Planning a gap year? Our advice on making it count
Gap year advice
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Looking for gap year advice?
We appreciate it can be hard knowing where to start planning a gap year and there can be a lot of expectation.
Explore the world. Discover your passions. Do something that matters to you. Gain new skills. Skyrocket your future career and studies. The list goes on.
What if you could do something that ticks all the boxes, but is also fun, adventurous and with the most incredible people? That’s where Raeligh comes in.
Gap year blogs
Why taking a gap year is a good idea
Don’t just take our word for it, these stats say it all.
60
of those in the UK said taking a gap year helped them decide what to study
97
of students who took a gap year experienced increased maturity
96
of people believe that taking a gap year helped to improve their self-confidence
84
gained skills they believed would help in their future careers
Types of gap year
There are different types of gap year options available:
- Structured programmes
- Independent travel
- Internships
- Paid work
- Volunteering at home or overseas
- Studying overseas
- Adventure travel
You don’t necessarily have to stick to one – you could do a combination, for example: paid work to earn the funds, a structured programme (like Raleigh) to help you find your feet and then independent travel.
Raleigh fits into the volunteering, structured programme and adventure categories. Join an information event to find out how it could fit into your gap year plans.
Join an info event
Why choose Raleigh on your Gap Year?
Raleigh is different from just backpacking or casual volunteering. This is structured, supported, and seriously rewarding. A journey of self-discovery – meet inspiring people, work on meaningful projects, and gain valuable experience.
Future skills
The Raleigh approach is hands-on. You’ll leave Expedition with skills that stick for life.
- Develop skills – enhance your CV, university/college application.
- Invest in yourself – build confidence, independence and resilience.
- Gain experience – project management, community development and conservation
Leadership
We don’t just talk about leadership; we help you live it.
- Lead: Be a Day Leader, guiding your team through real challenges.
- Learn: The eight core skills great leaders use – communication, teamwork and adaptability.
- Reflect: Debriefs and one-on-ones help you understand what kind of leader you are.
A true Expedition
There aren’t many opportunities out there now to really put yourself out of your comfort zone. It’s only then that you realise what you’re capable of.
- No frills: Raleigh is back to basics living
- Get some grit: opportunities for challenge, growth, and real-life learning.
- Be in nature: Your Expedition will take place in predominantly rural locations.
Perspective
- Transformational: Have an experience, in real life – not online and a gap from the everyday stresses.
- Purposeful: Get to see the world from another viewpoint and connection with local cultures.
- Challenging: There’s nothing like experiencing something very different and challenging to appreciate what you’re capable of.
Well-being
- Disconnect: You’ll detox from modern life when you’re out on project.
- Reflect: Have time to reflect on what really matters to you and what you want to do next in life.
- Take a break: Take a break before joining university or college means you are less likely to experience academic burn-out.
Taking a gap year and uni
We often get asked if taking a gap year before going to uni is detrimental to your application or will be harmful to your studies in some way.
We believe that if you’re doing something meaningful with your gap year you have the opportunity to grow as a person and experience things you can draw from during your studies. Not to mention grow in confidence, take a break from studies and be ready to take on your degree.
Gap year vs Uni
What our Raleigh Venturers say
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Gap Year with Raleigh FAQs
Frequently asked questions about going on Expedition with Raleigh for your gap year
Is Raleigh something I can do on my gap year?
Yes. In fact, a Raleigh Expedition fits neatly into a wider gap year plan. It’s ideal for starting you off on your travels, as we’re a more structured programme to build up your confidence and get into the swing of it. You’ll make new, equally adventurous friends and who knows, you might end up continuing your travels with them.
Where could I go during my gap year with Raleigh International?
Raleigh Expeditions run in Borneo, Costa Rica and South Africa. All gateways to some exciting onward travel for your gap year, if you’re planning on being overseas for an extended period of time. You’ve paid for the flights so why not stay and explore.
When can I go on a Raleigh Expedition during my gap year?
Raleigh Expeditions run in the same set timeframes each year so you can easily plan your gap year around them or with them in mind. They run from Jun – Aug right after the exam season. In Oct – Dec for those with other summer plans. And in Feb – Apr to needing more time work to raise the funds for example.
How do I apply for a gap year Expedition?
It’s easy to apply for a Raleigh Expedition. It’s not like a job application, it’s a quick form to fill out letting us where you’d like to go and when. Also why you want to travel with Raleigh and that you get what the experience is all about. It’s not your average gap year. It’s so much more.
Can I go on a Raleigh Expedition for my gap year with a friend?
You can definitely go on a Raleigh Expedition with a friend for your gap year. Especially if you’re planning to travel together for longer. We offer discounts for referring a friend so ask about that. You might not always be in the same group for every project but you’ll still get loads of time together throughout your time with us. Most people travel alone though so either way you’ll be surrounded by friends – new or old.
How can I raise the funds for a gap year Expedition with Raleigh?
Raising the funds for your gap year can be a hugely positive part of the experience – before you even leave. Making a Raleigh Expedition part of that opens up the opportunity to raise money is a different way. We partner with easyfundraising which allows you to get cashback from your own and your family and friends’ online purchases. Find out more about all the funding options.
Do universities dislike gap years?
Universities look on gap years very favourably if you’d done something productive with your time – where you can demonstrate you’ve grown as a person and developed some life skills. A Raleigh Expedition will be packed full of those and a lot of Universities will know of Raleigh and the work we do and have been doing for over 40 years.
Gap year advice & stories from our global community
Get advice on Raleigh being part of your gap year
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