Taking a gap year?

Download this report by Zareena Abidi. It examines the growth of the gap year industry and the concept that taking a year out could be considered a valuable learning experience for young people.

Part one explores the theory of gap years, the reason why this study was undertaken and who the report is aimed at. It focuses on the different methodology used, which centred on a research survey of twenty young people who experienced a gap placement. It provides an evaluation of the limitations experienced in the action research and creation of this report.

Part two reviews some critical perceptions of gap years. In particular I examine gap year volunteering as work related learning and explore the Government’s position, a higher educational perspective and issues for employing organisations.

Part three reports on my survey and interviews. The four main areas identified by the ex-gappers as being essential to their placement and UK volunteering experience, were having: support from their organisation; a positive mental attitude; interaction with other people within the field; and being involved in real-life working situations.

Part four is an analysis and discussion of the key findings. It includes making recommendations and offering best practices to the UK voluntary sector providing gap year placements. It also explores a shift in society’s approach to experiential learning and whether the UK voluntary sector should be more pro-active in promoting UK volunteering.

The report concludes in Part five with an overall assessment of the research undertaken and focuses on the individual learning of the author, as well as the contribution this study makes to the field of informal education.

You can also download a copy readable via Acrobat (1.3mb). If you don't have a copy of the free Acrobat reader go to the Acrobat site.