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Key questions to ask |
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How much time have I got for my gap year? Produce a personal calendar for your time, bearing in mind that a gap year can be from a month up to 2 years.
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What do I want to do? List the activities. You can work, volunteer, go on an expedition, do a course/cultural exchange, backpack and more in the time available.
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Where would I like to do it? It could be in the UK, or abroad or both. A round the world ticket can be surprisingly affordable.
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Would I like to be on my own or with others? Some organisations specialise in group activities, others in challenging you to be on your own or with a partner.
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What is the total cost? Ask each company to break down the cost. A Gap Cost Calculator can be downloaded here: www.
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Key questions which you need to ask if you are looking for an organisation to provide a structured placement can be found at the Year Out Group website: http://www.yearoutgroup.org/checklist-students.htm . These questions can be applied to non-structured gap years.
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Ethical issues - There is much ambiguity about the ethical issues involved in travelling responsibly around the world and the extent to which companies have used the expressions ‘eco’, ‘sustainable’, ‘fair’ etc as part of their marketing plan. What is clear is that all of us, whether gap year travellers, business people or tourists, have an obligation to be aware of, amongst many other things:
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The effect on the local communities
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Respecting local customs and cultures
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The sustainability of the projects we are involved in
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Conservation of the environment
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Have a look at these websites:
- Finally, check your motivation for making your decisions. Has your plan been based on your heart or your head?
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