Planning Your Gap Year

In some ways the hardest part about planning a year out is the initial decision to take the plunge and pack your bags. However exciting it may seem there will always be doubts and apprehensions - leaving family and friends, foregoing stability and security for unknown places, and the thought that you may never see your pet goldfish again.

These doubts are perfectly normal and it would be more worrying if you did not occasionally have second thoughts. However, you have to weigh these up against the opportunities you will miss if you stay at home and resist the temptation to pack up and go. The doubts you have as you stare at the ceiling in the middle of the night rarely look as threatening in the light of day. Although a year abroad is a big step things will be remarkably similar when you return and, after a couple of weeks at home, you may be itching to leave again.

Despite this, a year out is not for everyone and it is a decision that should be taken seriously and not in an offhand, whimsical fashion.

The period before you leave for your year abroad can be difficult and, at times, depressing. You will be working hard and at the same time trying to save as much money as possible. You will probably not be able to afford any luxuries for yourself and your friends may think that you are becoming a workaholic recluse. But these sacrifices need to be made and you will soon forget about the difficult times when you are heading overseas.

As far as money is concerned, set yourself a specific target and make sure you keep to it. Whether you achieve your goal will be a good indication of how serious you are about the whole venture.

Checklist

• Are you sure of your ambitions?
• Have you looked at all the options?
• Have you taken independent advice?
• Are you being pressured to do something against your wishes?
• Will you have adequate finances?
• Have you set a specific date for your departure, and are you working towards it?