{"id":38616,"date":"2020-10-05T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T08:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/?p=38616"},"modified":"2020-09-28T13:11:08","modified_gmt":"2020-09-28T12:11:08","slug":"gap-year-advice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncchomelearning.co.uk\/blog\/gap-year-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make the most of your gap year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you planning to take a year between the end of sixth form and the start of Uni? If so, you\u2019re one of the many young people across the UK (and around the world) who wants to explore the world and expand their horizons.[i]<\/a><\/p>\n

There\u2019s no need to rush into a university course you are unsure about or take on a dull job you\u2019re not passionate about. Instead, take some time to explore your options, learn about yourself, and explore all that the planet has to offer.<\/p>\n

\n

What is a gap year?<\/h2>\n

First, you need to know exactly what a gap year is, and how it can benefit your long-term goals.<\/p>\n

Simply put, a gap year is a year (or even longer) that you take between the end of your secondary schooling and before your entrance into university.[ii]<\/a> Most young people choose to travel internationally during this \u2018gap.\u2019 However, the time can also be spent learning new skills, engaging in education, taking on an apprenticeship, or only working to save money.<\/p>\n

You might backpack through South East Asia, scale the Himalayas, teach English in Moscow, undergo yoga teacher training in Peru, or pick fruit in Australia \u2013 the sky really is the limit! Whether you backpack, apprentice, take courses, work to save money, or learn new skills, a gap year will change your life.<\/p>\n

While you might worry about the gap on your CV, most employers and institutions are thrilled to see that you\u2019ve taken a gap year. Young people who have embarked upon a gap year<\/p>\n

One quick note \u2013 we know that gap years used to be seen as the domain of only the rich and spoiled. After all, how else could someone afford to take time away from studies or employment? These days, people from all walks of life are planning for and taking gap years. Even if you\u2019re the first person in your family to go to Uni, a gap year is still an option.<\/p>\n

\n

How do you take a gap year?<\/h2>\n


\n<\/strong>So, by now, a gap year probably sounds pretty amazing! But how do you actually go about making it happen? Here are some of the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Start by planning<\/h3>\n

Wait, you\u2019re taking a gap year because you want fun and spontaneity, right? Well, for all the pieces to fall into place, you also need to plan ahead. Trust me \u2013 a bit of planning will make your entire experience so much more worthwhile. The last thing you want is to kick yourself later because you didn\u2019t plan properly in the first place.<\/p>\n

Some of the factors you need to consider and plan for include:<\/p>\n