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So you’re thinking of a taking a gap year? What are your options?
 Chilling Out …
Spend 16 hours a day in bed, lounge around and do very little. It certainly has an appeal, particularly for those still recovering from the trauma of ‘A’ levels. If you choose this option we recommend you don’t enter into discussions with your parents. For some bizarre reason parents don’t tend to consider 'Chilling Out' to be a legitimate gap year activity!
Fun index: 6 | Financial index: 0 | CV Boost: 0
Working…
An obvious alternative to doing nothing is to find a job. A gap year job may entail working in a factory, serving behind a bar or cashiering in a local supermarket. Clearly, for most fun loving students working is not an obvious choice (!) but it has the advantage of providing money to fund more enjoyable activities. If you take this option it is worth curbing retail therapy and saving some hard earned cash to enjoy in your first year at Uni.
Fun index: 3 | Financial index: 8 | CV Boost: 6
Volunteering at home….
And then for the more public spirited, there’s volunteering. Whether as an environmental campaigner with Friends of the Earth, a political activist with a political party or as a football coach in a deprived part of the city, volunteering has plenty to offer for those wanting to make a contribution to their community. Furthermore, voluntary work is given the big thumbs up by employers and will give a boost to your CV. Voluntary work is traditionally ‘unpaid’ but this is not always the case. Check out www.volunteering.org.
Fun index: 6 | Financial index: 3 | CV Boost: 8
Work experience….
For the more ambitious, with a specific career in mind, work experience may be an option, particularly if you are thinking of a profession such as accountancy, law or teaching. Pay is likely to be poor and the work often mundane but in a jobs market that favours candidates who have shown commitment to the cause (i.e. worked for free) the rewards in contacts and experience could be priceless.
Fun index: 3 | Financial index: 6 | CV Boost: 9
Volunteering Abroad….
Volunteering abroad is a great way to sample life in some of the more exotic locations around the world. You really can get an experience of a lifetime, coaching football in Ghana, Teaching English in Kathmandu or conserving turtles in Peru. Don’t be fooled into thinking though, because you are volunteering, everything is free. Food and accommodation may be provided but you will be expected to pay your own airfare and other expenses. An experience of a lifetime, yes, perhaps but do your homework!
Fun index: 9 | Financial index: -5 | CV Boost: 7
Working Abroad….
If you fancy some time out of the UK but want to earn some cash at the same time there are plenty of opportunities to work abroad. Working within the EU is pretty straightforward and you will only be restricted by your grasp of the language. Working outside the EU is more difficult and may require a visa.
Fun index: 5 | Financial index: 6 | CV Boost: 6
Mix & match…
Of course a year is a long time and there is no reason why you shouldn’t choose to mix and match by working for few months, volunteering abroad and taking in some site seeing at the same time. In some ways this may represent the best option for those looking to make the most of their gap year. If you are looking for inspiration check out some of the links on this page.
Fun index: 7 | Financial index: 5 | CV Boost: 7
Australia and beyond….
Maybe because it’s just such a long way away that Australia seems to be the ultimate holiday destination for the British student. There is a special aura about Sydney Harbour, the Great Barrier Reef and Ayres Rock. Our antipodean cousins speak the same lingo as us (well nearly) so getting work is a possibility. For those thinking of travelling half way around the globe make sure you check out www.gogapyear.com/ for some down to earth sensible advice.
Fun index: 9 | Financial index: 3 | CV Boost: 5
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