Archive Website of the UK government

Gap years: the possibilities

In your gap year, you could do anything:

• volunteer abroad
• do some work experience in the UK to build up your skills
• see a bit of the world

Taking a gap year is a good way of gaining more experiences before going on to further study at university.

It could be your first time away from school or college with no teachers or assignments to worry about. If you choose to work, it might be the first time you've worked full-time. Whatever you do, taking a gap year could be a good way to help your confidence and to become more independent before university.

• Volunteering if you're between 14 and 19

• Voluntary work placements

• Getting into university and higher education (education and learning section)

Boost your career prospects

Even if getting a job seems a long way off, taking a gap year can also look good on your CV. Potential employers see that you have spent time broadening your horizons and learning new skills.

Volunteering for an industry or organisation you would like to get into in the future shows employers that you are dedicated to advancing your career.

If you want to return to college or university, a gap year shows that you are committed to your education. You may find that you approach learning in a different way after a year out.

• Gap year information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Opens new window

• Gap year advice - Foreign & Commonwealth Office Opens new window

• Gap year checklist - Foreign & Commonwealth Office Opens new window

Gap year options

Working and travelling abroad

You may want to go travelling and sample life in other countries during your gap year. Many tour operators run gap year trips that visit as many places as possible in a year.

If you haven't saved enough money before you leave, you could work your way around the world, or even teach English as a foreign language. You may need to have certain types of visa to work in some countries, so check before you go.

• Education and jobs (Britons living abroad section)

• Get the latest foreign travel advice Opens new window

Working in the UK

You might want to spend the year working in the UK and saving money for your future studies. You could get a regular full-time job, or maybe some temporary or part-time work that still lets you have some time off to enjoy your year out.

You may also want to split your gap year. For example, you can:

• spend the first six months working and earning money
• use this money to pay for your travels in the second half of the year

You could also look into completing a 'Year in Industry', where you can discover how the business world operates. This gives you the chance to work with new people and learn some relevant skills. Some people who take this opportunity are awarded scholarships to help them through higher education.

• Finding and applying for your first job

• How to spend a year in industry Opens new window

Volunteering

Many organisations offer young people the chance to volunteer in different countries around the world.

Opportunities range from helping out in school classrooms or children's summer camps to assisting in Aids or leprosy clinics. Volunteering takes dedication and hard work, but it is a unique chance to experience other cultures.

If you want to stay closer to home, there are many projects in the UK that need volunteers.

• Volunteering if you're between 14 and 19

• Find out about volunteering opportunities at do-it.org.uk Opens new window

Gap year safety

If you choose to go abroad for a gap year, it's important to do lots of research before you go.

Knowing about the culture and customs of your destination means you're better prepared to deal with any strange situations while you're there. It can also help you avoid breaking any local laws by mistake and keep you safe.

• Top tips for gap year travellers Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Pay and Work Rights Helpline

• Jobcentre Plus Opens new window