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I am helping my son decide what to do next. After strong science / maths A level results, he got a place at Uni, but has failed his second year. Rather than re-take, he wants a change from full time study, and he wants to look at a... Read More- not sure whether to go to uni
Hello, I'm Jay. At the moment, I am slowly sorting out University paperwork and such, but i'm still not sure whether to go. The main thing that worries me is my ability to succeed on the coarse. At college, I found that A Level courses... Read More - like to go travelling can you help me?
I've recently just finished my AS exams and I don't think I am going to be returning to 6th form next year because I feel like I don't benefit fully from sitting in a classroom to learn. I would really like to be able to travel somewhere... Read More - not sure about what to do next...
Hiya, I'm 21 years old and currently working full time as an Assistant Restaurant Manager, but am taking some time out to go traveling. I never went to uni and i didn't really want to. I'm not really happy with my line of work at the... Read More
Gap Years
Should You Volunteer Or Go Travelling?
13th September 2011, 15:21If you’re planning a year out, you might be considering going travelling or going on a volunteering scheme. Both are great ways to build life experience and your CV, and each has its own specific benefits.
Ultimately, which is better all comes down to what you’re looking for in a gap year. If it’s that you want to go off and see the world, get lost in other cultures and learn a little more about yourself to help you to move on in life, then you might be happier going travelling. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to give something back to the less fortunate or vulnerable, then volunteering might be better.
That’s not to say that you can’t learn a lot about yourself while volunteering, or that you’re being selfish by going travelling – it’s your choice, and you should do what makes you happy.
Volunteering
Voluntary organisations like Raleigh International and VSO take thousands of volunteers from all walks of life to countries around the world each year to work on health and social care projects, conservation and even animal care projects.
The best things about a volunteer’s year out are the sense pride and accomplishment you can get from helping the less fortunate and needy people of the world and also the weight it carries for your CV.
Helping others will make you feel great and certainly give you some perspective on your own life back in the western world. If you’re entering the world of work when you get back, volunteering will look very impressive on your CV to a potential employer and paints you as a charitable, selfless and dedicated person who has ideas beyond their own life.
Travelling
The great thing about taking some time to go travelling is the sense of freedom and adventure it affords you. Depending on the sort of person you are, you can make a loose plan of your travels and then make decisions on a whim while you’re on your travels.
They say that travel broadens the mind and a travel gap year will give you plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in foreign cultures, religions and ways of life. You may even pick up a bit of lingo along the way, making it an educational experience as well as a spiritual one.
Further Reading >>
- Look for related Jobs and Courses
* Travel and Work!
* Working during your gap year
* Gap year – Is volunteering right for you?
* What exactly are you going to be doing on your Gap Year
