, do you have savings, and do you need to split your year between earning and then volunteering or travelling later on? If you choose to go with an organisation it is worth enquiring if there is a fundraising team on hand to provide advice on events and ideas to help you raise the money for your trip.
Safety
Safety is a big concern for those taking a year out and it is worth considering what support you would like to have during your year out. By going with a reputable organisation you will have the back-up, support and expertise of a team back in the UK and many organisations have on-the-ground representatives overseas who will visit you whilst you are on your placement. Find out what safety measures are available in case any thing should happen while you are away. Look out for organisations that are a member of the Foreign Commonwealth’s ‘Know before you Go’ scheme and who provide a 24 hour telephone number in case of an emergency.
Career Prospects
Will your choice of year out enhance your CV for today’s competitive job market? Many organisations offer placements and projects that can provide insight into your prospective career field. If you are interested in working in medicine why not spend your year out doing a medical or caring placement with street children, the elderly or adults with learning difficulties, or if you are interested in teaching why not teach in an overseas community?
Employment Benefits
Gap year placements with the right organisation are recognised by employers as worthwhile and a constructive way to spend a gap year. Employers tend to look favourably on the skills a year out can offer, such as team skills, independence and good communication skills.
