Post-uni working holidays the new gap year trend
Tuesday, 22 May 2012 11:18 AM
Gap year travellers older and wiser?
There is a new gap year trend surfacing amongst young travellers - many are choosing to try a working holiday after university, rather than travel or volunteer before they study, according to Love TEFL.
The weakening trend for students taking a gap year after their A-Levels may be due to universities charging up to £9,000 per year for tuition fees in 2012, combined with the recession making a care-free 'year out' less affordable for many travellers.
As a result, many students are now considering putting off their gap year until after university – partly because it offers them a way of building skills and experience that could enhance their career prospects when they return to the UK.
Ian O’Sullivan, recruitment manager of LoveTEFL, commented: “Although most students would love to have the option to travel before university many are concerned about the costs involved and whether a traditional gap year is actually a viable option before embarking on their university studies.
“Many graduates feel a working post gap year abroad will be of more benefit to them than a traditional gap year – and as they struggle to find employment in the current climate they hope a gap year after university be that vital ingredient to make them stand out against other candidates when they return home looking for work."
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