As a volunteer you can combine seeing other parts of the world, especially the developing world, with teaching, conservation or other types of volunteer work. Placements can last from three months to a year. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities available locally
Volunteering on a conservation project is a great way to make a difference. You will need to be able to cope in remote challenging environments and therefore require a firm interest in your chosen project. Conservation projects show self-reliance, enthusiasm and commitment. These are excellent skills that you can add to your CV or university application.
Many people take a gap year before starting college or university as it is an opportunity to do something different. A gap year is a great way to visit new places and meet new people. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn new skills and increase your confidence.
What opportunities can a gap year offer?
Travelling abroad is the most popular gap year option, but be careful that it doesn't end up as an extended holiday. It needs to be planned and spent in a constructive way, if you want to make the most of it. Many people want to experience a completely different way of life, and travelling abroad is a great way to experience new cultures.
Many gap year students want to earn some money before they start their further education. It is important that you find a constructive job that will challenge your abilities and teach you valuable new skills. This experience will contribute positively to your CV.
During term-time at school you should get the chance to go on work experience which is your opportunity to spend a period of time outside classroom. If you are considering a particular career, this is an ideal way to see if you will actually enjoy the types of work involved. Work experience is your opportunity to learn about a particular job or area of work. Even if your work experience is not in a job that you are seriously considering, you can still learn a great deal from it.
What will I learn?
At school work experience takes place during term time, either in S3 or S4. You may also have work placements or work experience arranged through your sixth form or college. Work experience is not compulsory but many employers think that it is very useful.
Where possible, your placement will be arranged through your school, sixth form or college. Usually they will have lists of work placements that you put your name down for, with up to 3 choices. In some schools, sixth forms or colleges you can find your own placement. If you require help choosing a career path or work experience placement then speak with a Pupil Support Teacher or Careers Advisor.
Depending on where you live and what your needs are, you will either go to mainstream school or to a special school that will make sure you have everything you need to get your education.
Well before the age of 16 you will probably want to start thinking about the choices and learning opportunities that should be available to you in the future, especially when you leave school.
It's never too early to start planning. Learning is a lifelong experience and nowadays there are more opportunities than ever before. You can do courses just for the fun of it or to learn a new skill and get a qualification.
You will probably have lots of questions to ask yourself and other people including:
Published on 12/08/2010
Last modified on 14/02/2011
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