Gap Year Pros & Cons
General
Pros
- Develop self confidence.
- Learn new skills.
- Chance to learn a new language.
- Meet new people and make countless new friends.
- Earn some money in a new working environment.
- Improve your C.V.
Cons
- After a year out from studying will you be able to get back into the routine of studying.
- If you don't plan ahead part or all of your gap year may be wasted.
- You may miss important occasions back home.
- Some courses in the UK may prefer students straight from A-levels.
Expeditions and Conservation Programmes
Pros
- You will more than likely travel to a part of the world you would't normally go to.
- This type of programme will certainly keep you fit and build an inner confidence..
- Working in a group with a common cause can be a life changing experience.
Cons
- To explore or conserve can cost a lot of money.
- These activities are not for the faint hearted and a reasonable level of fitness will generally be required.
Voluntary Work
Pros
- If working abroad you will often get the chance to work in some exotic places.
- You will often be working within a group and so this will give you an immediate social life.
- You will see a totaly different side of life and witness new cultures.
- It will make you feel good with yourself and give you a radical new perspective on life in general and yours in particular
- You may receive pocket money/expenses.
Cons
- Voluntary work is unpaid.
- You will often have to pay the organisation who are your placement
- You may only be provided with living accommodation, and will often have to cover your living expenses.
- You may end up in under privileged location and living in poor conditions.
INFORMATION FOR TRAVELLERS
