3 min reading

Thinking about a gap year?

Whilst the ‘gap yah’ clichés are all about spontaneity, deferring your university place just to wind up binge-watching Netflix can’t be the rewarding experience you were imagining. Planning is key, people. 

Take the time to think about what you want to get out of the 12-month break and if the answer is opportunities to build your CV, gain life skills or meet new people, you’ve come to the right place. 

Here are three ideas to ensure your time away is as academically rewarding as it is #gridgoals. Elephant pants optional...

See the world

Island hopping, interrailing, digital nomadism… With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise traveling is the most popular choice for a gap year. 

Whether you follow your own itinerary or opt for a structured program like Gap 360, traveling offers a chance to discover new cultures, live independently and make new friends. It also goes hand-in-hand with another important focus for many gap year students: language studies.

Better yet, companies like Letz Live and Workaway offer paid experiences in places like New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and Costa Rica, so you don’t have to have loads of money saved to make it happen.

Give back to the community

A gap year dedicated to supporting a worthwhile cause is good for both the soul and CV. As well as providing hands-on experience in a new field, volunteering allows you to explore an interest or try out a career before making a long-term commitment. 

You could take part in a wildlife conservation project with International Volunteer HQ, teach English as a foreign language by obtaining a TEFL qualification, or help Habitat for Humanity build homes for those in need.

Discover your passion

Have a stellar idea for a book? Always wanted to shoot and edit a film? Desperate to implement a community initiative? A gap year provides the perfect chance to complete the passion project you could never fit in around school work.

The benefits of such an endeavour include honing your skills, demonstrating your commitment to future employers, building a portfolio and exploring interests.

Share this resource


Keep Reading

Students
Graduates
Career Change
Redundancy Support

HS2 Jobs Board

video
1 min
Construction
Students
Graduates
Career Change

Pilot Careers Live 2021

Pilot Careers Live is a chance to access everything you need to know about becoming a Professional Pilot. Training to be a pilot is a unique...

article
1 min reading
Space
Students

BFI Film Academy Short Courses

Cinemagic is delighted to announce the delivery of the BFI Film Academy Short Courses programme in 2022/23 and 16–19-year-olds.

article
3 min reading
Creative Industries
Students

Art and Design with Duncan Howell

This interactive lesson in Art and Creative Design with Production designer: Duncan Howell.

video
1 min
Creative Industries

Help and support

Not sure what you’re
looking for?

For additional help and
support

Contact Us