All about gap years

If you're considering taking a gap year you'll be asking yourself some tough questions about what the right options might be - especially at a time when cash is short.

Hannah decides to take a gap year and volunteer in Africa

Travel, volunteer, work - what would you do on a gap year?

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"A gap year can be a great long-term investment, giving you skills and experience that will set you apart from other candidates when job hunting"

What is a gap year?

Firstly, it doesn't have to last a year, and it certainly shouldn't be a 'gap' in your CV. It means taking time out – usually between two phases of study or between the end of your studies and starting work. A gap year should be a positive alternative to education or employment.

Who can take one?

Anyone – however, that's not to say they're for everyone. A worthwhile gap year requires an enormous amount of preparation and commitment, so you have to be sure it's something you really want to do.

What can I do?

There are many possibilities, from travelling or working abroad to volunteering or teaching English. Think carefully about what you want to get out of your time, whether it's experience in a particular area, new skills or just some space to think about what to do next.

Do I need to go with an organisation?

Not necessarily. Many people prefer to organise their own gap year as it gives them the flexibility to do exactly what they want. However, an organisation, such as BUNAC or Latitude, may be able to offer opportunities that you couldn't arrange yourself, and will take care of necessities like visas.

Does a gap year always involve going overseas?

A gap year can be taken anywhere and there are increasingly opportunities within the UK, which could be a more affordable option. Community Service Volunteers (CSV), for example, offer participants free accommodation and money to live on.

Is it a good idea to take a year out while jobs are scarce?

If you don't have anything concrete lined up or you can defer your job or study then some might say it's the ideal time to go. A gap year can be a great long-term investment, giving you skills and experience that will set you apart from other candidates when job hunting.

How much will it cost?

This depends on what you choose to do. Many gap year organisations charge large amounts of money and flights can be expensive, but there are funding opportunities available. Some people spend the first part of their gap year raising money to fund their trip, either by working or organising fundraising events. Whatever you decide to do, don't let the cost put you off – the experience alone could be worth a lot more.

Where can I go for information?

Start with realgap.co.uk, yearoutgroup.org and gap-year.com to get a feel for what's available. If you're at university, your careers service may help. If you're interested in volunteering or fundraising for a particular charity, get in touch with them directly.

How can I be sure I'm going with a reputable organisation?

There are no regulations that specifically cover gap years. However, any organisation acting as a travel agent is required by law to have an ATOL licence, and companies who run adventure activities overseas should comply with British standard BS8848 (see Jargon buster). The Year Out Group has also created a voluntary code of conduct for gap year providers. You can't beat a personal recommendation and a good organisation will arrange for you to talk to a previous participant.

How do I explain my time out to employers?

With bags of enthusiasm. Increasingly, employers recognise that gap years can be valuable experience, so it's vital that you're able to talk confidently about why you chose to do what you did, what you learned and what skills you gained.

By Joanna Roberts

Updated:14/04/2010

Jargon Buster

BS8848: A quality control specifically for organisations who arrange adventure trips overseas.
ATOL: Air Travel Organiser's Licence. This will protect your payment and ensure you don't get stranded abroad.

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Think about what you want from your gap year. Do you want to simply broaden your horizons, or gain essential skills for your career?
Decide whether you want the security of going with an organisation, or the flexibility of doing it yourself. Talk to people who have done both.
Work out how you will fund your trip. Use a gap cost calculator and be realistic about what you can afford, also check out the Directory of Grant-Making Trusts online to see if funding is available.
Planning to volunteer in the UK? Find out what's available near you by searching the do-it database of volunteering opportunities.
If you're going with an organisation, do your homework and ask lots of questions: do they have a good reputation? Will your money go where they say it will? Do they offer adequate support while you're away?

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