Taking Time Out

To do something worthwhile; see new places; gain work experience; meet

new people

Student Services Presentation

What is this all about?

Time out between college and further/higher education; college and employment or a career break in between work.

From a few weeks to years.

Work, volunteer, learn, expeditions, in the UK or abroad, the choice is yours.

Can offer you an exciting, challenging and valuable opportunity, be it in the UK or overseas. Structured time out offers a lot of fun as well as a sense of achievement.

It can and probably will enrich your life forever, aside from broadening your view of the world and those around you – providing you plan your time wisely…and carefully consider your longer term personal goals. Decide what you want out of it e.g. personal and career development; contribution to community/ environment.

Reference: www.yearoutgroup.org

Why?

This Presentation – What’s Covered

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Time Out.

2. Opportunities.

3. Tips

4. Student Services Advice and Guidance

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking Time Out

Disadvantages of taking time out…

Financial considerations.

Your study skills/ professional development may suffer.

It might go wrong (but so could your current lifestyle).

If badly thought out, your future job prospects could suffer.

You could be at risk of being injured.

It could be a let down.

Your friends/ colleagues may move on. For example, if you are going onto University, you will be a year behind them.

Advantages of taking time out…

It improves self-confidence and all round personal skills. Interests and personal awareness will be developed.

You may be more focussed and committed in your education or job when you return.

Gives you a wider perspective and clearer vision of your future work direction.

Employers look favourably on applications from those who take constructive and well planned time out.

You might not get another chance.

New professional skills acquired e.g. a language.

2. Opportunities

Summary Box of Opportunities

  Paid Work Volunteer Expeditions Learn

UK Children’s Activity CentresYear in IndustryInternships – business/technology/IT/managementYouth HostelsGirlguiding

Work Experience e.g. teaching/ hospitality/ internshipsCSV- Community Service Volunteers e.g. teaching special needs, health and social care.Girlguiding

 Outdoor Pursuits Cookery CoursesLanguagesBusinessIT

Abroad Children’s Activity CentresAu PairingGeneral e.g. bar workSports InstructorsSki ResortsHospitalityFruit PickingAdminTeachingAgricultural Work

Sports CoachingWildlife and Conservation CommunityTeachingMarketingBusiness and ITHealth and SocialNursing and MidwiferyAnimal Care and Veterinary Science Arts and CraftsPerformance and MusicConstruction and Engineering Hospitality and Retail

Outdoor PursuitsAdventure TravelRound the WorldTrek/Volunteer/ Travel packages Mini Bus Tours

Sports academiesSports instructor courses LanguagesCookery CoursesAcademic Year AbroadTEFL Teaching

Paid Work(From Top Left to Bottom Left)

Au Pairing in France; Hospitality in Canada; Fruit Picking in Australia; Business in London; Cookery in Spain; Teaching in Africa; Summer Schools in

the USA; Engineering in Scotland.

There are loads of paid work opportunities in the UK and abroad. The following is just a selection to give you a flavour of what’s available.

UK Opportunities

Children’s Activity Centrese. g. couriers, instructors, administrators, managers, chefs and catering assistants, retail and general assistants, group leaders, children’s couriers.

Industry Internships and Placementse. g. projects across industry areas including consulting, technology, management, business, computing, communications.

Work Experiencee.g. work experience in a variety of areas including general catering, receptionists, house keeping, health and social, community, childcare.

Opportunities Abroad

Check Out: www.gapwork.com for loads of jobs abroad!

Children’s Summer Campse.g. activity leaders, camp counsellors, support staff (kitchen assistants, cleaning, retail).

Teachinge.g. teaching English abroad, TEFL courses and guaranteed work placements on completion of the course.

Au Pairinge.g. childcare, mother help, living with host families.

Working in Ski Resortse.g. nannies, bar staff, chalet staff, ski reps.

Opportunities Abroad cont.

More work around the world in loads of areas e.g. bar work, hospitality, farm hands and fruit picking, nanny and teaching, office work, housekeeping, labouring, lifeguarding, health club attendants, retail, groundskeeper, couriers and team leaders in holiday campsites, warehouse personnel, tour leaders, agriculture and horticulture.

Volunteering Abroad(Top Left to Bottom Left Clockwise)

Football Coaching in Kenya, Painting in India, Nursing in Ghana, Conservation in South

Africa, Teaching in Taiwan, Business in China, Marina Conservation in Borneo.

There are loads of volunteering opportunities

abroad. The following is just a selection to give you a flavour of what’s available.

Teaching and Sports Coaching e.g. teaching conversational English and basic IT skills, sports coaching, art and craft workshops, teach drama and music.

Community and Caree.g. community, care, nursing, medicine, midwifery, disabled and learning difficulties, social work, humanitarian, street children and orphanages.

Animal Care and Conservation Abroade.g. game reserves, zoos abroad, marine expeditions, rainforest work, environmental projects, collecting scientific data to protect endangered species,

Teaching, Community & Conservation

and MORE!!!

