After many years of formal schooling, why not take a well-earned break from academia? Do something completely different and pick up some new skills along the way. Our returned volunteers tell us that a year out helped them decide on a direction in life that was right for them, and many say they came back with a renewed enthusiasm for study.
In a recent survey of our 2007 and 2008 volunteers, the majority identified that through their gap year, they had developed skills that are highly valued by employers:
• 84.9% agreed or strongly agreed they had developed their problem solving abilities
• 84.9% also agreed or strongly agreed they were more flexible
• 91% agreed or strongly agreed they had more initiative
• 97.10% agreed or strongly agreed they were more independent
• 94.3% agreed or strongly agreed they had developed their communication skills
78.5% agreed or strongly agreed that they felt re-energised and ready for further study as a result of taking a gap year and 93.7% had gone on to university or higher education.
Our wide range of placement choice means that you can find an international volunteering experience to suit your needs. Some countries do require our volunteers to be 18 years of age at the start of their placement in order to issue visas, however there are still options for 17 year olds in many countries.
