Recent Trends in the Structured Gap Year Sector

Date added: Monday 1st August 2011

Recent trends in the structured gap year sector identified by Year Out Group show interesting contradictions.  There has been a medium term trend towards shorter placements but in the last year students have realised that short placements do not allow them to get the best out of their time out and longer, more constructive placements have seen a welcome return to favour.  There has also been the expectation of being able to book a gap year placement at very short notice, which works for some programmes but not for voluntary work placements. Then there is the impact of tuition fees...

Shorter Placements.

• Over the past four years there has been a demand for shorter placements of a few weeks rather than a few months. There is no doubt that the state of the economy has been a major driver but also participants have held the view that all they needed was minimum exposure to a gap year project in order to get maximum credit in the eyes of admission tutors and employers. There is reason to believe that they may have been right in regards to admission tutors but employers have always required evidence of commitment. Further short placements are not good value for money when considered on a cost per week basis. Indeed for most destinations the day to day cost of living is far cheaper than it is at home.
• Group activities such as courses, expeditions and some voluntary work projects are of a set duration determined by the aims and objectives of the activity. Most voluntary work placements can vary from a few weeks to a full year (or more). In general terms with individual voluntary work placements the longer the placement, the greater the benefit to both the volunteer and the host organization.

More Constructive Gap Years. The demand for shorter gap years has been offset in the past year by the increasing demand for more constructive gap year projects.  Participants have realised the importance of maximising their employability and this means being able to draw on their gap year experiences to convince employers that they have the skills required for the job in question.  This is nigh on impossible to achieve if you have only spent a few weeks on a project.  Hopefully we will see gradual return to participants spending longer on projects, which benefits all concerned.  It is worth noting that Project Trust which specialises in taking 18/19 year olds for a whole year (so that they experience the seasonal cycle) has had more applicants than at any time since the charity was founded over 40 years ago.

Bookings

Last minute bookings.  Those planning a gap year are increasingly leaving their booking to the last minute and are surprised and often disappointed when their preferred gap year provider is unable to meet their demands.  This is particularly the case with voluntary work placements were it is important that time is devoted to ensuring that the potential volunteer is right for their preferred project and vice versa.  There is also the lead time required to obtain visas and give important vaccinations time to take effect.  In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to depart within in a week but four weeks is more realistic and eight weeks or longer better still.  The extra time can be put to good use to research the destination and to prepare mentally, which should lead to a more rewarding experience.  The same criteria apply to an expedition but if there is a vacancy on a course and you meet the minimum requirements then you could be away in days.

The Internet and Social Media.  Most bookings are now made over the internet and many initial enquiries are made via Facebook or even Twitter.  Social media works well for initial enquiries and gap year providers are geared up for this.  The internet and social media sites are also good for researching organisations and destinations though it is important to remember that people are more likely to report bad experiences on social media sites than good ones.  However do not ignore the wealth of knowledge and experience of the gap year providers so do talk to them. As you shop around to find the organization and placement that suits you best talking to their staff will help you make your final decision.

Tuition Fees

It is too early to determine what the impact of the increase in tuition fees will be this year.  There is much anecdotal evidence of heads of sixth form and careers advisers urging their students to forego a gap year and try and secure a place at university ahead of the increase in the fees in 2012.  Some gap year organizations report that this has had a significant effect on applications while others report that more graduate are applying for projects and there is a significant increase in applicants from overseas.

On previous occasions there has been a surge in applications in September when thousands (this year it will be hundreds of thousands- of students find themselves taking a gap year by default as they fail to secure their university place.  Also on previous occasions the uplift in tuition fees has only led to a one year hiatus and once introduced applications from students for gap year programmes quickly returned to the status quo ante and even increased.  It will be interesting to see if this is the case on this occasion.

What is disappointing is the lack of understanding surrounding the tuition fee package as a whole.  It is a very good deal for students in the current economic circumstances but very few have made the effort to research this.  It is interesting that you never hear recent graduates moaning about not being able to manage their debt.

Year Out Group is a not-for-profit organisation.  Its carefully vetted 38 members are specialists in their field and comply with a Code of Practice and strict membership criteria.  A full list of members is attached to this e-mail. For further information please call Year Out Group on 01380 816696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org.

ENDS - 28 July 2010

Note to Editors:  In 2010 the 38 members of Year Out Group arranged just under 50,000 placements in over 90 countries.

Press: For further information, to interview Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of Year Out Group, or to obtain case studies and photography of placements please call Richard Oliver on 01380 816696, e-mail rao@yearoutgroup.org.