Gap Year

Taking a break, the gap year

Taking a gap between A Levels and going to university, college or work is an option - in 2005, 31,000 students deferred university places. Not everyone undertakes world tours or trek through the jungles of Amazon. You could try:

• work experience - at home to fund a bit of travelling
• voluntary work - at home or abroad
• a part time course - eg a laguage, office skills

The advantages of a gap year:

• a break from studying
• the chance to travel
• an opportunity for work experience and earning money
• developing survival skills and becoming independent

Planning and researching your gap year is important: think about finances, accommodation, travel, work permits, etc. There are lots of gap year websites - we've listed a couple below to get you started.

Don't forget to check out whether your chosen university is happy to defer your place! You should have your place confirmed before you start your gap year.

Websites and References

• Connexions recommends Taking a Gap Year by Susan Griffin published by Vaction Work.
• Find out about gap activity projects at www.gap.org.uk
• The Year in Industry website is located at www.yini.org.uk