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: INTRODUCTION |
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: INTRODUCTION |
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When you leave school or university, the world should be your oyster to explore and find that elusive pearl. My older son did a year's work experience with Qinetic, the research organisation, after school. My daughter did the gap year travel experience around the world before university and I hope our younger son will want to do something too, because this transition from student to adult should be fun and educative at the same time. This guide is meant to help you think about what to do, where to do it and how to get help and information. I have long believed it is better to regret doing something than to regret not having tried, so go to it and enjoy the experience. |
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eing an under-18 student, or a recent university graduate, shouldn't limit your ability to pursue opportunities outside 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. And it's easier than you may think! There are a number of things to think about when considering international work or study opportunities. 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! Ä What do you want to do? It is best to first prioritise your goals and expectations before searching for a programme. As you begin your research you will find many appealing options for gap-year or study abroad, but be sure to stick with programmes that will help you achieve your long-term goals. Ä Where would you like to go? 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. Ä Are you looking for an opportunity to travel or work-related experience? No matter what programme you choose, it will 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. Ä How long do you want to be committed? These opportunities can range from as little as 3 weeks to a full year, so you'll want to calculate carefully how much time you have available. Ä How much can you afford? 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. Ä Will this programme help you build on your strengths and gain relevant experience? If you do not have a clear idea of what it is you would like to study at 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 give you the opportunity to take relevant course work, language training, and a living situation that you are comfortable with. This guide aims to provide an insight into the opportunities available to a young person in this ever-changing, expanding new Europe. 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. By way of background, we've also included a brief look at the European Union; its history, institutions and legislative process. Download a printable version of this guide in PDF format
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