Gap Year Pros & Cons
General
Pros
- You will develop self confidence.
- Generally learn a new skill.
- Often learn a new language.
- Meet new people and make countless new friends.
- Earn some money while getting useful experience in a work environment.
- Improve your C.V.
Cons
- Your study skills may become rusty. 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.
- If you’ve chosen to spend the year working you may have become used to the benefits of a regular wage. It may not be easy to get used to the hardships of student life.
- Some courses want students straight from A-levels, especially Art & Design and Applied Sciences.
Expeditions and Conservation Programmes
Pros
- You will more than likely travel to a part of the world you wouldn’t normally go to.
- This type of programme will certainly keep you fit and probably get you even fitter.
- If working on a conservation programme you will be helping Mother Nature in a green and ecological way.
- You will generally be working in a group and so will meet many new people.
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.
Ensure your policy will cover you for the type of work you are planning on doing, our policy will not cover you for any interaction with wild animals.
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 different side to life.
- 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 means no pay.
- 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.
- Your daily food may be different from what you’re used to.
