September 30, 2009
The idea of a holiday for most people would be sitting on a remote beach somewhere, in glorious sunshine, with a cold beer in one hand and a good book in the other. However, some people would prefer to take a working holiday abroad instead.
Working holidays give you the opportunity to experience life in another country whilst giving something back to the community or area in which you are working in. Not everybody has the opportunity to take a month or six months off work on a sabbatical.
More often than not you will spend a week or two helping with projects throughout the world such as caring for animals in Belize to teaching children in Thailand. You will come away from the holiday feeling very satisfied, deep in the knowledge that you have helped in some shape or form.
The types of trips on offer are varied and you can pick and choose which project and for how long you want to go for. Most projects are suitable for couples or a group of friends, although they can usually accommodate a single person as well. The minimum age to participate is eighteen and you do not need any formal qualifications to apply.
September 21, 2009
The recession could be a great time to take a well earned career break. There is a variety of different projects and volunteer groups that you could become involved in and you can go for a minimum of one week to a maximum of six months.
Finding the courage to take a career break can be quite daunting, but it can look brilliant on your CV if you have become involved in a project that is really worthwhile. Most placements make use of your existing skills and experience to make the trip extremely beneficial to your. There are some many different projects to become involved in you are sure to find the right one to benefit your skills and expertise.
However, if you would rather undertake a working holiday, there are numerous trips and organisations who will happily take on an individual or group of friends. Often for a week or more people wishing to take a working holiday or ethical holiday can join a programme of support and development in local communities all over the world. Projects include helping in the Amazon, assisting with marine conservation and wildlife rescue.
September 15, 2009
Organising a gap year can be overwhelming. There is so much to think about and just when you think it’s all done and dusted, up crops another problem or issue.
It’s often best to get professionals to help you out with the planning of a gap year, but whether you are doing it alone, or have a helping hand, there are certain things you must always consider.
Much of the planning will depend on just one thing: your budget. Many of us like to think that it’s not there and that we can forget about the money. But sadly, for most of us, that is not the case. But having a budget does not mean that you should be restricted. With careful planning, you should still be able to complete a rewarding and life enriching gap year.
The money you have has to pay for everything from your flights, travel, clothes, equipment, food and accommodation. So sit down and carefully work out how much you have to spend.
Then, with your budget in mind, it’s time to draw up a wish list. What would you like to achieve on your gap year? Where would you like to visit? And what would you like to do? If you would like to complete some voluntary work on your gap year, ensure that you sign up for this as soon as possible.
It is then time to start researching. Find companies who will help you to arrange a gap year and get travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Planning a gap year takes time. You should set aside at least a year to organise everything. But once you are on that plane, flying thousands of miles away, you will realise all that planning and organising was worth it.
September 11, 2009
After all those years at school, those GCSEs, A Levels and masses of coursework, the last thing that most high school leavers want to do is jump straight into university.
And that is why so many of them are now choosing to take gap years.
Once you have finished high school, it is the perfect time to relax, travel, discover the world and find out a little more about yourself.
The options available to anyone who is looking to complete a gap year are huge. You can undertake voluntary work, adventurous trips or cultural visits. There really is something to suit anyone.
On a gap year, you can have the opportunity to work in some beautiful areas of the world and to really make a difference. If you choose to go on a voluntary scheme, it is an excellent way to begin your travels as you will get to meet new people, you will have the chance to build up your confidence and develop some useful skills.
The project that you undertake can range from teaching in Tanzania, jungle conservation in Peru or wildlife rescue in Thailand.
No matter which trip you take, it certainly beats jumping straight into the coursework and books again. Take a break, discover the world, discover yourself and feel refreshed and prepared for your university life.
September 2, 2009
Making a life plan at the best of times is difficult enough. But when the recession is showing no signs of disappearing, the task can be even more daunting.
Jobs are difficult to come by and finding a role in a field that you actually want to pursue is near on impossible.
So when it comes to the end of your time at school or university, it can be an idea to take some time out. And ‘time out’ does not mean sitting in front of the television watching daytime television and snacking on biscuits all day. In fact, time out can be incredibly rewarding, thought provoking and adventurous.
If a gap year is not really your idea of fun, then a summer mini gap might be more up your street. With a voluntary programme as part of a summer mini gap, you can go abroad and do something really worthwhile.
A mini gap can last anything from one week to two months. And during this time, you can explore a new country and really make a difference with some voluntary work.
The mini gap programmes run between July and the end of August. And they can involve anything from bear rescue in Cambodia to elephant care in Thailand. The opportunities are endless and whether you would like to work with people, animals or conservation, there will be something to suit you.
