Gap year abroad can be a 'transformational period'

Youngsters who take a gap year abroad can expect to go through a transformational period, according to an industry expert.

Vicky Tuck, writing for the Daily Telegraph, said that working in parts of the world which are trapped by poverty and a lack of advanced schooling can be a "sobering experience".

Gap year students can also expect to experience a feeling of wellbeing by working in areas where voluntary actions can make a small but significant difference to the lives of many people.

"It is the paradox of our risk-averse age - where health and safety legislation has made childhood cautious rather than carefree - that the gap year provides young people with the much-needed chance to face some risks to test their resourcefulness and build their resilience," added Ms Tuck.

Richard Oliver, chief executive of Year Out Group, added that a gap year abroad can help a person make the transition from dependence to independence before they arrive at university.

Check out all the difference gap year programs on offer.

( Last Updated: 2010-01-12 15:28:11)