8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gap Year

Taking a leap of faith and globetrotting on your gap year will be the experience of a lifetime. Your gap year will give you the chance to learn different skills and experience a new way of life. Don’t just see your gap year as a year off, see it as a year full of opportunities. Here are 8 ways to make the most of your gap year.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gap Year - Abroadship.org

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gap Year – Abroadship.org

Get work experience

Work experience will teach you the skills you need to kick-start or upskill your career when you return. Employers are beginning to see the value of taking a gap year. Choose something relevant to your career objectives. This will illustrate an interest in your future career and effort in learning new skills required to excel and land your dream job back home. Popular occupations during a gap year include being an English teacher, au pair or camp counsellor . Resort workers and sports instructors are also excellent options in adventure capitals.

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a great way to understand a new culture or a different way of life. When choosing a country or city, first research into which schools https://www.workingin-newzealand.com/education/universities-in-new-zealand/ allow international students.

There is a lot to choose from out there. See Erasmus Mundus – what is it?

Studying abroad doesn’t have to mean a full-time degree. It could also be a short course to learn a new skill. IT, photography, public speaking and writing courses are all popular short course options.

Check out the city’s key industries

Are you eyeing a specific city or country? Check out the city’s key industries. Scouting out the areas you may consider moving to in the future will give you an idea of the way of life in that city before you make the big decision to move.

Learn a new language

Learn the language Learning a language will improve your communication, listening skills and memory. Start with basic conversational phrases. The locals will be more than happy to help you practise.

Get out of your comfort zone

Go on an adventure and face your fears. Build resilience and learn how to become more open-minded and adaptable. These great skills come from experience. They can’t be learned from a textbook. Are you scared of heights? Try bungy jumping or walk across a glass observation deck. Not fond of the deep ocean? Take a holiday in Tonga and swim with whales. The organisations you use to book these experiences will ensure your safety, so you can get out of your comfort zone and enjoy these amazing experiences without having to worry about your
safety.

Volunteer your time

Spend your time doing something meaningful and support a good cause. You’ll get to know the culture, locals and their way of life. There are many ways to volunteer. Choose a volunteer job in your field or try something completely different. Social workers may enjoy community work. Nurses may like to help out with aged care in rest homes. Scientists may be interested in animal or conservation tasks. Teaching and coaching volunteering are also popular options. Some volunteering organisations even offer accommodation and meals in exchange for your work.

Go freelancing

Self-employment will give you the freedom to work your own hours and travel while helping to fund your gap year. The possibilities are endless. You could mark essays online, get into social media marketing, content writing and graphic design, to name a few. Practising skills you may need for your future career is a great way to stay current with the skills you need when you return.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gap Year - travel - Abroadship.org

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Gap Year – travel – Abroadship.org

Immerse yourself into the culture

The world is filled with many cultures and traditions. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in the culture. Whether you choose to spend your gap year in one country or fifty, make an effort to visit the cultural landmarks, shows and museums. Chat with the locals. You never know, someone you talk to may have a great opportunity
waiting for you.

Author bio:

As a globetrotting foodie and adventurer, Harper is fond of anything related to food, travel, and culture. For her,
the best travel experiences are spontaneous, unplanned ones. Say a quick hello to Harper on Tumblr