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- Gap Year SafetySpending time travelling, working abroad or volunteering in a developing country can make for the best year of your life – but don’t forget the importance of health and safety. Here are a few tips to help you plan ahead… If you’re planning a gap year, there are plenty of safety issues to consider, and whether you’re travelling alone, in a group or on an organised trip, there are steps you can take to ensure you stay as safe as possible. For more detailed information, check out the website www.gogapyear.com from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). From here you can also order a free copy of Travel Safe, a Lonely Planet guide to gap year safety. HEALTH From an uncomfortable bout of Delhi Belly to a potentially fatal case of Dengue Fever, you never know when illness might strike abroad. Make sure you visit your doctor at least six weeks before you leave for a health check, vaccinations and malaria pills if you need them. If you take any prescribed medicines, pack enough to last the duration of your trip and check that you’re allowed to take them into the countries you plan to visit. When it comes to illegal drugs, the advice is simple: avoid them. Drug taking is frowned upon in most areas of the world, and the jail sentences for possession and use of drugs can be very serious – some countries even apply the death penalty. Remember that alcohol consumption is also a big no-no in some countries – and even in places where drinking is acceptable, you should be more careful than you would at home; although cheap pints might seem an attractive proposition, the heat can mean you get drunk much faster, leaving you open to dangerous situations. According to David Smith at Africa & Asia Venture, a specialist gap year organisation which organises worthwhile volunteering opportunities, sunburn and bad tummies are the most common safety issues facing gappers. To steer clear of a dodgy belly or dehydration from heat, drink plenty of bottled water. You should also slather on lashings of sun protection, and be choosy when buying street food to avoid the dreaded runs. Finally, if you’re planning on making some new close friends while you’re away, make sure you protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV by carrying – and using! – condoms. PERSONAL SAFETY When you’re abroad, you need to make sure you have your wits about you – be aware of what’s going on at all times and don’t dive into anything without thinking it through. Charlie McGrath, Director of Objective Gap Safety, which organises pre-trip safety training courses, explains: “The trouble is that people apply the same standards when they’re away as they do here. You jump on a bus in this country and it never occurs to you to smell the driver’s breath or wonder when he last had some sleep.” But in 2004, there were 513 deaths and 2,782 injuries from accidents involving buses in Colombia alone, and road traffic accidents are one of the biggest causes of death among travellers worldwide. Travelling as part of a pre-organised project can be a good idea – organisers will usually have staff at each of their projects, providing support to gappers and reassurance to worried parents. Rachel Wood from the Real Gap Company says: “Safety is paramount for our company. We employ a project quality team that carefully researches every project we have. Each programme is assessed for risk, we have on-site coordinators with the volunteers, and we have an emergency mobile number here in the UK that can be reached 24 hours a day.” i-to-i also has teams at each of its projects who look after gappers, but as Jo Little explains: “It’s not a case of smothering them and holding their hands – it’s just having that security in case they do run into any difficulties.” To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, it’s advisable to split up your valuables and carry them in numerous places on your body (don’t leave them in your room), and perhaps consider sewing some emergency cash into your clothes or putting it in your shoe. Before you set off, take photocopies of all your important documents, such as your passport, visas and insurance policy, and carry them with you – don’t forget to leave copies at home for your family. You should also give them copies of your tickets, itinerary and contact details. And finally, don’t forget to consider security when booking into hotels or hostels – it’s always wise to ask them what their policy is regarding things like unidentified packages. ENSURE YOU’RE INSURED A recent survey published on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website highlighted that one in three backpackers aged 18 to 24 travel without insurance. According to i-to-i, the cost of an air ambulance and medical fees can mount up to £100,000, so unless you want your folks to remortgage the house to pay for treatment if you fall ill, get yourself insured. Sorting out insurance isn’t complicated and works out as good value for money if something untoward does occur – don’t risk travelling without it. RESPECT It’s important when you’re travelling abroad to respect local cultures and traditions. Being a responsible tourist means covering up in public if required, valuing traditions and social practices, and learning