Taking a year off (5th ed)

A gap year can prove to be a valuable and challenging learning experience, but before embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, extensive research and careful planning should be undertaken. How you choose to spend your time is up to you, but a well-structured gap year does not just happen. As well as examining the pros and cons of taking a gap year and the options available, this book answers the key questions: When is the best time to take a year out? What are the different options? Including travel, working abroad or in the UK, voluntary work and study, what are the attitudes of employers and admissions tutors towards gap years? How much will it cost? Can you cope? How ready are you to leave home? How do you make contingency plans? What should you do next if you decide to go for it? Where can you find sources of further information to help with the planning? How should you prepare for your return? How can you get your parents and teachers to give you support? What will you gain from it?Taking a Year Off provides readers with an independent view - based on research with those who are planning and have completed gap years, employers, university and college admissions tutors, teacher and parents.