Gap Years I'm seriously considering doing a Gap Year next year when I graduate. I'm thinking about Austrailia and New Zealand, and I will want to work for part of the year for money purposes! I've been looking on the Real Gap site....anybody know any other good sites? or have any other pointers? Cheers
I would work for six months in the US/Australia/New Zealand, then spend the second six months travelling, either in South East Asia, Africa or South America (or a bit in each). My sister sorted out her visa for working in the States through BUNAC, they do something called Work America, part of the same group that do Camp America. Mind you, it was nearly 20 years ago so I'm not sure if it is still running.
What kind of degree do/will you have, and what kind of job would you want after uni? Can sometimes make a big difference, with some empoyers not looking so favourably on gap years, and some loving them.
I did Work America, had the time of my life... If I could do it again, I'd do Work Canada though... www.bunac.org
It totally depends on what you did in your gap year... if they have 2 candidates and one has got one year's industry experience and you've spent the past year bumming around Australia they're going to choose the former over you. Equally, they might think you're "flighty" and likely to take off
try sta travels website they do loads of stuff...are you wanting to do travelling whilst working or charity work (i.e. working with kids abroad or something)
Well, I have already done a year in industry so I am covered from both angles My degree is in Network Computing. Charity work would be very rewarding BUT i have to be realistic, I need to work to earn money to fund my travels, so working for free (at least not long term) isn't really on my agenda. Scruf - What was it like doing Work America? Whats the social side like? Theres just something about the US that makes me think.....hmm, if you get what I mean. I want to see places but i'm not too fussed about a proper 'tour' - I want to stay in one place long enough to make some great friends and have a fantastic time!
my mates' been travelling since xmas 04, started in the usual places, thailand, vietnam, etc, currently doing IT support in melbourne, shacked up with a bird and everything.
in south korea, he worked in a dojo cleaning floors and shit during the day, then trained as a ninja at night - legend :worship:
Im on a year out now i have done 2 years of my course and was going to end up with a shit grade if i hadnt taken this year off, feeling proper motivated now although i dont start again my final year until september how on earth can people afford to go on gap years abroad is beyond me
My cousin's not long come back from travelling the far east with his Mrs said he had the time of his life! I think he brought (i may be wrong) an around the world ticket which lasted for so long so he could travel numerous countries, not sure what they did for £££ but they had a bit saved up
I hear ya.. if you go somewhere like Myrtle Beach or Wildwood and work the season there you'll be surrounded by loads of people your own age and the social side is second to none.. beach parties every night etc. I enjoyed it, but I spent the majority of my time in Manhattan, so you might as well be in any city in the world.. but.. I made a shitload of cash and spent a few weeks travelling up the east coast from Key West which rounded the whole thing off nicely.. Try and do something out of the ordainary, that pays well, provides a house and doesn't leave you stranded from other people your own age.. Cost me about £700 with visa and flights..and they do a loan plan too where you pay half upfront and half out your wage..
