Gap Years
Gap Years
Gap years are a popular option and can be a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, prepare for work or study, or to help others. They can also be a big waste of time and money. See our links, articles and partner organisations below to decide whether a year out is right for you.
Remember: While we have an ongoing relationship with the companies here, in some cases for many years, we have not run formal checks on them and you need to be happy that they are safe and appropriate for your circumstances.
Why a gap year?
You might have a passion for a particular activity or group of people you want to work with. You might want to earn some money or see the world. Maybe you just want a break before continuing your studies. Whatever the reason, it is important you know why you are taking one and plan it carefully.
Roger Salway of Oyster Worldwide has many years experience of helping people plan their gap years and a few of his own under his belt. Read his top tips for a successful year out here.
Funding a gap year
You may be able to gather donations from friends and family to help with the cost, but most people will need to work for at least part of the year to raise funds. You can find out more about this on the work section of the site.
Depending on the type of gap year you are planning, there may also be scholarships and grants available, such as the Bulkely-Evans fund. You can find out about this here.
OM Gap Year Tales
Harriet C (OM)
Spent a year working with a Christian outward bound centre and gaining qualifications.
Gap Year Organisations
Oyster Worldwide
Oyster is a secular gap company offering adventure tourism, volunteering and even paid placements.
Crosslinks
Cross links is a Christian organisation supporting both long and short term missions. They have years of experience in organising gap year placements where you can work along side their long term partners..
CYE
CYE is a Christian charity near Chichester offering activities like sailing, kayaking and climbing. You could join them to instruct on courses or to help with catering and domestic arrangements.
TSAP Travel
TSAP Travel states that it is a voluntourism company like no other, working hard to learn from other volunteer abroad mistakes. The projects are in Madagascar.
THE GAP YEAR HUB
The Gap Year Hub, a team of travel experts with more than 30 years’ experience to help you find lots of gap year ideas.
Advice of Students
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Advice for Parents
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