Website Survey

To help us improve the content of the website please tell us who you are by answering question 1 or 2 below. Please mark the answer that is most relevant to you.

Are you either

1. Considering time out for yourself:

or

2. Are you seeking Information as:

skip or

Year Out Group Reflects on Achievements of First Ten Years

Date added: Wednesday 16th June 2010

Introduction


Gap year volunteer in Africa on gap year program arranged with Year Out Group member Changing Worlds330,000 gap year placements arranged by 38 member organisations offering a wide variety of activities in over 90 countries years illustrates the growth shown by Year Out Group and its member organisations over the past 10 years.

Year Out Group, an association of  leading gap year organisations, is reflecting on the achievements of its first ten years. The Group was launched in the summer of 2000 by 22 founder members with three main objectives:

  • To promote the concept and benefits of a well-structured gap year programme.
  • To promote good practice amongst providers of gap year programmes and
  • To provide impartial advice to help those planning a gap year programme and their advisers, select suitable and worthwhile projects.

Achievements

 

Concept.  Over the past ten years Year Out Group's member organisations have arranged over 350,000 placements.  In 2009 the 38 members, which included 14 of the original founder members and one member each from the USA and Canada, arranged about 50,000 placements in more than 90 countries.  Between them these organisations offer a wide range of activities including structured work placements, voluntary work, expeditions, courses and cultural exchanges. 

Benefits. The skills and experience gained on these placements are numerous and vary from individual but university admission tutors say that those students that have taken a gap year arrive refreshed, focussed and are more likely to complete their chosen course.  Employers look for candidates that have completed a structured gap year because they are able to demonstrate the skills they seek in that they have shown that they can see through a project for concept to completion, are more globally aware and have experience of team work, risk assessment and working outside their comfort zone.  Both at university and at work they display a higher level of maturity, self-confidence and communication skills that gives them an edge over their peers.

Good Practice.  All the member organisations are carefully vetted on joining Year Out Group and are checked annually thereafter.  Member organisations:

  • Agree to adhere to the Group's Code of Practice and Member's Charter.
  • Submit their Terms & Conditions and annual accounts for close scrutiny as well as their brochures and all information provided for their participants.
  • Provide proof of public liability insurance and security of participant's funds.
  • Have risk management policies and a crisis management plan in place together with trained staff.

These measures, which have evolved over the past decade, are designed to give participants the confidence that once engaged in a placement they will be supported and assisted especially should things go wrong.  The Group's Membership Criteria are published in full on its website and have provided a benchmark for new organisations as they seek to establish themselves in the market place whether or not they subsequently join Year Out Group.

Gap year programs involving volunteer placements with marine conservation specialist such as Blue Ventures are popularAdvice.  A gap year programme is unique to the individual participant and the key to a successful and enjoyable placement is to conduct research and to plan in as much detail as possible.  Year Out Group offers advice on this process both on its website and its annual booklet "Planning your gap year?" Both designed to help the participant, with the help of parents and advisers where appropriate, select suitable and worthwhile projects that best meet the needs of the individual.

Comment

Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of Year Out Group, comments "Over the past ten years Year Out Group has seen a steady increase in membership and a significant increase in the number of people taking a gap year.  2009 was a difficult year for a few members but numbers held up surprisingly well as students unable to secure a place at university and graduates unable to find a job sought ways to improve their chances.  Numbers were also maintained by overseas students showing an increasing in interest in the concept and benefits of the structured gap year.  All the indications are that 2010 will see a further surge in numbers."

Press: For further information,  to obtain case studies and photography of placements, to request a free copy of the "Planning your year out?" booklet or a list of the 38 member organisations showing their main activities please call Richard Oliver, on 01380 816696 or e-mail rao@yearoutgroup.org.