GAP YEAR EXPERIENCES

In 2007 more than 36 000 young South Africans applied for a UK working holiday visa as a way to spend their gap year. Gap years can become valuable experience listed on a resume or CV. If handled correctly, it can show maturity, self-sufficiency, independence and the ability to interact with different cultures. The UK is nowadays more difficult to get into but there are still other options for young South Africans. Some of the options include summer camps and ski resorts in the USA, au pair work in the USA and Europe, Canadian working holidays, and cruise ship placements. Gap years became popular after World War II when young people were encouraged to travel the world to learn about other cultures and get a greater understanding and acceptance of others. Nowadays, it is done to earn foreign currency and have fun. STA Travel, one of the world's largest student and youth travel agencies, is a leader in gap year travel.