Pads For Students - The Location For Student House Rentals

Blog

How to Make the Most of Your Gap Year

So, you’ve decided to take a year out – congratulations, you’re one of many to have made that choice every year. Some may sneer at the concept of younger people taking a “gap year” as a way of messing around for 12 months, but used sensibly it can provide you with some valuable life experiences. Making the most of your gap year requires self-discipline, determination and a little bit of wanderlust. Here are our top tips and ideas of things to do for your gap year.

 

Travel the World

Not open to everybody, but if you feel you can afford it (or if you can’t but think the opportunity would be too good to miss) then you can explore some far-flung reaches of the world. This will require a lot of money which can be out of reach for some students.

Gap year ideas: The Far East is a popular destination for students on gap year including Japan, China, Tibet, Malaysia and Singapore. One of the oldest and most popular choices for gap year students on a budget is InterRail. A global ticket permits you to visit 30 countries by rail.

 

Maybe Volunteering Work is for You?

You could volunteer almost anywhere in the world; this would allow a combination of work and travel. Students who volunteer refer to the sense of fulfilment they feel and the privilege they have of living in the developed world. This could change your outlook on life or it could lead to some interesting potential career opportunities.

Gap year ideas: Building water supplies for African villages, helping in disaster zones or environmental conservation for National Parks all over the world.

 

Combine Travel & Work

If a career job is not for you right now or you still do not know what to do for a career, you could combine your desire to travel with a work abroad job. The added benefit is that you will earn money while travelling, removing the concern of how to afford the travel while simultaneously adding to your CV.

Gap year ideas: Chalet girl, teaching students to ski in Canada or Europe (or any other skill you may have), teaching English as a foreign language in third world communities.

 

Temping Work

Work experience always looks good on your CV no matter what it is. If you don’t feel ready for a career at present, you could explore your other job options through temping. It can be difficult as some agencies promise the world and deliver nothing. The wealth of experience this gives you will put you at advantage in future.

Gap year ideas: Some agencies specialise, some are generalists. Be open to what is on offer, especially if you have little work experience. These may not provide the most exciting opportunities, but for somebody who wants to work without pressure it is the ideal gap year situation.