There are also voluntary opportunities in the following areas:

Business and Marketing Construction and Engineering Agriculture Journalism Law Media Tourism

Expeditions(From Top Left to Bottom Left)

Horse Trekking in Argentina; Africa Safaris; Canoeing in Norway; Walking in India; Diving in Figi; Rafting in New Zealand; Trekking in

Nepal; Bus Tours in Africa.

Expeditions and World Travel

Expeditions – Mixed e.g. Combining projects for example, a few months conservation work followed by a community project and finishing with a trek/adventure phase. Some combinations also include learning a language.

Expeditions – Specifice.g. cycle tours, treks, adventure in a specific area of the world, survival courses.

Bus Tours/ Overland Travele. g. seeing a number of regions or countries by overland travel.

Round the World Travel

e.g. Round the world flight tickets, backpacking.

(www.backpacker-uk.com)

Responsible Holidays

Ensuring your travels benefit the local

community and environment. www.responsibletravel.com www.responsible-travel.org

Expeditions and World Travel

Learn(Top Left to Bottom Left Clockwise)

Cookery in London; Teaching in Poland; Studying Languages in Spain; Diving in Australia;

Skiing in France; Studying in the USA; Sports Academies in South Africa.

Sports Courses

General courses and instructor courses in the following areas:

Ski/Snow

Paragliding

Diving

Watersports

(sailing/surfing/windsurfing/kite-surfing/yachting)

Sports Academies in South Africa in:Football, Cricket, Rugby, Golf

Cookery Coursese.g. culinary arts, patisserie, chefs masters, wine,essential skills, courses to enable employment in catering and chefing around the world.

Language Coursese.g. courses in the following languages: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Czech, Swedish, Dutch, Greek

TEFL Teaching Coursese.g. UK and abroad courses, weekend and online courses.

Cookery, Languages & TEFL Courses

Academic Courses

Academic courses in the following areas:

Art and Designe.g. computer animation, interior design, art history, fine art.

Business and IT Coursese.g. business, administration, secretarial, IT.

Dramae.g. Stratford-upon-Avon College one year drama courses.

Generale.g. funding for study projects in Europe, study in Australia.

3. Tips

Finding the PlacementAsk the right questions

1. Logistics: When/Where/How much?Cost questions: Precisely what does the programme cost? Do I need a budget for extras? What deposit do I have to pay? Is it refundable? What are the payment terms? What are the cancellation terms? Is fund-raising necessary in order to cover expenses and, if so, what advice is

given? 

2. What will you be doing? What exactly will I be doing? How many hours a week? What sort of work? How has the programme been chosen, planned and vetted? Will I be alone or in a group? What living and meal arrangements are there? What is/isn’t included? Is there any written agreement between me and the organisation?  What are my responsibilities? What is expected of me? Is there a code of conduct

for participants?

Finding the Placement Ask the right questions

3. Who will benefit from the activity? What will I gain from the programme? Who else will benefit? Why are people from the UK needed on this programme? Who has asked for their involvement? Does they have policies on eco and ethical tourism? How are they

implemented? Can the organisation give you precise contact details and information for

your chosen programme/project in advance? Otherwise, it may be hastily arranged and disorganised.

Finding the Placement Ask the right questions

If you would like to volunteer: Who is the partner organisation? Are they involved in the day-to-day management of the project? What sort of consultation went into building the project? Why is the project of value? Does the organisation make any financial contribution to its volunteer programmes and if so, how much? Where does your money go? Get a clear figure, not a percentage of profits. Will the programme continue after I have left? What time frame is the volunteer programme run on? Look for organisations that have long-term commitment to a community, employ local staff and have some mechanism for local consultation and decision making.

Finding the Placement Ask the right questions

4.  Look at the Organisation itself:   What are its aims, objectives, philosophy? How long has it been in existence? How does it plan its activities? Can it give examples of successful programmes? Can I speak to past participants What is the legal status of the organisation?  Partnership? Private company? Public company? Registered charity? Sole trader? Other?Where is the organisation registered? Is the organisation financially sound?  Are there contingency reserves in case of emergency?  What are the organisation's policies on Equal Opportunities?

5. BEFORE: Look at pre-departure arrangements: What are the travel arrangements? Who is responsible for them?  Who arranges visa, entry permits, etc.? What insurance cover is provided?  Who provides it? Will I see the appropriate documentation? What medical/health precautions are necessary? What pre-departure orientation and/or training is given? 

6.  DURING: Look at safety procedures and in-placement support: What training is given in-country? Includes the culture and volunteer job? Who is responsible for me at the programme location? Has anyone from the organisation vetted this person? Where is the nearest representative? What repatriation arrangements are in place? Who do I turn to if I have a problem about my work or about the placement itself whilst on my programme? If staying with a family, are they paid or volunteers and what preparation takes place?

7.  AFTER your return: Ask about Debriefing: Will the organisation have any contact with me when I return? Can my experience be of any use to future participants? Will there be reunions arranged Will I get a reference or certificate, indeed anything to prove that I was actually there and completed the programme? Will I be debriefed?

