Gap Year Gimic?
(UK/WORLD) I was indulging in a little newspaper reading the other weekend, and happened to catch a glimpse at a feature on gap years (in The Saturday Telegraph). Me, being the budding student that I am, delved into it further, and found out that many things are not as 'brilliant' as they seem.
£5000 is the estimated figure of how much some companies are charging, to take a student out to third world countries (and other undeveloped locations) and help them make a difference to the community there. It just seems strange to me, that the students go out there to make a difference, and volunteer damn hard to do it, but still they have to pay so much?
A lot of people now are deciding to 'go it alone' on their gap years and the report suggested that the majority of these people were male. The females preferred the safety with an official company, and why not, when I start searching for a company to go with, I want to make sure that I'm safe, especially nowadays when you never know what might happen, but why should I have to pay such a large price? After all it is me who's going to be doing all the work?
The article also suggested that the students, who went out to volunteer in their gap year, came back unsatisfied and feeling like they should've done more. It just makes me wonder why big named companies, haven't invested in this popular gap year trade. Perhaps they could sponsor particular students? Or even set up a small business that would allow a discounted rate for students wishing to travel, not only would it look good for the company, it would be broadening its connection with the general public.
Filed by DK on September 2 2006
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