Gap Years and What You Should Know About Them.

You might hear talk about the fabled gap year around the school yard, but not really understand what it’s all about. Well, for some people it’s basically a well deserved brain break after completing high school or university (or even several years in the same job). Quite simply it’s when you take some time out of your regular life or routine to concentrate on yourself.

The best time to take a gap year

In an ideal world, you’d take a gap year when you’ve finished one project or life chapter, before starting the next. For example, once you’ve finished Year 12 you might like to take a gap year before you start your uni degree. Or after you’ve completed your tertiary studies, a gap year before you start working could be perfect for you.

But realistically, there is no right or wrong time; you can even take gap years once you’ve started working (terms may vary depending on your employer).

Gap year ideas

Got itchy feet? You could travel. Need more life experience? No problem, you could learn new languages and skills, or contribute to worthwhile projects and volunteer to help others.

Perhaps you just need to make some money so that you can afford to continue on the pathway you’ve chosen without accumulating huge debts. Not only would you reap the financial rewards, you’d also benefit from getting work experience, improving your employability skills, networking, and building on your resume.

Take the opportunity to decide what you’re looking for from future studies, career goals or other endeavours, and refocus.

Take a gap year overseas

Immerse yourself in new cultures, learn a language, and experience life from an alternative perspective. Learn to live independently and be responsible, both great qualities that will serve you well. Whether you choose to travel independently or as part of an organised tour, there’s plenty of help out there to help you make the mots of your year off.

Have a look at:

• Travel agents travel services.

• Travel sections at the local library.

• Lonely Planet and other travel guides.

• Your job options overseas.

It’s perfectly OK to go away and just be a tourist for a year too; you’ll still gain a wealth of experience and have lots of fun.

Start working

Even if you want (or need) to start working, you can still have some fun and experience new things. You could find jobs near home, in different parts of the country, or even overseas.

Things you could try include:

• Ski season and other seasonal jobs.

• Teach others – teach English overseas, tutor a subject, or teach others to play an instrument.

• Be a mentor at a Summer camp.

• Become an au pair/nanny.

• Become part of an outdoor adventure crew.

• Work at a tropical resort.

• Think about starting your own business.

No matter what kind of work you do, you’ll gain lots of valuable soft and transferable skills you can take to further study, a different job, or just to use in your everyday life.

Join a dedicated gap year program

If you’re fresh out of school, uni, or a job and just want someone else to do the thinking for you, there are heaps of dedicated gap year providers that offer all inclusive experiences – all you need to do is sign up and enjoy.

You could engage in all kinds of fun activities, meet new people, travel, gain experience, volunteer…your options are nearly endless. Here are some providers you might like to look at:

• EF Gap Year

• Letz Live

• GVI

• Raleigh International

• International Volunteer HQ

What are the benefits of taking a gap year?

There are lots. You could:

• Broaden your horizons.

• Experience new things.

• Learn new skills, including life skills.

• Uncover hidden passions or discover new ones.

• Prepare yourself for uni.

• Have adventures.

• Make yourself more appealing to potential employers.

• Experience the world outside the classroom.

• Relieve some of the pressure about the future.

• Make choices that reflect what you really want to do.

How to tell if a gap year is the right option for you

First you’ll need to give it some thought, decide what you might like to do if you took a gap year, then find out what’s involved (including time and costs).

If you’re about to finish school, you can still apply for university, then defer for a year and take a break knowing that when you come back in 12 months, your place will still be waiting for you. Just make sure you read up about deferral or leave of absence options carefully at the institution or course you’d most like to attend before booking anything.

You can also find out about applying for university when you’re no longer a school leaver, giving you some breathing space if you’re unsure about the course you really want to study right now.

Talk about it with your parents, friends, and teachers. Start doing some research and find out how you could make the most out of the opportunities available to you.

And if you don’t think it’s the right time for you, then it’s OK to shelve the idea and come back to it later if you want to.

Find out more

To find out more about gap years, you can read more on our website here.

Gap Year Option - US Summer Camps

This is Alan “Snowy” Perry. I have been in contact with you in the past about Gap Year programs for Graduating High School Students in Australia.  I hope this email finds you well as you begin the 2nd half of the school year.

Over the past 31 years I have had the incredible privilege of guiding almost 30,000 young Australian men and women on their gap year journeys abroad. Whether it was to summer camps or ski resorts, in the USA, Canada and beyond. Seeing the profound impact that these experiences have had on their lives has filled my heart with immeasurable pride.