Finding the Placement Ask the right questions

Finding the Placement Ask the right questions

8. Look at who can take part and how they are selected: What is the age range of participants? How many participants will there be on my programme? Do I have a choice of programmes? What are the selection criteria and procedures? When do I need to apply

by?

Summary:1. Logistics – When/where/how much?2. What will you do? – Type of work/ project vetted/ responsibilities.3. Who will benefit? – You/ community/ environment.4. Organisation – Philosophy/ legal status/ policies/ contingency.5. Before – Pre-departure arrangements.6. During – Safety and in-placement support7. After – Debriefing8. Participants and selection – Who goes/ how to apply/ procedures

Reference: www.yearoutgroup.org

Top Ten Tips for Successful Time Out

1.   Plan in advance - List everything you want out of the experience in the time available. Set yourself some goals but be realistic.

2.   Select activities - Choose activities that are well-run, sustainable and that will enhance your education and improve your employability.

3.   Research - Find out which organisations/companies offer activities that support your goals. When you have a short list, ask to be put in touch with returned travellers so you can sound them out about their experiences.

4.   Money matters - Budget for your placement: flights, clothing and equipment, insurance, vaccinations, visas and spending money for each day of your trip. Set aside funds for emergencies and a bit more. Your chosen organisation will offer advice on fundraising and daily needs; some also offer bursaries. Give your parents or friends power of attorney of your bank account in case you lose a credit card or need emergency funds.

Top Ten Tips for Successful Time Out cont.

5. Safety - Do your safety homework.  Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s websites. Read guidebooks, travel books and magazines and use the internet. Your chosen organisation should brief you on the situation in the country you plan to visit. When travelling try and be aware of breaking news.  If there is a major incident in the country you are visiting, even if you are miles away, call home to allay your parents and friends worries.

6.  Health and insurance - Obtain full travel insurance before you go. Make sure it covers all the activities you wish to experience. Visit your GP in good time: top up on routine vaccinations and allow time for other jabs you may need to take effect. Visit the dentist. While away, take your personal health and hygiene seriously.

7.  Travel responsibly - Try to learn a few words and phrases of the language before you go – the local people will appreciate it.  Spend money in local communities carefully and positively. Consider offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions from your air travel at the Climate Care website.

Top Ten Tips for Successful Time Out cont.

8.   Stay in touch - Take copies of your insurance policy, CV, passport, essential contact details and itinerary.  Leave one set with your parents or friends, keep two with you and e-mail the details to yourself. Ensure your mobile phone will operate worldwide; local SIM cards can be cheaper. Make sure your parents or friends have e-mail and keep in touch while you are away.

9.   Be flexible – Time out is a unique experiences. Only you can decide how you spend your time. You will probably only have one chance, so don’t waste it. If planning independent travel with a friend, be aware that each day will be a compromise. Whatever you do you will experience problems and things will go wrong. Stay calm, use your common sense and persevere. Your confidence will rise as each day passes and you’ll remember your time out with fond memories.

10. Keep a diary - Whether it’s a blog, web page, e-mail or hand-written journal, you will find a record of your thoughts and experiences invaluable in the years ahead.

Have a fantastic time!!!

Useful Websites

These organisations offer inspiration, advice, contact information andmost importantly their expertise.

The Year Out Group: www.yearoutgroup.org Independent Advice: www.gapadvice.comCareer Breaks: www.thecareerbreaksite.com Volunteering Options: www.volunteeringoptions.orgGapyear: www.gapyear.com Gap-year: www.gap-year.com International Citizen Service, 18-25s, £800 fundraising target: www.ics-uk.org.uk

Go ethicallyhttp://www.ethicalvolunteering.org/guide.html (ethical volunteer guide)www.volunteeringoptions.org (look at their ethical charter)

Offset Your Carbon Emissionswww.climatecare.co.ukOffset your carbon emissions when you travel by funding sustainable energy projects. It doesn’t cost much, and every little helps!

Useful Websites cont.

Travel DocumentationUK Passport Service - everything you need to know about rules and eligibility, applying or renewing, cost and where the regional offices are. You can even apply online. www.passport.gov.ukForeign and Commonwealth Office - country-specific travel advice from the UK Government featuring their Know Before You Go campaign, which includes tips on passports and visas, travel insurance, money matters, health and drugs. www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Travel health websitesWorld Health Organisation - up to date news on different countries, emergencies, disease outbreaks and general information. www.who.int/en/Health Advice for Travellers - the Department of Health's guide to travel health. www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/enNational Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) - a good range of health information, including guides to the fundamentals like food and water hazards and precautions. www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm

4. Student Services Advice and Guidance

Promotion of Opportunities

Look out for flyers, posters, and new resources on the Hub.

Individual Appointments

You can book appointments with Student Advisors in Student Services for an initial chat about what’s available and how to make things happen.

Student Services