some key phrases so you can get by with the locals. However, don’t greet everyone with a wide smile and open arms – David Smith of Africa & Asia Venture told us of the dangers of becoming complacent: “After being in the country a few weeks and realising that not everybody’s going to rob them or rip them off, gappers realise everything’s much nicer than they thought it was going to be and become over-confident. They relax and get things stolen because they become careless.” As a rule of thumb, don’t do anything abroad that you wouldn’t do at home, and always err on the side of caution. EXTREME CASES There are many dangers to be aware of while gapping, but it’s the headline-grabbing incidents, like the kidnappings and tsunamis, that will worry your loved ones most. Gap year organisations usually have contingency plans in case something terrible happens, as Jo Little from i-to-i told us: “If anything does go wrong, we have strong crisis management systems in place. We employ outside agencies to help us if there is any crisis so we can contact everyone and look after all our volunteers as best as we can.” If your folks are concerned about your safety, it may be worth considering attending a safety training course before you leave, just to reassure them you’re doing everything you can to stay safe. The courses run by Objective Gap Safety teach gappers how to think on their feet and judge situations, as Charlie McGrath explains: “Our one-day course advises on everything from medical issues, changing money and dealing with bribes, corrupt officials and taxi drivers, right through to surviving avalanches and earthquakes. It’s designed to give people confidence so they can get off the beaten track.” Some basic research about your destination will help to increase your confidence too. And finally, although you do need to keep your wits about you and stay safe, don’t forget that the reason for your gap year is to enjoy amazing experiences, meet interesting people and have a great time. Don’t lose sight of that while packing your torch and first aid kit! Find out more Africa & Asia Venture 01380 729 009 www.aventure.co.uk British High Commission www.britishhighcommission.gov.uk Foreign and Commonwealth Office 0845 850 2829 www.fco.gov.uk/travel or www.gogapyear.com i-to-i 0870 333 2332 www.i-to-i.com Objective Gap Safety 01788 899 029 www.objectivegapsafety.com Real Gap Company 01892 516 164 www.realgap.co.uk
- A Life-Changing ExperienceA Life-Changing Experience Thinking of taking a gap year? Well-travelled gappers explain the impact their year out had on their lives… “IT STOPPED ME FROM BURNING OUT” After working hard at school, Kathryn Campbell felt that she really needed a gap year before she began the five years of study required before she could qualify as a doctor. Worried that she might burn out if she didn’t take a break, Kathryn took action and went on a gap year that would be relevant to her future. She opted to work as a nurse in Japan with Gap Activity Projects in the year between leaving school and starting her medical degree at the University of Edinburgh. “It gave me a break which was good, and it was education in a different way,” she says of the six months she spent at a Red Cross hospital in northern Japan. As one of only three western volunteers there, Kathryn worked as an auxiliary nurse, carrying out personal care duties, changing dressings and bathing patients. Although the work was basic, it gave her a good idea of what area she wanted to specialise in when she qualified. “The ward that I was on was internal medicine,” she explains, “and there were quite a lot of patients with cancer. I realised that I’d be interested in doing that sort of thing in the future.” But although she helped many people while in Japan, Kathryn is quick to dismiss the idea that her gap year was all about making a difference to other people’s lives: “If you’re brutally honest about any gap year, you are the one who gains more than anyone else,” she admits. When Kathryn began employment as a fully qualified junior doctor at a hospital in Livingstone this August, she was reminded of a specific gap year memory. “I was feeling quite nervous about my first day in my new job,” she admits. “I suddenly recalled watching one of the doctors in the hospital talking to patients. I remember thinking then, that’s why I want to do medicine.” “IT OPENED UP A WHOLE NEW WORLD” Iain Soutter didn’t know what he wanted to do when he finished school at 17, but a gap year spent working on community projects at a sugar plantation in Tanzania changed all that. Iain, who is originally from Arran, admits that his gap year opened up a whole new world of opportunity: “When you live somewhere like Arran the world is a very small place. Once you go away you’re in such a different environment and you’re the odd one out. There are so many places I want to go and things I want to do now.” During his time away, Iain volunteered with Gap Activity Projects, helping to develop sustainable enterprises on a sugar plantation by planting trees, working with local farmers and teaching school children. Since returning home, life has changed a lot. Iain admits that when he was at school he was one of the quietest members of the class but says: “I came back a completely different person. I’m a lot