I wanted to reach out and let you know that I have taken up a new role with the American Visa Sponsor, International Exchange of North America (IENA), whose programs enable Aussies to work at Summer Camps or other Work Programs across the USA. 

My official role is Vice President of International Programs. I will be overseeing their Australian company to promote their American Summers (Camp Jobs), and Work USA programs, as well as providing insight to opening new programs globally including into Australia.

Value for your Students  

Concerned that the cost for Gap Year programs was becoming out of reach for students (especially in the current financial environment), taking this role enables me to combine my own 31 years of experience with IENA's 25 and offer Aussies affordable programs that give them value for money.  

Who should take up the opportunity to work at Summer Camp? 

• Students wanting to take a gap year before starting University/College or Tafe, while post High School study, or once they graduate.

• Anyone who wants to experience working at a Summer Camp in America (which is a lot like the movies) and make a positive impact.

• Anyone who turn at least 18 by early June of the year they wish to go. Note: Students can apply while they are still 17.

• Anyone who wants to work and travel overseas for at least 9 weeks. The program runs from May/June to August/September (Northern Hemisphere summer). Plus gives up to 30 days to travel before and 30 days after camp to travel around the USA before they return home or continue to travel.

• Anyone who is fun, enthusiastic, passionate about helping, being a role model and leader to children (8-15).

• Anyone looking to gain leadership, professional development and work-related skills. 

• Any students who aren't sure what they want to do after School.

• Any students who wants to gain life skills. After working at Camp and traveling they will have a better grasp on what they want to do with their future, are more focused and committed (which is great if heading to Uni). They have better global understanding, have grown and matured. Their communication, collaboration critical thinking and creativity skills have also greatly improved.  

The “American Summers” program stands above.

• An affordable program: The program is only AU$480 (for up to 12 months service, support, placement, visa sponsorship and travel insurance)

  •  Others are charging $200 - $1,000 more.

• Highest earnings: Minimum US$2000 for the 9 week placement.

  • Others pay up to US$500 less for their work at camp.

• A better placement process: Aussies will be actively involved with their placement. They have access/ research over 700 Premium Summer Camps we work with. Can set up interviews for jobs. as we will also match them up to camps based on our experience and knowledge and then the student can choose.

  • Others don’t allow the students access to camps or to be involved in the process.

• 4 Months Insurance included:  Insurance for their entire program (9 weeks of working at Summer Camp and 60 days of travel / sightseeing in the USA before/after camp).

  • Others only include the time at camp (about 9 weeks) and then charge for additional insurance for the 60 days travel.

• Top level customer service and support:  Lead by myself, the Australian and USA team we have countless years of experience and knowledge to support these students through the entire process. IENA also as a 100% placement record for placing Australians at camps.  

• FREE Food and Accommodation while at camp,

• Visa sponsorship and support from the one company from start to finish.

We really are invested in making sure they have an amazing life changing experience. 

CLICK HERE for details on the American Summers – Camp jobs program.

How you and your students can learn more:

While I understand senior students are now into their trails or end of year exams, I would love to chance to connect with you to discuss the above and our programs.

• I am more than happy where possible to do small or large in-person or virtual presentations, based on your location). Historically a lunch time or even a 5 min presentation during the Seniors assembly works very well.

• Attending Career Expos; Please add us to your list to attend these for the future.

• Please also feel free to share this email or my details directly to interested students.

If you are interested in one of these opportunities, please contact me now via email or phone.

We also offer additional programs for students once they complete their first year at University/TAFE or College and I am more than happy to present to the students about those Work programs that run over the Australian Uni Summer Holiday break or longer.

Web Links:

• CLICK HERE for details on the American Summers – Camp jobs program.

• CLICK HERE for details on the Summer Work Travel 3-4 more program.

• CLICK HERE for details on the Summer Work Travel 12 month program.

• CLICK HERE for details on our Trainee program.
  
  Alan SNOWY Perry
  VP International Programs
  https://americansummers.com/
  https://www.iena.org/
  Snowy@iena.org
  Phone Australia: 02 7255 5191

WHAT YOUR SUMMER CAMP EXPERIENCE COULD LOOK LIKE

Consider a Gap Year with the Department of Home Affairs
in 2024 

Have year 12 students who are undecided about what they want to do after school? Are they looking for an interesting and well-paid job for 12 months? The Home Affairs Gap Year program will commence in February 2024 where applicants will have the opportunity to do interesting and meaningful work. Applications are now open. For more information, contact: entryprogramsandpathways@homeaffairs.gov.au