Главная страница | Контакты | Случайная страница Автомобили Астрономия Биология География Дом и сад Другие языки Другое Информатика История Культура Литература Логика Математика Медицина Металлургия Механика Образование Охрана труда Педагогика Политика Право Психология Религия Риторика Социология Спорт Строительство Технология Туризм Физика Философия Финансы Химия Черчение Экология Экономика Электроника

GAP YEAR

12. Read about a “gap year ” which is a popular way to pass from one stage of life to another for young people in some countries.

This is an expression or phrase associated with taking time out to travel between life stages. It refers to a period of time (not necessarily 12 months) in which students disengage from curricular education and undertake non curricular activities, such as travel or work. They are most frequent among individuals who have ceased secondary education and intend to commence tertiary education.

The practice of taking a deferred year developed in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. During this time, a student might travel, engage in volunteer work overseas or undertake a working holiday abroad.

A year out has grown very popular among students in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A trend for year out is to participate in international education programs that combine language study, homestays, cultural immersion, community service, and independent study.

In 2010, year out travel increased among school, college and university leavers, as this is seen as an attractive option for future career development. Converseley, 2011 saw a decline in the number of prospective students from the UK taking gap years due to the competetivity of courses and the imminent rise in university fees [13].

12a. With your partner, discuss what ways to spend a gap year you would choose if you had such a chance. Share your ideas with the rest of the group. Range them according to: 1) possibility of actualizing; 2) extravagance; 3) usefulness for further career.

13. Read about the aspects that you should bear in mind when planning a gap year:

Taking a gap year can be both an exciting and daunting prospect for students as well as people taking a career break. There are so many gap year opportunities available today for the independent or budget traveller from travelling the world with a backpack to working abroad. This is the basic information as a starting point for planning your gap year that covers a variety of subjects including:

• Making the decision to take a gap year.
• Reassuring parents about taking a gap year.
• Planning flights, visas, accommodation and countries to visit.
• Deciding on what to pack and on whether to travel light.
• Health issues such as vaccinations, malaria, first aid, safe water/food and emergencies.
• How to stay safe in another country.
• Deciding on travelling with friends or going solo.
• Credit cards, debit cards and travelling on a budget.
• Brief information on a variety of countries.
• Organisations to contact for opportunities on working abroad.
• Coming back home at the end of your gap year [22].

13a. Answer the questions:

- Which of these seem the most important for you? Why?

- What would be your first steps when getting ready for a gap year?

- What arguments would you put forward to make your parents believe in benefits of a gap year&