Gap year ideas, volunteering and TEFL teaching abroad
Australian working holiday visas
If you're frustrated by the tough graduate job market and are looking for an alternative option to ride out the recession then an Australian Working Holiday Visa could be for you. The following video story is about gap year graduates who have gone to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. It includes interviews with graduates who are working as dolphin rangers, skydiving instructors and deck hands on a yacht. If it sounds good to you and you’re aged between 18 and 30, with a Working Holiday Visa you can live and travel anywhere in Australia for one year and do any job you like. For more information visit www.australia.com/workingholiday.
From Gap Year to gainful employment
Raleigh research reveals how overseas expeditions can boost Graduates’ employabilityWith graduates now being urged to consider other options to full time employment to avoid the worst of the recession, volunteering overseas is becoming a far more attractive and practical alternative than ever.
It is widely believed that the graduate recruitment market is going to be tougher than ever this year. According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters, on average 48 candidates will compete for every graduate job this Summer, making it more important than ever to stand out from the crowd.
A new study conducted by Raleigh involving leading UK graduate employers such as BT, Cap Gemini, Costain, IBM and UBS reveals that, this year, almost 90% of recruiters will rely on candidates' non academic achievements when deciding which applicants to put forward for highly-sought after graduate jobs.
"In this job market, evidence of soft skills and the ability to show how you can add value to an organisation are going to be more important than ever," advised Raleigh's chief executive Stacey Adams. "This can be really tough for new graduates when they don't have much previous work experience - although all of the graduate recruiters that we work with tell us that a well constructed gap year is a great way to develop these soft skills."
Communication skills, teamwork and adaptability were the skills that recruiters felt would be of most value to their company, with initiative and self-confidence also seen as important personal characteristics.
The survey also explored graduate recruiters' attitudes towards the most constructive way that students can spend their gap year. Top of the list was undertaking relevant work experience or work in the UK - with 80% of graduate recruiters claiming that they would find that the most attractive attribute on a CV. Employers rated a Raleigh expedition as the second most constructive use of an applicant's time (70%) - and believe that having Raleigh on your CV is even more valuable than UK based volunteering, individual overseas volunteering placements or gaining a new skill or qualification.
"It's all about looking at ways that graduates can improve their chances in a crowded job market", advised Adams. "And it's worth remembering that if you are applying for graduate jobs now and think you are missing out because you lack these key soft skills, all is not lost. Leading employers endorse expedition experience, so why not take time out now to go on an overseas expedition and apply for the next graduate intake, with the benefit of new skills and self belief."
Raleigh is a youth and education charity that inspires people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on expedition. To find out more about Raleigh expeditions and gap year volunteering projects, visit Raleigh International.
Volunteering / Working abroad
Introduction
So, it’s come to that point in your university experience where you have to decide “what next?”. Some people will have already drawn up a shortlist of the investment banks or accountancy firms they’re going to apply to. Others will be planning a spot of backpacking around Asia, Australia or Latin America. Some may be planning to stay on for further study and some will have absolutely no idea what they’re going to do (by far the largest group). So what about you??
As you’ve arrived at this page, you’re one of a rapidly growing number of students considering volunteering. Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding and enlightening ways of spending your gap year, and often combines elements of travel, work, giving something back and adding valuable skills and experiences to your CV. The interest in, and opportunities for, volunteering have grown considerably in the past 5-10 years, with placements available in pretty much every country on earth, encompassing every aspect of non-profit work.
Volunteering can provide a wonderful, fulfilling and challenging alternative to jumping into the desk-bound, suit-wearing workforce, while providing real world experience. However, if you’re considering volunteering, you should realise that most placements will expect a level of work and commitment equal to that of any paying job. Competition for the most popular volunteering opportunities can also be likened to the competition for the most prestigious graduate jobs. However, although the work is often hard, and there is little to no financial reimbursement, the skills you learn and the experiences you encounter as a volunteer are highly valued.
