Travel Articles

Missed Out on a Uni Place? Head overseas!

Disappointed to discover you didn’t land a place at uni for 2009? Don’t stick to your part time job for another 12 months, use this year to get out there and explore the world on a gap year!

The uncertainty of the job market this year has resulted in an increase in university applications, with many Australians applying in an effort to become better educated and therefore more employable. In turn, this has led to increased competition for university places, with many young Australians missing out. Here at IEP, we think this is the pefect opportunity to get out and see the world, and gain valuable work experience while doing so!

A gap year gives you the chance to take a working holiday, to venture overseas, explore new countries, meet great people and work in a cool new job. Gaining a university education is not the only way to become more attractive to potential employers, a year of working in another country looks great on your resume, or on your university application.

For Australians nervous about the state of the economy and job prospects in other countries, you can secure a job before even leaving home. Whether working in a winter resort through Work & Ski Canada or having a ball teaching your favourite sports at Summer Camp USA, there is no need for concern about being stranded overseas unemployed.

If you’re more interested in making a difference in a less developed community, why not consider Volunteer Peru, Volunteer Costa Rica, Volunteer South Africa, Volunteer Cambodia and Volunteer USA? Volunteer projects range from social work, education, medical to environmental and animal conservation.

Missing out on university is disappointing, but there are many other options out there, and taking a gap year could end up being the best decision you ever make!

Got questions about a gap year with IEP? Click here to email us.

Check out more IEP Gap Year articles:

Am I a potential gapper? - "It’s hard to believe there was a time when I had no interest in travel but it’s true. During my uni years I was determined to crack into my career and make it to the top - that was until I handed in my last assignment and realised I was not ready to start a career that I wasn’t sure was right for me. I didn't have a clue what to do and then it hit me... head overseas. I was going to take a gap year!" Click to read on...

“I got to live on my own and make some amazing friends from America and around the world. And it was pretty easy to find work that was fun.” Ann from Melbourne worked at Victoria’s Secret in Miami, Florida.

"I know this experience has changed my life. I have learnt so much, about South America, the history, the culture, the people, and also about myself. My original plan was to stay for the two months, but within a few short weeks there I knew that would never be enough. I ended up staying for four months and would happily return tomorrow..." Jacqui volunteered in Peru.