Gap Year Choices

danielj315

danielj315

danielj315

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29 Oct 2005
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Im looking at doing two things for my gap year (between School and Uni) and was wondering if you kind people could offer me some advice :p

  • First option : Go off to Vancouver, Canada and work and play for about 10 months in whistler,

    This is good because it shows independance and that you can handle responsibility not to mention i'll have a hell of a time skiing and biking and everything else at the weekend!
    Not so much money needed initially although the more the better!

  • Second option : Go off to Africa with a gap year organisation doing something like teaching kids basic English etc and generally helping people.
    Good because its something that I'd love to do and also would look great on CV etc an probably be a lifechanging experience.

    However Most seem to be very expensive with one were givin a talk on at school for 12 months costing £4480, I know this isnt bad for 12 months but its a huge sum of money to pay upfront especially before uni if I could even make that much money


So really im stuck, I'd love to do africa but the cost is a bit prohibative and at the same time i'd love a year in canada but would always wonder about the africa thing!


Sorry this has turned into a bit off a mindless rambling but anyones views or opinions are helpful, cheers!
 
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I'd say the first, because it sounds fun. (I have just finished uni and dying for some fun, so may be biased). You may also be able to save some money.

I am almost certain uni will offer multiple opportunities to go to Africa to work/help over summer as part of societies and such, with lots of like minded individuals.
 
Don't teach English to little African kids, it's pretetious and extremely unimaginative. Go to Canada and earn yourself some money.
 
Alchemy said:
Don't teach English to little African kids, it's pretetious and extremely unimaginative. Go to Canada and earn yourself some money.
Click to expand...

I am sure they would still appreciate it.
 
Get a mind-numbingly boring job in the UK - e.g. work nights restocking shelves in a supermarket, in order to earn enough money to spend six months in South America or Africa teaching kids basic English and Maths, doing environmental work, whatever.

The first job will act as a spur when you can't face another night's study at Uni, will earn you some money to finance the South America or Africa trip so you don't feel like a scrounger and will also teach you how hard some people have to work with no real hope of advancement.

The time in South America or Africa will be far more fulfilling than you can ever imagine.

If you want a contact in Africa, try All-Out.


Adding to your CV that you spent a year swanning about in Canada isn't going to impress anyone; it is cushy, self-indulgent and just more of the same.
 
My friend had loads of fun whilst working in Canada. He indeed taught skiing I believe. In fact he wants a few of us to go back, but just for hols this time.
 
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