A gap year is a wonderful way to get yourself out into the big wide world while, at the same time, doing something a little more worthwhile than spending a summer lying on the beach in Spain or getting drunk with your mates (or both!). But before you set off on your adventure of a lifetime there are a few rules of behaviour you should take into account.
Pic by Christopher Isherwood
Do’s
Do – get adequate insurance before you go; both travel and medical. Consider any ‘out of the ordinary’ things you may be doing (like a bungee jump) and ensure you are covered for them – even if they’re just a maybe.
Do – get some local knowledge. There’s nothing more foolish than arriving in a foreign country for your gap year project with no clue as to local customs, policies and culture. Read up on the area you are visiting and take the time to research the basics of religious and cultural etiquette.
Do – check visas and passports. Make sure well before you go that you have the correct visa for the country you are visiting, and any others you may want to visit after your gap year project has finished. Also ensure that your passport is valid; some countries require a minimum amount of time left on them in order to enter the country.
Do – Take adequate money with you. Depending on how much you’ve saved (or your parents have given you!) before you leave, work out a realistic budget – and stick to it. It can be pretty cheap to live in some of the countries where gap year projects are based, but not if you’re out drinking beer and partying every night.
Don’ts
Don’t – overdo the partying. There are different, and sometimes much more severe, laws in some foreign countries regarding the use of drugs and alcohol. You’re also much more likely to have an accident if you are under the influence and it is likely your insurance will not cover reckless behaviour on your gap year projects.
Don’t – be a loudmouth. Don’t draw attention to yourself by being loud and boisterous. Keep a low profile and try and blend in as much as you can and you will reduce the chance of being a target for theft or other crimes.
Don’t – be tempted to bring back prohibited goods. It’s all too tempting to bring back some of that lovely food you’ve become used to on your gap year projects, but the UK has strict rules regarding the bringing in of meat and meat products and milk or dairy products. Check at the airport before you leave and if in doubt, leave it out – or eat it!
Of course, this is just a selection of the do’s and don’ts of gap year projects, but if you follow these, use your common sense and keep your wits about you your time away will be the fabulous adventure it was always meant to be.
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