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TAKING A YEAR OUT. BRYANSTON MAY 28th 2010. Ten reasons for taking a year out. An adventure/opportunity of a lifetime Improved career prospects A chance to gain new skills or develop existing ones A break from academic study Independence A chance to help others
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TAKING A YEAR OUT BRYANSTON MAY 28th 2010
Ten reasons for taking a year out • An adventure/opportunity of a lifetime • Improved career prospects • A chance to gain new skills or develop existing ones • A break from academic study • Independence • A chance to help others • An avenue to an unknown future • Time to earn money • Broader horizons • Life in another culture
Possible drawbacks • Loss of academic motivation • Cost • Some choices involve element of risk • Maths? Medicine? • Not for everyone • Everyone has at least three months
What do others think of a well-used year out?Universities and Employers • A valuable maturing experience • Improves communication and life skills • Reduces university drop out rates • May have direct relevance to course • Demonstrates ability to work with others
What do others think of a well-used year out?Parents • Need to be convinced it’s worthwhile • May be worried about cost and safety • Delay before starting work • Wish they could do it!!
Work as a volunteer overseas or in the UK. www.wwv.org.uk Teach Work in business or engineering in the UK or abroad Gain career experience Raise money Take a language course Take a secretarial course Go on an expedition Work in conservation Experience a new culture Travel independently Relish freedom What can you do in a year out?
Research possible year out options very carefully • What does the organisation provide? Look at e.g. insurance, medical cover, travel arrangements, accommodation, training, support etc. etc. • Who will gain from the project? You? Those at the other end? • How much does it cost? Will you get help with fund-raising? • How experienced is the organisation? • Do you have any choice of project? • How are you matched with/selected for the project? • Is the organisation financially sound? • Talk to previous participants
The recession…..??? • Harder to raise money ?? • Some organisations may struggle • Parents less willing to finance ?? • Greater pressure to start earning ?? • Crucial opportunity to strengthen your CV
And finally……………..…….What not to do in a year out • Retake your A Levels because you didn’t work hard enough first time round • Bum aimlessly around the world • Sit at home wishing you’d planned something more exciting