Gap year joy could follow ’A’ level disappointment - - Year Out Group - Gap Year | Cultural Exchange | Voluntary Work Abroad

• 11 Mar 2010
• 0:57 GMT

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( Last Updated: 13-08-2009 )

 

Gap year joy could follow ‘A' level disappointment

Introduction

The 130,000 students who face disappointment when they receive their A levels next Thursday should not despair.  The numbers involved may be much greater this year but in recent years tens of thousands have faced the same problem.  Experience suggests that those who seize the opportunity and make the most of their enforced gap year will reap the benefits.

The message for all these disappointed students is to pause to consider how to make best use of the time available.  A mixture of work experience, a project or a course and some independent travel, which could all be in UK though many will wish to go abroad, will provide valuable new experiences, improved life skills and increased self confidence.  This will not go unnoticed either by university admission tutors or future employers.

What is available?

The key to a successful gap year is to research and plan in as much detail as possible.  The range of activities is considerable and care is needed to select a suitable and worthwhile project that best meets an individual's needs.  The five most popular activities in 2008 were:

·         Teaching.  Great way to engage with a community.  Many subsequently decide to become teachers.

·         Care Work.  Very rewarding and instructive.  Includes HIV/AIDS awareness and other similar health programmes.

·         Conservation Projects.  An opportunity to learn more about the environment and put something back.

·         Adventurous Activities and Expeditions.  International teams engaged in project work in demanding environments.

·         Courses.  An opportunity to improve an existing skill or gain a new one.

 

Where?

Many of these activities can be undertaken in the UK but most people prefer to go overseas if they can.  The five most popular countries in 2008 were:

·         South Africa.  Great variety of activities.  Safe environment.  Excellent value for money.

·         Canada.  The destination of choice for those seeking to acquire winter sport qualifications. Also summer jobs.

·         Ecuador.  Great place to learn Spanish and then go on to a variety of voluntary projects or expeditions.

·         Tanzania.  Great opportunities to become immersed in African culture.  Took over from Kenya.

·         Australia.  Popular with those who wish to stay in their comfort zone (mainly boys).  Good for sport and low level paid work.

 

What next?

  

Students should work out what you want to achieve and experience during the year and then start researching how best to realise those ideas.  Raising the money to fund a gap year is seen as an important part of the project.  Thousands have managed in the past and the determination and inventive ways they have adopted would put any Apprentice contestant to shame.  Most gap year organisations offer advice on fundraising and several have bursary schemes.

 

It is important to seek advice and shop around.  Start with the internet and the network of family and friends and follow the leads they offer.  It is hard work and often frustrating but the rewards will make it all worthwhile.

 

Year Out Group 13^th August 2009

 

Ends

 

 

Note for Editors

Research on the most popular activities and countries covers 53.583 people who, in 2008, undertook placements with Year Out Group member organisations in over 90 countries

Year Out Group is a not-for-profit organisation. Its carefully-vetted 36 member companies are specialists in their field and comply with a strict Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines. The range of programmes available in the UK and more than 90 countries worldwide includes voluntary work, work experience,adventure & expeditions and study abroad.

Press:

 

Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of Year Out Group, is available to provide further information or for interview. Telephone: 01380 816696  Mobile: 07974 816947  E-mail: rao@yearoutgroup.org.

 

Year Out Group's 36 member organisations are based all over the UK.  If any editor would like to interview a spokesperson from an organisation based in or adjacent to their location, please contact Richard Oliver.

 

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