FILL IN THE GAP

Stuck in a job you don’t like?  Just finished high school and feeling a bit stumped about what to do next or maybe you are at university but not sure it is what you want to be doing right now - why not take a moment to consider a gap year?

Taking a year out is the perfect opportunity to figure out your next step and why not utilise the time off by heading overseas on a working holiday.

IEP have some awesome options for Aussies wanting to take a gap year which are perfect for first time travellers and seasoned travellers alike. Whether you just want to be pointed in the right direction or you’d prefer some more one on-one-assistance IEP can help.

If you love kids, love summer and love the outdoors then Summer Camp USA is the perfect overseas adventure for you. You have the opportunity to mix with other camp counsellors from all over the world while working with kids, teaching them the activities you love the most. Experience a real American summer camp just like you’ve seen in the movies.

For years, the UK has been a hot spot for Aussies taking a gap year or two because of the opportunities we have to work legally over there. The fact that it is an English speaking country so close to mainland Europe is a huge drawcard-not to mention, thanks to word of mouth, everyone has heard how much fun living in the UK can be and they want to have their turn! IEP’s Work Britain can fast-track the fun by getting you organised quickly and easily.  No need to worry about the hassles like visas and bank accounts, that’s our job!

If you want to try something a little different to the traditional UK working holiday, take a step side-ways and spend your gap year living it up in Ireland. The Irish working holiday visa allows you to work with each employer for up to three months giving you the chance to taste test a number of jobs and locations - what better way to figure out what career path you might take when you return home. IEP’s Work Ireland can point you in the right direction for the job search and help you with the nitty gritty of getting set up on the Emerald Isle.

A gap year gives you the chance to explore avenues you never considered before and experience situations completely out of your comfort zone which will help you develop into a more well-rounded person who will be highly employable when you return to Australia.

What could be more out of our comfort zone that spending a season working in -30 degree Celsius temperatures? Aussies taking gap years are frequently choosing Canada as their working holiday destination allowing them to work in a variety of fields and experience a ski-season un-paralleled in Australia. Our Work & Ski Job Fairs offer peace of mind to participants (and concerned parents) by allowing you to secure job, accommodation and season benefits like ski pass before you even jump on a plane!

If Canada does interest you but you are wanting to get over sooner rather than later (your gap year is ticking away right?) check out our Work Canada Fully Loaded or Summer Lovin’ programs which are also terrific options for those of you wanting to spend a year in this incredible country.

Some of you are no doubt taking a break because you want to do something meaningful, you aren’t interested in making a heap of money (you could stay in your job and do that) but you want to have an unforgettable experience while making a real difference.  You are more suited to our overseas volunteer programs.  South Africa, Costa Rica, Peru and Cambodia are all in need of selfless volunteers who are interested in working on a range of projects from teaching in schools and working in orphanages to environmental projects.  You tell us what you are interested in and we will place you accordingly. Placements generally last one or two months which means you are free to spend the rest of your gap year on a working holiday at another amazing destination if you so choose.

You could spend the year working at your part-time job, restless and no clearer on what path you want to lead or you could have the time of your life, meet fantastic new friends and maybe, just maybe, return home with a fresh view of your life ahead. The choice is yours.

Have you taken a gap year or are you planning on it and fall under a totally different heading?  Send me an email and let me know what drove you to an awesome overseas working holiday.

Are you a potential gapper? Click to read on...