After University

Once frowned upon, a year out is now becoming a popular option for young people between education and work. Students who wish to take a study break before they go off to University can also take the year out. UCAS now believes that students who take a well-structured and planned year out are more likely to be happy and satisfied after finishing their course. The benefits of a structured year out are now recognised by colleges and universities and prepare you for the future.

A year out between school or college and higher education and a job can offer you an exciting, challenging and valuable opportunity, be it in the UK or overseas. It can and probably will enrich your life forever, aside from broadening your view of the world and those around you - providing you plan your time wisely and carefully consider your longer term personal goals!

What you choose to do in your year out is totally up to you, but it is worth remembering that it will say a lot about you. Whatever you decide to do it is going to make an appearance on your CV, so you may as well make the year as exciting and rewarding for yourself, as well as good reading for any academic institution. If properly planned, a year out can say as much, if not more, about you as an individual, as any set of exam results ever can.

Some choose to lounge around at home, temp for a while or go off backpacking. While this can be fun, will it really allow you to reach your future goals? If you are willing to rise to the challenge of one or more of the many well-structured Year-Out opportunities on offer you can learn to live in a new environment and deal with the unexpected. You can demonstrate your sustained commitment and cannot fail to develop the personal skills and experience that will stand you in good stead for many years to come. Doing something constructive does not mean having to compromise having fun, you can do both and still have that sense of achievement.

Options open to you include:

• Being a volunteer in the UK or Overseas
• Living abroad on a Cultural Exchange
• Participating in an Expedition
• Joining a structured work experience opportunity
• Learning a new skill on a Course in the UK or Overseas

Your trip can last from a few weeks to one whole year.

Almost anywhere that you want. It can be in the UK or the world.

This can be the most difficult decision to make. The most important thing to do is research, spend time planning everything well in advance and if there is anything you are not sure of - ask!

It is up to you to commit to your placement. If you decide to drop out it, the consequences can be disruptive and far-reaching. The placement has to be the right one for you, try to get a feeling for the organisation and it's work. Whatever programme you select, its success will depend upon the participants and organisations having a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities.

Deciding on the right organisation and programme can prove to be difficult.

Below are some of the things that you may want to consider before making the final decision and a set of questions that you will need to ask.

• Age range of participants.
• Selection criteria - who are they looking for and what is the interview procedure?
• Choice of different programmes?
• Number of participants selected on each programme?

• What will I gain from doing this?
• Will anyone else benefit from this placement apart from me?
• Why are UK young people needed on this and who asked for us to do it?
• Will the programme continue after I have left?

• How has the programme been chosen and checked out?
• Has a representative of the sending organisation had a good look?
• Are the host organisations paid to take me?
• Do they pay me?
• What exactly will I be doing?
• Will I be alone, who will I be placed with?
• What can I expect in terms of accommodation and food? You will need to be realistic here and expect local food - not mouth-watering culinary delights.
• What is expected of me?
• What will be my responsibilities?
• Do I have to sign anything?
• Is there a written agreement between the organisation and me?

• What is the precise programme cost and what does it cover?
• What is the recommended budget for extras?
• If I have to pay a deposit, is it refundable?
• When and how do I pay?
• What happens if I cancel?
• If I have to raise funds, does the organisation give advice?

Make sure its right for you in terms of its type and length of programme.

• Why does the organisation exist?
• How long has it been around?
• Is it a partnership, private company, public company, registered charity, sole trader or other?
• Where is it registered?
• Examples of successful programmes and a chat to past participants can shed a lot of light very quickly and easily on whether you feel the programme is right for you.
• What if there is an emergency?
• Does the organisation have sufficient funds to cope with emergencies?
• What are the organisation's policies on Equal Opportunities?

Make sure its right for you in terms of its type and length of programme.

• Who is responsible for travel arrangements?
• This includes travel visas and work permits!
• Who provides insurance and what is included in the cover?
• Health, possessions, cancellation and repatriation?
• What about inoculations and health precautions?
• Help and advice please!
• How about training and pre-departure briefing - do I get any of that?

Make sure its right for you in terms of its type and length of programme.

• Who is the person responsible for me at the programme location?
• Where is the nearest representative of the organisation?
• What if there is a major emergency - can somebody deal with this and get me home?
• If I have a problem with my placement, can I chat to somebody?
• What is included in the living arrangements?
• Who selects and checks out the accommodation?
• If staying with host families are they paid or are they volunteers?

Make sure its right for you in terms of its type and length of programme.

• Will the organisation have any contact with me when I return?
• Can my experience be of any use to future participants?
• Will I get a reference or certificate, indeed anything to prove that I was actually there and completed the programme?
• Will I be debriefed?

If these steps are followed, then you should be prepared for almost anything, if not at least you would have done some groundwork. Enjoy your Year Out and treat it as a chance to gain valuable and challenges experiences of a lifetime!

More information on taking "A Year Out" and organisations involved can be found at the following sites:

• Africa & Asia Venture
• Raleigh International
• Teaching & Projects Abroad
• Gap Year
• Gapwork