► Time taken out of education or work, for a purpose* ► It’s rarely a ‘year’, before HE it’s 15 months ► Take a ‘mini gap’ in the summer between school and University/career ► Or at any time in your life! * Definition taken from Phil Murray from gapadvice.org.

► Break from education ► May never have a chance to take a ‘year out’ again ► Earn some money to give some financial security ready for Higher Education ► Take a year out to decide what future they want for themselves and return refreshed and more focused ► Real adventure ► Enhance the CV!

► Confidence ► Independence ► Opened my eyes Oyster group in Tanzania – making friends for life!

► Niamh – spent a winter season working in Canada and ed to say “doing a gap year has been the best decision of my life. It gives you the opportunity to become independent and really learn about yourself and educate you on how others live as well” ► Will – returned Tanzania volunteer– “a gap year is something that really makes you stand on your own feet and gets you out of your comfort zone (something that all employers like to see) It can also really help you discover yourself and what 'makes you tick'.”

Year older at University and starting their career Year older at University and starting their career Check with the University. Are they happy for them to take a year out? Certain courses may not be… Check with the University. Are they happy for them to take a year out? Certain courses may not be… Will they return to studying? Will they return to studying? Gap years cost money! Gap years cost money!

► Don’t rely on the bank of Mum and Dad! ► Get a job – even on minimum wage of £5.30 per hour, you can earn £5k between July and early January, working a 35 hour week ► Get sponsored ► Think outside the box

► Between A-Level and University they have at least 12 weeks to fill. ► What can be done overseas?  Get paid work in the Australian Outback (12 weeks)  Volunteer as an English teacher (4 weeks +)  Volunteer in animal welfare (1 week +)

► Travelling ► Working ► Volunteering ► Apprenticeships ► Courses – Language, Cooking, Dance, TEFL? ► Conservation Work ► Expeditions Trekking in Chile

► Location ► Interests ► Work experience ► Goals

► It could save money in the long run ► Specific links to overseas worthwhile projects that have a need for volunteers ► In-country support from local representatives ► Support throughout, before, during and after ► Travelling with ‘L-plates’ It’s important to do your research!

► We’ve visited every programme that we offer ► Experienced and dedicated UK team – many took their gap year with Oyster before joining the team ► We assess all applicant’s suitability through interview

► Teaching and childcare ► Animal welfare and conservation ► Sports coaching ► Medical and veterinary work experience ► Paid work in Canadian ski resorts ► Paid work in Australia

Live as a local in Chilean Patagonia Make a difference Learn a language Experience a new culture

Work Hard Play Hard in Canada

Animal Welfare Romania Thailand Namibia

► Voluntary teaching in Primary and Secondary schools in and around the northern town of Arusha. ► Close to the Kenyan border and just south of equator

My Best Bits

► Typical 3 month programme in Tanzania with Oyster would cost £3175. ► This includes:  return flights  accommodation  food allowance  full support throughout ► Budget extra for:  Insurance (approx. £200)  Visa (approx. £700)  Pocket money (£15-20 per week) ► 2 week Animal Welfare programmes from £785 Remember, independent travel can cost more! Most participants raise funds through paid work and depart in January Find out what is not included in the price if booking with a company. Do your research!

► “You have a very impressive company. Julia is having the most wonderful time in Whistler… It is very reassuring for us to have someone to ring should we need to.” – Mr Bergin, father of Julia ► “A very capable, independent, organised young adult daughter returned home from Chile in August.” – Mrs Power, mother of Susie ► “I am so pleased we chose Oyster – great projects, excellent organisation and a fantastic personal service!” – Mrs Badenoch, mother of Alec ► “Cassie is having a great time at the elephant sanctuary in South Africa. My only regret is that I didn’t go!” – Mrs Evans, mother of Dawna

1. Secure your place 2. Spread the cost 3. Secure any work permits 4. Have something to look forward to 5. Impress on your UCAS form So, start planning now…

► ► Oyster Worldwide ► ► Year Out Group members and guidelines ► ► Gapadvice.org – Independent advice on gap years ► ► Oyster Facebook Page ► ► Trekking in the Himalayas with Oyster ► ► Foreign Office Know Before You Go Campaign