Year Out Group has been analysing gap year trends in 2007 for UK students.

Where will they go?

Recent research from Year Out Group, a not-for-profit association of 35 leading UK-registered gap year providers operating in over 90 countries, shows that South Africa, followed by Canada & Kenya, was the most popular country for structured gap year placements in 2007.

South Africa has risen from joint fourth place 12 months ago to top the chart for the second time in three years, while Canada and Kenya were joint sixth in the previous year.  The research also revealed two new entries into the top 12 this year, with Ecuador in joint ninth place, and the USA in 12^th position.  Meanwhile, the UK is no longer placed inside the top 12, as adventurous gappers venture increasingly further afield.

What will they do?

The research revealed that volunteering is the top choice for a gap year or career break placement.

The most popular volunteering project is teaching.  Indeed, recently-released figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families indicate that the total number of teachers in schools has increased by 8% (from 399,200 to 431,700) between 1997 and 2007. Many of those are gappers who chose a teaching placement with the sole aim of having an interesting and worthwhile cultural experience – but then found the activity to be truly rewarding, and consequently an unexpected career possibility.

Other activities that are top of the list for ‘gappers’ include general care (e.g. health, children), land-based conservation projects, community projects and winter and watersports courses (e.g. skiing and sailing).

Gap year placements are also at an all time high, with Year Out Group members recording a marked 20% increase in the number of structured placements being taken up in 2007, an increase of nearly 8,000 on the previous year. 

The principal age group taking up placements remains the 18-24 year olds (76%).  A quarter of placements are filled by the over 25s, while nearly 3,000 gap year places were filled by the over forties.  Females (59%) continue to outnumber males (41%).

Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of Year Out Group, comments: “The aim of Year Out Group is to help people of all ages considering a gap year, career break or sabbatical to make the right choices, and to be aware of the extensive range of options available for 18-80 year olds.  Planning is crucial in order to make the right choice and we encourage all participants to spend time researching the placement that is best suited to them.  This ensures that both those on the receiving end and the individual on the placement, receive the maximum mutual benefit."

The Year Out Group website contains tips and checklists, useful weblinks and vital information regarding safety, insurance and finance.  More information available on 01380 816 696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org .