Taking a gap year                                               

If you are thinking about taking a gap year, planning a gap year or just want to find out what gap years are all about this page can help.

It contains useful information, downloads and links to other relevant websites.  Please read below to find out more.

What is a gap year?

A gap year is the name given to a break between studying.  Gap years are also referred to as 'taking a year out' or 'taking time out'. Although they are called 'gap years', they don't have to last a year.  They can last from three months to one year.  The most common time to take a gap year is after completing A levels and before going to University. Gap years can involve spending time in the UK or abroad. Some people choose to work during their gap years while some just travel.

Why take a gap year?

By the time the average British eighteen-year-old has completed their A levels, they will have spent most of their life in full-time education. With an ever increasing amount of pressure being placed on them, it's no surprise that many choose to take some time out.  For many this can provide the time and space they need to assess their skills and ambitions.  This can also help them decide which university and course will allow them to reach their full potential.

For those who choose to work, a gap year is a great opportunity to earn some money as well as gain valuable work experience.

What are the benefits of a gap year?

Most universities view gap years as a positive step.  A structured gap year can benefit students in many different ways such as building confidence, self esteem and gaining experience of life away from home. Many employers also think the benefits that gap years provide can improve a graduate's skills and knowledge.

What are the drawbacks of a gap year?

Not all universities or collages are keen for prospective students to disappear for a year.  For this reason it pays to do research before planning a gap year to make sure it will fit in with your future plans.

Below are some websites that give more information on gap years:

Whether you're planning to volunteer overseas, earn money for uni while gaining work experience or heading off on a backpacking trip around the World, surf your way to a dream gap year by visiting www.gapyear.com.

www.realgap.co.uk
Hundreds of gap year ideas, volunteer work with children, work with animals, teaching projects, paid jobs abroad, working holidays and gap year travel options.

www.findagap.com
Hundreds of gap year ideas.

www.findagapjob.com
Can help students find a Job! You can search by geographic location and Job Type. There are lots of jobs to choose from so visit.

www.yearoutgroup.org
Help with deciding on year out options with advice for young people, parents and adviser.

www.gap.org.uk
Volunteering projects and experiences for a year out.

www.coralcay.org
Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) is an award-winning not-for-profit organisation that sends teams of Volunteers to scientifically survey some of the world's most endangered coral reefs and tropical forests.

Other useful websites

studentUK is the advice and lifestyle site for students providing information, entertainment and services to help students get the most out of life at university and college. To visit their page "Clearing: how to handle the stress" visit www.studentuk.com/Advice/study.asp.

Student Times is a student website which gives information about careers, lifestyle, travel, news, entertainment, and sport. All the gossip and information fresh from Student Times for your student lifestyle. Visit www.studenttimes.org.

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