Which volunteering opportunity is right for me?
As we’ve already said, there are a vast number of different types of opportunities available to willing volunteers these days, across areas such as teaching, micro-finance, medical aid, peacekeeping, business advice, village building projects etc. Make no bones about it, the decision to volunteer is a commitment that should not be taken lightly. Often you will be asked to commit to a minimum of three months with an organization, so the choices you make now in deciding on your placement are crucial in maximizing what you are able to get out of the experience.
In order to find the right opportunity for you, it is important to ask yourself one crucial question: what exactly are you hoping to get out of the experience? If you have a particular area of expertise or set of skills (e.g. medicine, teaching etc.) you may already know the type of volunteering placement you would like to pursue. However, if you have no particular specialist skills, there are still a wide range of volunteering opportunities available. Often your volunteering decision is a very delicate balance between doing something that greatly benefits those who you are working to help, and doing something that provides you with the personal challenges and experiences that you are looking for.
For example, many NGOs would dearly love year-long volunteers in their UK offices to help out with essential but mundane areas like admin, accounting etc. This is greatly beneficial to the charity, and the people they are helping, but it lacks on the personal experience side for the volunteer. On the other end of the spectrum there are a number of organizations, who offer volunteers the opportunity to build a school/playground in a developing nation that may be amazing experiences for the volunteer involved, but ultimately are not an efficient use of voluntary time and money.
Of course, it is possible to have an amazing experience while also having a major impact on the community, but it is necessary to really consider what is being offered by the variety of volunteering opportunities available. There are now a huge number of organizations out there, competing for your services (and in many cases, competing for the cash you are willing to hand over to provide these) so it is important to do your research to make sure the commitment of your time and money is being used in the most efficient manner.
Choosing an organisation to volunteer with
As we have already pointed out, along with the well-established volunteering agencies (VSO etc.) the sector has expanded with many lesser recognisable organisations offering placements. Many of these are reputable organisations that have simply taken the opportunity to reach a wider volunteer pool via the internet but, as with any area where money is involved, there are also those organizations that are there just to make a quick buck.
Below is a checklist of a few questions to ask of an organisation you are considering applying to:
- Are you a non-profit organization?
- Please can you provide me with a breakdown of how my volunteering fee will be spent?
- Please can you provide me with details of the salary of the CEO in the last financial year?
- Please can you provide me with contact details of previous volunteers that would be willing to talk to me about their experiences?
Global Volunteer Network - place volunteers in community projects in China, Ecuador, Ghana, Nepal, Romania, Russia, Thailand, and Uganda.
i-to-i are an international non-profit orgranisation specialising in volunteer placements abroad.
Quest Overseas - run conservation projects and expeditions in Africa and South America.
Raleigh International - run environmental and community projects around the world.
VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers.
VentureCo Worldwide specialise in gap year expeditions, education and voluntary work in South and Central America, India and Nepal.
Volunteer Latin America is an informative gateway to hundreds of environmental and humanitarian organisations throughout the region that provide a source of affordable voluntary work and internships.
Working Abroad - this site has information about doing voluntary work abroad.
Language courses / Teaching English abroad / TEFL
Getting a TEFL job, the basics
The starting point for a beginner looking into the world of TEFL is a course leading to a qualification. The jobs for unqualified teachers in Europe have all but dried up. Courses are available all over the world (including many in the UK) and can be residential, day or night school or online. Once you have taken a TEFL course most course providers provide a provisional grade to enable you to get started on your TEFL job search.
TEFL work in Britain tends to be highly seasonal (summer months) and is often incorporated into other roles such as adventure centre monitors or kids summer school counselors. Spain is a TEFL hotspot – again summer is prevalent but there are jobs in the cities all year round. March is probably the best time across the board to be applying for jobs although many centres and schools recruit well ahead of the summer start dates.
