European Youth Experience - by Giles Chichester MEP

<body> <h1>Youth European Opportunity</h1> <h1>A guide to studying, working and living abroad</h1> <p><img border="0" src="file:///C:/webshare/wwwroot/gileschichester/Guide/YEO.gif" alt="Youth European Opportunity - A guide to working outside of the UK" width="147" height="53"></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><font size="2" face="Arial">This guide deals with the opportunities available to a young person in this ever-changing, expanding new Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>Although it covers a wide range of topics, this book is intended to serve as a springboard for you as you explore the possibilities ahead of you. <o:p> </font> </span><font size="2" face="Arial">This guide is of course only a starting point and does not exhaust the multitude of possibilibities and resources available to individuals interested in trying a new school, language, culture, job or climate. We hope, however, that it does prove useful to the extent that it sparks ideas and provides some great links and windows to further understanding.</font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt"><font size="2" face="Arial">Just because you may still be an under-18 student, or a recent university graduate, this doesn't limit your ability to pursue opportunities outside of Great Britain. In fact, getting involved in International and European affairs at an early stage will prepare you for even greater opportunities as you pursue higher education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>And it's easier than you think! <o:p> </o:p> </font> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><font size="2" face="Arial"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt">There are a number of things to think about when considering international work or study opportunities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes">  </span>It could be as important a decision as choosing a university. This guide is designed to help you gain insight into what the European Union offers a young British person, and offer some tips as you begin to set your sights on the continent!<o:p>   </span></font> <ul> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><font size="2" face="Arial">What do you want to do?<br> It is best to first prioritise your goals and expectations before searching for a programme. As you begin your research you will find many enticing options for gap-year or study abroad, but be sure to stick with programmes that will help you achieve your long-term goals.</font></span></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">How much can you afford?<br> Some projects may be free or very inexpensive, but you must also remember to budget for travel expenses, meals, insurance, and general costs of living. What may seem like a relatively cheap programme can balloon into a major investment if these other costs are not first considered. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Where would you like to go?<br> There are opportunities to work or volunteer all over the world, or even within your own country. Narrowing your search by location will make it easier to select a programme.</font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Are you looking for an opportunity to travel or work-related experience?<br> No matter what programme you choose, it will definitely be an incredible experience, but do not choose an intensive work programme and expect to have a lot of free time to travel to other places, and vice versa, do not choose a travel programme and expect to find many work opportunities. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">How long do you want to be committed? These opportunities can range from as little as 3 weeks to a full year. </font></li> <li><font size="2" face="Arial">Will this programme help you maximise your strengths and gain relevant experience?<br> If you do not have a clear idea of what it is you would like to study in university or which career you would like to pursue, gap year projects can help you refine your long-term goals and present you with many new opportunities. However, if you have a certain direction, be sure to check with a university counsellor to make sure that the programme you are keen on will fit into your degree plan. If you're in the midst of completing your university degree, focus on study abroad destinations that will afford you the opportunity to take relevant course work, language training, and a living situation that you are comfortable with.</font></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify">  </body>