more outgoing and proactive – that’s the reason I ended up going to university. I’m determined that I want to get back out there and get involved in fair trade schemes and sustainable businesses.” Now in the fourth year of a business studies degree at the University of Glasgow, Iain wants to use his knowledge and experience to make a difference in countries like Tanzania. “Volunteering during my gap year benefited me a lot,” he says, “and hopefully the work I was doing benefited other people as well.” “IT EXPANDED MY HORIZONS” Graeme Acheson had been planning on leaving his home town of Edinburgh to go to university at the age of 17, but when the English university he’d applied for turned him down because he wasn’t old enough to stay in their halls of residence, the decision to take a year out had effectively been made for him. Being an active type, Graeme chose to travel to Canada with the organisation GAP SPORTS. Apart from enjoying the excellent opportunities on the ski slopes, Graeme met some friends for life, went paragliding, ice fishing, go-karting and golfing, as well as picking up a ski instructor’s qualification along the way. Now that he’s old enough to stay in halls there, Graeme is on his way to Bristol University to undertake a degree in biology and maths. So will he use the skills he’s gained through his year out? Learning to live independently will come in handy for university life, but his gap year has benefited him in other ways as well, as Graeme explains: “It’s almost definitely provided a career as a ski instructor for me. There’s a very real possibility I’ll go into that because it’s something I love. Doing admin work over the summer has made me realise that I don’t want to work in an office. Doing something you love makes such a difference.” “IT HELPED ME GET INTO UNI” Aberdonian Ashleigh Diez had always wanted to be a teacher but was surprised when she wasn’t offered a place after applying for a teaching degree, despite getting the grades she needed at the end of fifth year. Not feeling sure if she was ready to go to university anyway, Ashleigh decided to take a year out to gain some teaching experience. When she began researching her options she never imagined she’d end up teaching chemistry and English to a class of 130 kids in Malawi. Soon after arriving at her school placement, Ashleigh faced a shock. Thinking she would be a teaching assistant, she was a little put out when she was handed a piece of chalk 10 minutes before the lesson began and told to teach because the usual teacher couldn’t make it. “I was like ‘what?’ I hadn’t even seen a curriculum or anything!” She quickly overcame that surprise, however, and felt immense pride at having students – who at first barely spoke a word of English – knocking on her door for help with their homework. As she always enjoyed acting, Ashleigh decided that setting up an after-school drama class would be a great way to help improve the students’ English skills and make a difference to their lives. It gave the young people the chance to interact on the same level as their teacher and share their opinions. “They would never talk about Aids or marriage over there. It just wasn’t done, but with the drama group they could act and sing about it. I think they enjoyed that because it made them feel more aware.” Spending time in Malawi with Gap Activity Projects was a real eye-opener for Ashleigh, who was just 17 when she went on her placement. Although she saw a lot of poverty, she’ll never forget the people she met in Africa and when asked if she’d ever return, she says: “Hell yeah, I would go there in a shot! Just to be with all those friendly people. They have so little but they want to share it with you, and they’re so happy.” The experience has certainly made her more grateful for what she has: “If I’d gone straight to uni after school I don’t think I’d have applied myself,” she admits. “Because I’ve had this year out I’ve realised how bad some people have got it so I’m more determined to become a teacher. A lot of people don’t have the chance to go to university so I’m going to take that opportunity.” Thanks to the experience she gained on her gap year Ashleigh was accepted onto a teaching course at the University of Aberdeen after re-applying. She starts her degree this September. Find out more Gap Activity Projects 0118 959 4914 www.gap.org.uk GAP SPORTS 0870 837 9797 www.gapsports.com
- Plan Your SummerWe know you are just back from your holidays, but let’s face it you will probably have to start saving now for next year! End of Term have put together a few ideas for some fantastic get aways with your friends to celebrate the end of an era! BUDGET BEACHES….. If you are strapped for cash but still want to get away with your friends for a fun filled week before you all go your separate ways, look no further than the shores of our very own UK…Newquay. Newquay – on the Cornish coast of dreams – is classed as the surf capital of the UK, and with an amazing 14 beaches to choose from you can’t go wrong. Every summer, sun, fun and thrill-seekers flock here to test the surf or simply relax and experience the buzz of this popular seaside resort. Newquay is filled with holiday parks and campsites, where you can pitch up a tent and live for about £7 a day! You can while away your days