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GAP YEAR :: Studying | Volunteering | Travel Insurance
 A lot of people choose to work abroad whilst on their gap year
as saving up enough money to cover all expenses can be a huge
task. It’s a great way to add another string, or strings,
to your bow and looks good on a cv when applying for future jobs.
It will also give you a valuable insight into how other work
cultures operate, something that many may not experience when
just holidaying abroad.
Believe it or not, not knowing the language is not generally
a major problem with many jobs as, rather embarrassingly, most
of the world’s employers will have a good grasp of the
English language. A lot of the jobs on offer need little or no
new skills such as bar work, waitressing, chalet cleaning jobs
or even teaching English. The very lucky have been known to find
internship, including full pay!
Always plan ahead before you leave, a good way of avoiding
trouble areas is to check the official British Foreign Office
website at www.fco.gov.uk and
it is always worth considering just going as far as Europe if
you would rather stay somewhere a little more familiar. It’s
useful to know that you can work in any EU member country, as
long as you hold a European Union passport, with no work permit
or visa and there are plenty of opportunities for well paid jobs
for people who have a good grasp of the relevant language.
IMPORTANT! Travel Insurance will
cover you for your leisure time but please note that travel insurance
will not be able to provide cover for risks related
to work. Check with the organisers first!
If you are planning on working further a field check that you
have obtained the correct visas and work permits and ensure that
your travel insurance will cover you in case of accident. Travel
Insurance Direct offer a policy that allows you to do casual
work as long as you are working at ground level only and not
operating heavy machinery. We would recommend taking a few copies
of your documentation with you and also ensure that you leave
a copy of everything with and relative or friend back in the
UK in case of any difficulty.
Many people will decide that working in Australia or New Zealand
is for them; both permit under 30’s to work in their countries
and will issue year long work visas. Be aware that this will
only allow you to work for any one employer for a maximum of
3 months. If you wish to apply then you should visit www.immi.gov.au for
Australian Visa applications and www.immigration.govt.nz for
New Zealand visa forms.
Gap Year Travel Directory
- Gap
Year Travel Insurance
We offer a range of Backpacker Travel Insurance policies suitable
for young travellers, gap year students and ski season travellers.
- International Student Travel
Confederation
This organisantion offers students an international student
identity card which is recognised across the world. Their web
site provides a wealth of information about travelling including
destinations, weather and popular forums.
- www.cdc.gov
Travellers health information and a list of diseases and vaccinations.
Note this should be used as a rough guide only.
- WHO
- The World Health Organistation
The world authority on health risks, precautions and other
health topics.
- UK Foreign
and Commonwealth Office
Detailing country by country advice and information as to the
advisability to travel to countries and regions of the world.
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