Embarking on an educational gap year experience will encourage personal development in preparation for achieving further educational goals or readying yourself for a future career. This particular gap year option is highly promoted by travel suppliers, schools and governments, as it combines travel - a powerful agent of social change and possibly the most influential form of education - with a course of learning and self development.
Engaging in an educational gap year experience could lead to faster acceleration into the job market and further progression within employment. If anything, an educational gap year is certainly one way to bump up those UCAS points! With university fees on the rise, seeking other available opportunities to build on your educational career is practically essential in today's academic environment.
What better way is there to gain valuable life expertise, and learn new skills in exciting subjects than through participating in gap year travel? An educational gap year offers an amazing life experience, enabling you to accumulate knowledge whilst learning from your surroundings and ultimately enhancing your CV.
A great skill to gain on an educational gap year is learning a new language. You could become truly cosmopolitan by learning to speak Spanish on your gap year. Spanish is a widely-used and beautiful language and you'll have great fun and make new friends getting your tongue round the soft sounds of the sultry Spanish language. Most of the destinations in Central and South America offer great opportunites to learn to speak Spanish and many of the gap year programs also give you the opportunity to combine volunteering and learning Spanish. Having more than one language is an incredible asset to have on any CV and is also a fun and challenging way to spend any gap year.
It's not all about the mental skills you can bring to the table; an educational gap year can also be about stretching yourself and testing your limits by learning a new physical skill. Show off your physical prowess with a magical martial arts experience trying your hand at the ancient art of Muay Thai boxing. If you fancy some water-based fun on your gap year, why not become an aquatic adventurer by learning to dive and gaining your PADI divemaster qualifications? It's your ticket to dive instructor status and you get to explore an exciting underwater paradise into the bargain! Want to channel your inner Aussie beach bum? Learn to surf in Australia and you'll soon be riding on the crest of a wave!
There are a whole variety of educational gap years to choose from covering a range of different skills that will allow you to compete both socially and academically. Whether you're keen to pick up a new interest or talent, or simply want to contribute towards existing qualifications and experiences, there really is no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in the culture of exciting destinations and submerging yourself in your chosen topic. Whatever it is you decide to do, an educational gap year will give you an edge when applying for jobs and universities and single you out from other applicants. An educational gap year will provide you with invaluable life experience and is a brilliant way to gain additional skills. It's also a great way to boost your confidence, give you independence and strengthen your CV and personal statement. So become a learning legend on your gap year and have a full-on educational adventure!
18-60 days
Volunteer by day, relax or party by night
Make a real difference to the lives of local communities in beautiful Cape Town. Choose from a range of fantastic volunteer projects, and transfer vital skills to local settlements, schools, and crèches. An unforgettable experience!
2-4 weeks
Have an awesome elephant experience in stunning rural Thailand
Get up close to these amazing creatures at an elephant project and live in a rural Thai village community. Help bathe the elephants, plant crops and harvest bamboo, and get involved with local community projects. A magical experience!
Up to 12 months job support
Find paid work, earn, travel and explore Down Under!
Work and travel in Australia! This paid work and travel package includes 1 week of fun in Sydney, 12 months of job support and a travel pass along the East Coast. Expect to earn between £10 to £15 an hour!
35 days minimum
A massive combo of top Aussie adventures!
Explore Australia's East Coast on this ultimate tour, which includes some of our most popular Aussie programmes: Have fun in Sydney, learn to surf, travel with hop-on-hop-off pass and enjoy adrenaline adventures in Cairns!