sunbathing at one of the many beaches checking out the hot surfer dudes or even having one of them teach you to surf! You can then watch the sun go down from one of the many beach front cafe bars or restaurants. As for night time entertainment, you’ll be spoilt for choice as Newquay has late night, floodlit surfing competitions, beach parties and plenty of bars and clubs to choose from – obviously, assuming you’re 18 or older, of course! Or you could opt for a quiet night round a camp fire toasting marshmallows and reminiscing about the good old school days. • Flybe provide flights five days a week from Edinburgh to Newquay, while Air Southwest has a daily flight from Glasgow every day. Return fairs under £100, depending when you book. • The Beach (as you can probably guess by the name) is a club situated right on the beach that will ensure a sizzling beach party every night of the summer. MORE INFO: www.visitnewquaycornwall.co.uk SUN, SEA & ……. SAND OF COURSE! Newquay not for you? Well, how about the infamous party island of Ibiza? It’s the place where you can watch the sun go down as you sip cocktails, getting ready for the night ahead, and then watch it rise again as you stroll along the beach after dancing the night away! With tropical white sand and clear blue water, beach front restaurants, chilled out bars and clubs where you can dance ‘til dawn, what better way to spend a couple of quality weeks with friends before you venture into the big bad world. The beautiful beaches will obviously beckon you for the obligatory sun worshipping – where you’ll be able to catch up on some much needed shut-eye – however, if you are feeling the need for a bit of culture you can always visit Ibiza’s old town. Here you will find the cathedral, the museum and more importantly the designer shops and market stalls where you can buy the usual tacky gifts for your friends and family! Apparently, this is where all the beautiful people congregate, so be sure to wear your best sarong when visiting – and that includes you boys! • Cafe Mambo is the regular hot spot to watch the sun go down, as the dj mixes chilled out classics with soulful rhythms and the sun finally sets to an enthusiastic applause, the music switches to something more upbeat and the night can finally begin! An experience not to be missed, we guarantee you will want to spend every sunset here! • Clubs not to miss include the world renowned Pacha (the first club that opened in Ibiza back in 1973), Amnesia (an open air disco that also hosts foam parties) and Eden – to name just three. It’s best to buy tickets beforehand for certain nights – saves you queuing. Also expect to pay up to 12 (£9.50) for a drink! • Two weeks in a self catering apartment will cost between £400 and £600, but be sure to book early and shop around for the best deal. Don’t forget to include spending money and take a little extra, just in case! MORE INFO: www.ibiza-spotlight.com AMAZON ADVENTURE Want something more than a week or two in the sun? Why not go for the trip of a lifetime and spend your summer travelling somewhere truly spectacular – the Amazon rainforest! The Amazon rainforest is the largest forest in the world, spanning more than 10 countries and making for an unforgettable, life changing experience. Imagine snorkelling off the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Mochima National Park, before flying over Angel Falls – the tallest waterfall in the world. Then go for a three day trek through the Amazon for a true jungle experience – discovering rare wildlife and vegetation that most people will only dream of seeing in their lifetime! And it doesn’t stop there, you can then take a four day trip down the mighty Amazon River itself to Belem, a city from which you’ll embark on a journey through secluded beaches and fishing villages onto the colonial town of Olinda before doing a bit of dolphin spotting in Praia da Pipa. Your final stretch could have you experiencing the Afro-Brazilian culture in Baha, well known for its music and culture before taking a short flight to Rio de Janiero to wind up this amazing six week adventure. And while you are doing all of this you will no doubt make some great new friends. Most trips like these take between 10 and 20 people so you are sure to find someone you like! There are many different trips to choose from, so shop around for a trip that suits your own interests and time frame. The above example costs around £1,350 from STA Travel, but there are plenty of different options for you to choose from, with prices to match. • Check what additional costs are involved when booking your trip – many won’t include visas or insurance. Ask your doctor well in advance what immunisations you’ll need, to ensure you get them in time. MORE INFO: www.statravel.co.uk Safety Sounds boring, we know, and we’re sure you’re capable of looking after yourselves. But… we cannot stress enough the aspect of safety, no matter where you are. Stay in groups, don’t go anywhere by yourself – even if you think you are completely safe it is simply not worth the risk. If you are 18 and in a bar, keep your eye on your drink at all times and if you are offered a drink, do not accept it unless you’re at the bar and can see it being poured by the bar staff.
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