Why take a gap year?

What is a Gap Year?

A gap year tends to be a year where an individual takes time away from full time education for many reasons.

Whether it's in the UK or abroad you could:

- travel, or a mix of all three!

Please click above for help with these options.

Why take a Gap Year?

Gap years are now seen as a way to improve your CV and to gain relevant work experience in a particular field, with employers actively employing people who have taken a gap year.

Whether you see a gap year as backpacking or taking time out, it's about living life to the full and realising that there is a world of opportunity out there just waiting to be explored...

What are the benefits of taking a gap year?

New experiences - develop your skills. E.g. confidence
Meet new people
Save money
Experience for your CV
Gain more qualifications
Experience of the work place
Gain a better understanding of a career you may wish to pursue
Become more independent

Top Tips for your Gap Year:

Do your research - speak to people who've been there and done it. Have a search around the site and ask questions. We're here to give you the best possible gap year advice and information, so get stuck in!
Take time to plan and prepare - it can take 9-12 months to plan your gap year and to raise the funds, so make sure you give yourself time to prepare.
Budget, but don't get hung up on saving money at all costs so that you miss out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities - have a reserve of money to fall back on. A gap year is about enjoying yourself - don't forget you can do that at home too!
Be open-minded - a gap year is all about new experiences. Often you'll find that the word you use most is 'yes'.
Use the time to make contacts - this is an important time to develop networks that could help you in your future career.
Enjoy every second and make the most of it!

Gap Year Videos

Africa & Asia Venture (AV) gap year presentation.mp4

Benefits of a gap year : tips for students

The Camp America Experience

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