Students take gap years for a variety of reasons – to see something of the world, to take a break from education, to improve their grades or perhaps to pick up some work experience.

There are many ways of spending a gap year, including:

• Working to save money for university
• Getting some valuable work experience, either paid or voluntary
• Travelling or working abroad
• Taking  part in an organised gap year trip

For students considering taking part in an organised gap year, a good starting point is to take a look at the website www.yearoutgroup.org since member organisations have to abide by a code of practice and should therefore be reputable.

Students should consider the following questions when approaching gap year organisations:

• Who can take part and how are candidates selected?
• Who will benefit from the activity?
• How exactly would time be spent?
• How much will it cost?
• What do you know about the organisation providing the gap year experience?

For more information, see the gap year check list.