How to make the most of a gap year
Every year around 150,000 young people take a gap year, generally either between A levels and university or immediately after graduating. Given current concerns about the availability of graduate employment, taking time out may prove more popular than ever this year, so if you want to arrange a prestigious international internship or sort out a paid job overseas, now more than ever it’s wise to apply in advance.
A gap year could also be a way to make the most of your time and strengthen your position for future applications if you don’t receive the graduate job offers you hoped for. However, if you decide to do the gap, you will need to keep one eye on the job market back home, so that you know what to expect when you return to Blighty's shores.
If you decide you want to get started on the career ladder as soon as possible you may still be able to take time out later on. There’s a growing number of career or 'grown-up' gappers – people who take a career break to go travelling. So if travelling is not for you now, the door could still be open later.
Your gap year experiences should help you to present yourself as a mature and highly motivated candidate in an increasingly competitive graduate jobs market.
What you can get from a gap year
First and foremost a gap year should be an opportunity for exploration, adventure and fun – but it should also be constructive. It could be a great way to gain work experience in a sector that interests you, travel the world or volunteer to help others. A gap year could also improve your future career prospects by developing soft skills that are valued by employers, such as using your initiative, self-reliance, flexibility and communication. Your gap year experiences should help you to present yourself as a mature and highly motivated candidate in an increasingly competitive graduate jobs market.
- Find out more about how to market your gap year to employers
- Research gap year international internships
- Explore gap year jobs in TEFL and other opportunities to apply for in advance
Planning your gap year project
It’s essential to sort out something worthwhile and constructive to do during your time out, whether that involves working, volunteering or travelling. You may want to consider using a gap year organisation to arrange your internship, work experience or volunteer placement overseas, particularly if you’ve set your heart on a gap year project in a far flung location, such as teaching at a primary school in Uganda or working on coral reef preservation in Fiji. However, be aware that many gap year organisations will charge you a fee. A gap year doesn’t have to be abroad, however. Many gappers stay in the UK.
- Points to consider when advance planning your gap year: where to go and what to buy
- Find out about great international volunteer projects for your gap year
- How to choose a gap year organisation to help you plan your time out
- Make the most of a gap year in the UK
Funding your gap year
You can fund your time out by working either in the UK or overseas, so don’t dismiss the idea of a gap year out of hand because you’re concerned that you can’t afford it. Many people work for six months, saving up so they can spend the next six months travelling. Others arrange to do paid jobs overseas, such as TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) or working at a sports or summer camp.
There are also seasonal opportunities available at ski and holiday resorts, so if you have the right skills you could pay for your overseas trip by working as a ski instructor, chef or tour rep. You can also often find casual work when travelling, including temporary office work and agricultural work, but you’ll need to make sure you have the right kind of visa first.
- Learn about seasonal gap year job opportunities in ski and holiday resorts and on boats
- Find out about casual office and agricultural work you can pick up during your gap year travels
Planning your gap year travel overseas: where to go, where to stay and how to get there
You don’t have to stick rigidly to an itinerary – a flexible approach is the best way to get the most out of your travels – but it’s a good idea to plan where you’re going to go and how you’re going to get there. Spend some time researching your transport options, whether you want to ride the Trans-Siberian railway, InterRail around Europe or experience a road trip across the US. You’ll also need to consider accommodation options such as hostels and campsites.
- Read about some of the most popular gap year trips
- Investigate transport and accommodation options for your gap year travel overseas
Organising your gap year travel essentials
Do take out insurance, get all the necessary vaccinations, find out how to change your mobile phone to international roaming mode and make sure your passport isn’t going to expire while you’re abroad. Your gap year should be a fulfilling, enjoyable experience – so use our international travel checklist to avoid potential pitfalls, pick up some personal safety tips and ensure that you’ve taken all the necessary steps to protect against mishaps.