Welcome to the Special Schools News & Events index Back to News & Events With young people up and down the country eagerly awaiting exam results, a growing number will be looking forward to taking a break from study – with the desire to do something worthwhile increasingly important. Lattitude Global Volunteering (formerly Gap Activity Projects) has been placing young volunteers on projects around the world for over 35 years. Drawing on that wealth of experience, here are Lattitude’s top five tips when planning a gap year: 1. Do your research The surge in young people deciding to take a year out has lead to a rise in the number of organisations preparing to organise the perfect gap year – so you need to choose carefully. Things to look for are how long they have been around, how much they charge, where your money goes and what level of support they provide during your time away. 2. Budget carefully Taking a gap year can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to leave you completely penniless. If you are doing something worthwhile during your year out, then you are much more likely to get sponsorship, both from friends and family and local organisations. Think about all the costs that might be involved. If you really struggle financially, look out for the small number of organisations which offer financial support in the form of bursaries and funded places. 3. Safety If you are travelling with a reputable organisation then simple common sense should suffice to keep you out of trouble. Look for what level of support is offered by your organisation – for example Lattitude provides a 24h emergency phone line so you know you can contact someone at any time of day or night if you get stuck. 4. Think ahead The idea of buying a round-the-world ticket and sitting on a beach might sound appealing, but it’s not going to add anything to your CV. By making a difference on a worthwhile project somewhere, you can pick up all sorts of useful skills including teaching, leadership, team-playing and interpersonal skills. Lattitude also runs a successful Business Partnership Scheme, putting returned volunteers in direct contact with some of the UK’s major graduate recruiters. 5. Go for it! Taking time out from study to work on worthwhile projects can be hugely satisfying – so really get stuck in. Going above and beyond what might be expected of you on your placement can make the whole experience much more rewarding and leave you with some incredible memories of your time away.