Students can save for a gap year with paid work

Young people can save up enough money to take a gap year without financial support from their parents, providing they have the desire, it has been suggested.

Speaking to This Is Money, Emily Lloyd, 18, explained that she has taken two jobs in a bid to build a fund for her upcoming year overseas.

The student, from Harpenden in Hertfordshire, has deferred a place to study medicine at Nottingham University, and is now looking forward to an upcoming overseas adventure.

Since leaving school last summer, she has worked at a gymnastics club in her local area and also served as a nanny to two young children.

And by putting the majority of her earnings away, Emily has been able to save almost £10,000 to pay for her foreign adventure.

"With one eye on the student debts that lie ahead, I was determined I wouldn't be getting into any debt to fund my gap year," she stated.

"I have budgeted for all the activities I plan to do. It has been hard work but I'm sure it is going to be worth it."

Emily explained that almost all her friends are already away at university, but with the prospects of at least a five-year degree to look forward to, she was eager to take a break from education.

"I've always wanted to take some time out to travel and gain new experiences," she told the news provider. "Hopefully after the gap year I'll feel refreshed and ready to study again."

Her gap year begins next week, with a five-week teaching placement in Mwandi, in the south-west of Zambia.

After this, Emily is heading to India with a friend for five months, before heading on to China and New Zealand.

Click here for more gap year information.