Taking time out from study can be a great way of gaining work experience, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and developing new skills. However, they must plan and research what they will do during this break to ensure that they make the most of the time.
They should create a plan with clear aims. What do they want to achieve from their time away from study and/or work? Who are they going with? How are they going to fund it and what type of year do they plan to have?
Options include:
- Independent travel (with or without work abroad options)
- Volunteer or work in the UK/overseas
- Learn a new skill such as IT or follow a course to develop a new interest
- Join an organised project in the UK or abroad e.g. conservation
There are a number of websites that help with the ideas, planning and practical considerations that have to be made. These include:
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/jobs-and-work-experience/gap-year
- http://www.firstgapyear.com/index.html
- https://bunac.org/
- http://igapyear.com/
- https://www.realgap.co.uk/
- https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/student-life/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about
- https://yearoutgroup.org/
- https://www.volunteerics.org/
- https://www.iwill.org.uk/young-people
- https://www.ncvo.org.uk/#/
- https://www.trailfinders.com/holiday-styles/gap-year-and-student-travel