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‘Ahh, a year off! I could travel the world, climb mountains, swim oceans, cycle along the wall of China…I could, well, do anything. Couldn’t I?’
Well, if you are interested in taking a year out before you go off to University there’s certainly enough things to suit everyone. People take Gap Years for all kinds of reasons: for the experience, for thrills, for fun, to boost their employability, to help others, to explore vocation, to think about things, to enjoy some freedom – or a combination of all of these things (and more!). And if it’s a ‘Christian’ Gap Year you’re looking for then there’s as much variety available, too – and you don’t even have to go abroad for it. Many parishes, for example, offer placements for pastoral assistants or youth workers. So, here’s the lowdown on gap years: what’s on offer, where to look for what you want, and how do to do things right!
Sponsorship
Most organisations that offer Gap Year experiences will ask you for a lot of money in order to participate in them, so you may need to engage in a little fundraising before you can seriously think about doing anything! Talk to your parish priest: perhaps the parish could start you off by sponsoring you.
Don’t assume that because the organisations or charities operate from a UK address or produce impressive publicity and brochures that everything will run smoothly. Some organisations are good and some are not so good. So before you commit yourself to the scheme, before you sign anything or hand over any cash, maker sure that you do your research.
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The Organisation
What kind of insurance do they provide? Does it cover repatriation and personal injury? Have you seen a copy of the policy?
If you are going to a non-English speaking country, will there be an English-speaking representative of the organisation near by?
Will you be offered an induction or briefing course before you start work?
Will you receive adequate training for the work they expect you to do?
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The Values of the Organisation
If you are paying, where exactly does the money go? How much goes on travel, accommodation and administration? Are you getting value for money?
Who is the organisation benefiting? Is it a registered charity?
Are the interests of the local population being served?
Will your activities be welcomed by the local people? If not, why not? What difficulties will this bring?
Have there been previous Gap Year workers on the same placements? What was their experience? Are you able to talk to them about it?
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The Work
No doubt (quite apart from the country you are hoping to work in) it will be the nature of the work that will attract you to the placement. So, what is the nature of the work? Is it really what you want to do?
Are there clear guidelines about the work schedule? Is there a job description or a contract?
What hours will you be expected to work and how much free time will you have?
If you expect to be paid, how much will you get and when? Is it weekly or monthly? How will you get paid? By cash, cheque, or straight into your bank account?
Will there be expenses paid for carrying out the work and, if so, what’s your Expenses Budget - and what exactly will they reimburse, when and how?
Will you be given any support materials, or will you be expected to take your own?
It may be that your work will involve teaching, so find out who you will be teaching, how many in a class, what age range, and what subjects.
In some societies, women (including foreign visitors) have a subordinate role at work and at home. How will you cope with this?
Who will be your supervisor or line manager? Who do you go to if there are issues, questions or problems? Is there a system of review in place?
Will there be other Gap Year Workers working or living with you?
Find out as much as possible about the area in which you will be living and working: it’s culture, values, even the climate, etc.
Are there restrictions to your way of life that you will find difficult to accept? For example, there may be restrictions on drinking alcohol, wearing certain clothes, having sex, etc. This will be determined wither by the organisation or by the culture in which you will be living and working.
What happens if, for any reason, you want or need to end your placement early?
You may need visas, vaccinations, etc for the country in which you will be visiting and working. Are you clear about what you need?
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Travel
What are the travel arrangements? Which airline will you use? Will there be someone to meet you at the airport, and will they take you safely to your accommodation?
If you have to return early, can you transfer your ticket? Are there any conditions to the travel arrangements?
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Accommodation
Do you know where you will be staying? Do you have the address?
Have you been given a clear idea of the standard of your accommodation?
If you are staying with a local family, are they being paid? Why are they having you to stay? Will they have any specific expectations of you?
How far are you from the nearest town? What facilities are available?
How far will you be living from the place where you will work?
What specific dangers or problems might you face there? Are the streets safe after work or only at certain times? Is it safe for a single woman or man to wander around? Are there any local or political issues you should be aware of? Contact the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit for information. www.fco.gov.uk.
Will you be able to make contact with family and friends at home? Will your mobile phone work there and, if so, how expensive will it to be to use? Will you have Internet access?
Hopefully, this will get your mind ticking over with some of the issues involved in taking a gap year.
But remember, before you commit to going get everything in writing and try to speak to someone who has been with the organisation recently.
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Christian Gap Years
There are lots of Christian organisations that offer Gap Year Experiences. Here are just two of them. Visit their websites to find out more.
USPG
USPG’s Experience Exchange Programme offers volunteers from Britain and Ireland the opportunity to spend up to a year living and working alongside the world church. The Experience Exchange Programme (EEP) offers volunteers from Britain and Ireland a chance to work in a different culture and experience the church in another part of the world. It is run jointly by USPG and the Methodist Church. Duration: Six to 12 months. No special professional skills are necessary. Volunteers have taught in schools and vocational training centres; worked on agricultural, building and health projects; assisted with administration, and supported children’s and youth work, in Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, South America and Europe. Volunteers are self-funded. A small grant is provided. Open to those aged at least 18 years at the time of travel. There is no upper age limit. Check out www.uspg.org.uk
Christian Aid
Christian Aid will help you get the knowledge and skills to understand global poverty, and you’ll work with them to tackle it. Based in one of their local offices around the UK, you will get local teenagers, university students and youth leaders involved in Christian Aid’s global campaigns and activities. The placement is for ten months, and you will lead campaigns and workshops and help to recruit new campaigners, and will go on an overseas trip. You'll raise money for Christian Aid with massive fundraising events and visit up to four summer festivals promoting their work. You'll receive lots of training, take part in local and national events and spend a week shadowing another Christian Aid team to learn more about the organisation's work. The scheme is for anyone aged 18+ who’s looking to take a year out. You’ll need to be up for some hard work. We'll need you to get out there and meet new people face to face. You will need creativity, lots of energy and a willingness to have a laugh along the way.
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Useful Link
www.gapyear.com
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