If you are going to work overseas, it is generally recommended that you use the resources available to find a job before you set off. Fiona travelled to Galicia in Spain and remembers the experience well:
“I think that out of the three months I was there, it rained heavily every day except for two weeks, when it rained moderately. By this stage I was walking round the town looking for schools and hand delivering my CV. The constant rain, being wet, messing about with umbrellas, trying to keep my CVs from getting soggy while still looking like a professional was tough. And at every school it was the same answer; sorry but we employ our teachers in the summer, we don't have any positions available now but we'll keep your CV on file. “
Applying for teaching jobs is the same as with any other industry, you need concentrate on relating your past experience to the job you are applying for. A good tip is to use the xperience you received on your course if your working life doesn’t offer much up.
The British Council lists accredited schools, which is always worth a look. Or try TEFLjobs.co.uk which lists jobs in the UK and overseas. A different way to approach this is to qualify as part of your gap year and use English teaching as a way to spend time traveling afterwards, igapyear.com covers this area.
Online TEFL course for just £195 - details on how to Teach English as a Foreign Language. Use voucher code ?save20? to save 20% off all courses by 31st August 2009.
Cactus TEFL - Cactus TEFL Online courses help you learn to teach English as a foreign language from the comfort of your own home. Watch video extracts, submit tasks to a tutor, reflect and learn.
Cactus Teachers - for internationally recognised qualifications in teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Cambodia TEFL - for Gap Year students & university graduates looking to travel & study an International TEFL Teaching Qualification abroad with the prospects of a paid teaching English job in Cambodia or Asia afterwards.
EFL Teaching Jobs is an on-line directory of TEFL jobs for qualified TEFL Teachers seeking temporary, permanent or summer school employment in the UK or overseas.
ESL Base provides information, advice and resources for teachers, as well as new job opportunities daily and a worldwide directory of TEFL courses.
ESL Directory - the premier search site for ESL Lessons and English as a Second Language Programs around the world.
Learn English in England-Scotland - Language travels for adults and students. You must immerse yourself in the customs of another time - the tea ceremony being only the most famous example.
Learn French Guide - all about how to learn French and how to speak French.
Pure Vida Language Institute - Spanish language school in Costa Rica. Small classes & excellent instructors. great locations, homestay, adventure tours and tons of free activities.
Travel In Languages offer top quality locations to take an overseas language course with courses in Spain, France, Italy, Mexico, Cuba, Ecuador and Germany.
Student summer jobs / Gap Year ideas
From an office temping job in Bristol, to a summer spent leading kids activities in a Californian Redwood Forest, to grape picking in the vineyards of Marlborough, New Zealand. From here you'll find links to all these opportunities and more: |
Your Gap Year "The definitive handbook for students wanting to make the most of a year off before further education. Your Gap Year is the essential book for all young people planning a gap year before continuing with their education. This up to date guide provides essential information on specialist Gap Year programmes available as well as the vast range of jobs and voluntary opportunities available to young people around the world. Catering to all possible desires for how to spend a year, there is detailed information on how to gain qualifications and skills from your gap year, or details on how to join an expedition if that s your preference. The guide includes a country by country guide to gap year opportunities and is illustrated with first hand accounts from travellers to show you what you can expect." |
24/7 Recruit - search thousands of part-time, full-time, temporary and seasonal jobs.
Adventure Jobs - with more than just adventure jobs, search here for employment opportunities if you are seeking paid or voluntary employment.
Anywork Anywhere - jobs and resources for work & travel throughout the UK and worldwide.
Australia Working Holiday Visas - Visa 4 Australia provides online working holiday visa applications and advice for students visiting Australia.
Backpacker Jobs 4 U - gap year jobs and work for backpackers throughout the world.
Border and Immigration Agency - UK Work Permit information.
BUNAC offer worldwide work and travel programmes for young people.
