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Testimonials

The Value of a Gap Year

( Last Updated: 24-05-2010 )

"I never took a gap year in the traditional sense of a year out. Instead each summer since my A-levels and through university I have gone away on a project. My projects have taken me from Kenya to Thailand, back to Africa for a three month expedition and then to Fiji this summer. These pockets of travelling to other countries, living with the people, working with them and teaching with them to help create a better future has made me who I am today. I have learnt more about myself and what I am capable of than I ever did at home. At the same time I was privileged enough to learn and experience another culture so diverse from our own."

"I have just completed my degree and later this year I am beginning my teacher training course. When I applied for my PGCE there was a small box on the form that asked for previous experience- my experience was only abroad. I believe that the teaching aspects of the projects I took part in secured me my interview for the course. This was then confirmed when one of the first questions I was asked at the interview was; "you've had a great deal of teaching experience abroad but how would this translate into an English classroom and what has teaching abroad taught you?" 

My PGCE starts in September and I am still convinced that it was my experience abroad that clinched me that place. "

"I never have and never will regret my days of travelling. The only problem I have now is that I seem to have the bug and I do not seem to be able to stop! I cannot recommend a gap year/travelling in general highly enough. Especially when you find that place that you cannot get out of your head or your heart-for me that is Africa."

Rebecca Galpin volunteered with AV on a Short Venture in Kenya and in Thailand. If you want teaching experience for your PGCE application you might consider a 5 week Short Venture in Africa, Asia or Latin America, or why not try 4 months of teaching!  

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