Options at 18 -Taking a Gap Year
'At the end of Year 13 a gap year is one of the options open to students before embarking on a degree course, apprenticeship or into full time employment.
Many students consider taking a gap year to have a break from studies, to complete work experience, to spend time volunteering or simply to see the world before University or employment. Whatever the reason, taking a gap year can be very beneficial.
There are advantages and disadvantages when considering a gap year and its important that you research this well before you commit.
Below are three articles about taking a Gap Year and what the pros and cons are:
UCAS - Gap Year Ideas and things to think about
The scholarshiphub - 10 Pros And Cons Of Taking A Gap Year
Goabroad - 6 Potential Cons of Taking a Gap Year (And Why They're Okay)
Gap Year Providers:
IBM Gap Programme - Business and Technical gap year placements with salary £18,000 per anum.
ESU Secondary School Exchange Scholarships - Are you considering a gap year before university? Would you like to study in the USA? Then have a look at these first class scholarships available to students who would like to study at US High School after their A Levels. There are two programmes, one which involves two terms or another for the whole year. Several Caterham students have followed this path in recent years and thoroughly enjoyed their experiences.
Year Out Drama Course - Based in Stratford upon Avon, the year long course is suitable for students who would like to immerse themselves in a full time drama course before moving on to the next step in their career or education.
Frontier - Teaching abroad, volunteering and adventurous travel organisation.
Schroders Gap Year - Twelve month internships for school leavers with an asset management giant.
Natucate Conservation Programmes - Natucate offer a wide range of opportunities around the globe, from whale shark protection in the Maldives, to elephant conservation in Namibia and wolf and lynx research in Slovakia.
Year in Industry - The Year in Industry is a fantastic opportunity to spend your gap year, or year out during your degree, working in a relevant science/engineering based organisation and get paid!
Other advice:
Government Travel Advice. Good tool to check where you are travelling is safe.
Lots of advice and guidance, written by those who have experienced a gap year.