Camp America is a chance to do something different with your summer and spend it in the U.S.A. living & working either with children or 'behind the scenes' as support staff on an American Summer Camp.
Employment for students - student jobsite advertising part time jobs, summer jobs and other temporary work opportunities.
Find a Gap - Named the 'Google for Gap Years' by the Daily Telegraph, findaGap.com provides an A-Z guide to taking a gap year or time out. Find paid jobs, volunteer projects, cheap travel, hostels, insurance and more.
Football Jobs is the online recruitment website to use to find jobs within the game of football or soccer around the globe!
Gap Work - gap years and jobs abroad.
Gap Year - the complete guide to taking time out.
Gap Year Directory - one of the UK's most comprehensive gap year guides for students and young people, featuring info on over 300 placements and courses worldwide.
Gap Year Jobs - an on-line directory of employment opportunities for anyone taking a break from their academic career.
Gap Year New Zealand is the complete guide to taking some time out in NZ.
Gumtree.com - search 1000s of jobs and find the right position today.
Graduate Jobs UK - Graduate Recruitment Bureau, Recruitment agency specialising in graduate positions, internships and work experience.
Grad Plus - one of the UK's leading graduate job boards, with graduate opportunities in all sectors, as well as useful career advice and information.
Graduate Actuarial Jobs - great graduate actuarial job opportunities at Hewitt UK.
Hot Recruit list thousands of full-time, part-time, temporary and seasonal jobs.
I Gap Year - Gap Year information and first hand advice.
Inspiring Interns aim to place students and graduates in internships in London and the UK.
Just Jobs 4 Students is an on-line directory of employment opportunities for UK students.
Kareeve.com is packed with all kinds of great seasonal jobs, from winter resorts to summer camps.
Pro Ride - offers exciting snowboard camps and snowboard instructor courses in Whistler Canada. You will learn with Olympic level coaches and top level pro riders.
Pure Australia provides gap year travel advice for students visiting Australia. Information includes how to organise Visas, Flights, Travel Insurance, Backpacker Jobs and top Hostel Accommodation.
Resort Jobs - worldwide jobs with ski and snowboard resorts, camps, national parks, cruise ships, restaurants and hotels.
Rugby Jobs focuses on all jobs in the sports of rugby union and rugby league.
Season Workers - short term jobs, courses and volunteer projects worldwide.
Seasonal Jobs - for job opportunities covering ski, snowboarding, bar, pub, club, hotel, leisure, restaurant, cafe, travel & tourism and cheffing around the globe.
Ski Jobs - worldwide ski resort jobs
Part Time Jobs - the place for Part Time Jobs and Work Placements.
Student Jobs 4 U - list a huge variety of jobs from a range of different employers. Whether you are a student looking for a part time job, a student summer job, or a job for Christmas, you will find it here.
Study Options is a unique independent education agency that helps students from the UK choose and apply to their dream undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, gap year course or internship in New Zealand and Australia.
Summer Jobs 4 Students is a comprehensive online directory of UK summer employment opportunities for young people attending colleges & universities.
Summer Jobs 4 U - season, full and part time work all over the world.
Summer Jobs - features year-round temporary work.
Tax Fix - if you have earned less than £5235 in the last year and have been paying tax you may be eligible for a refund from the taxman. Tax Fix can recover tax on earnings for up to the last 6 years. They can also recover tax paid under the emergency tax rate and operate on a "no refund, no fee" basis. Fill out this form and submit it to Tax Fix to apply for your refund.
Temp Jobs - find some temporary work here via the Reed employment agency.
World Challenge Expeditions is the leading provider of leadership, teamwork and personal development training for young people.
Work Permit - UK & Overseas Work Permit information.
Year Out Group - provides suggestions on things to do on a year out from your studies.
Year in Industry - provides talented young people with paid, degree relevant work placements in the year out before or during their university course.
Youth International is an experiential education programme which focuses upon international travel and inter-cultural exchange, adventure and community service.
