I hear many students tell me they want a gap year. However, when I question them further, what they really are saying is that they just want to stop studying for a while because they feel tired and need a break.

That’s fine as far as it goes, but don’t waste that valuable time. Use it for learning about who you are. A planned gap year experience will extend you in many ways and you will look back on your experiences as a formative one that helps to cement ideas you may have for your future pathways as well as helping you with further insight into who you are and your place in the world.

Here are my top suggestions for a Gap Year experience you will never forget.

Planned Gap Year.

There are countless organisations that organise an overseas experience for you where you can volunteer or even be paid to work in a school. This takes the worry and stresses out of where to travel and how you will support yourself whilst overseas. Check out these great Gap experiences!

Military Gap Year

Did you know you can apply for a Gap Year program with the Australian Defence Force? This is a great program if you are thinking about a career in the military but you are unsure if you would be suitable. This is a program where you are trained and paid to do a job, and, if you decide it is not for you you can walk away at the end of the year having had a great experience. You can find out more here.

Missions Gap Year

A number of mission organisations offer opportunities to volunteer in a mission program. If you search Christian mission gap year programs you will come up with dozens of ideas.

Volunteer

If you really want to understand yourself and the world around you, and you wish to explore your future pathways, volunteering is an ideal platform to support your learning. Check out Go Abroad. You can also ask locally about volunteering opportunities with Salvation Army, St Vincents Society, Loui’s Van, Colony 47. Planning is key if you wish to make your year worthwhile. Good Luck!

Alison Whiteley — Careers Counsellor