Planning a gap year :Cross Stitch – Young people
Taking a year out of studying to do something else can do wonders for your skills, confidence and CV. Many people take a gap year before starting college or university, but you could take one at any time.
You might want to spend the year working in the UK and saving money for your future studies. You could get a regular full-time job, or maybe some temporary or part-time work that still lets you have some time off to enjoy your year out.
You may also want to split your gap year. For example, you can:
- spend the first six months working and earning money
- use this money to pay for your travels in the second half of the year
You could also look into completing a ‘Year in Industry’, where you can discover how the business world operates. This gives you the chance to work with new people and learn some relevant skills. Some people who take this opportunity are awarded scholarships to help them through higher education.
If you choose to go abroad for a gap year, it’s important to do lots of research before you go.
Knowing about the culture and customs of your destination means you’re better prepared to deal with any strange situations while you’re there. It can also help you avoid breaking any local laws by mistake and keep you safe.