Written by Zoë Howie on 18 / 07 / 2024
Gap Year Advice
Taking a gap year is like signing up for a thrilling adventure, full of exciting opportunities and life-changing experiences. But let's be real for a second: it's not all sunshine and Instagram-worthy moments. You'll face challenges that will test you in ways you never imagined. These challenges won’t just be the obvious physical ones like trekking or encountering different climates, it is the mental aspects that are tougher which we will go into more detail on in this blog.
The good news? These challenges are the very things that will help you grow into a stronger, more resilient person. As was just announced - UCAS are now abolishing the 4,000 character personal statement and instead are asking 3 questions about your interest in the course and what have you done outside the classroom to help with this. Your experiences while travelling with massively contribute to shaping you into an ideal candidate for prospective universities.
Let’s look into some common obstacles you might face on your gap year and look at why they’re actually a blessing in disguise.
Fun fact: Some of my favourite travel memories have come about from facing a challenge and adapting to get round it and finding myself doing something that wasn’t on the cards, but that I really enjoyed and didn’t think I would have ever had the courage to do.
One of the first challenges you’ll encounter on your gap year is meeting new people. It’s easy to feel out of place and intimidated, especially if you’re naturally introverted or shy. But here’s the kicker: putting yourself out there can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll learn to break out of your comfort zone, develop better social skills, and gain confidence in interacting with diverse groups of people. Over time, these interactions will teach you the importance of empathy and open-mindedness, qualities that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world.
Leap example: We know how daunting it can be to place yourself into a group of unknown people. We help you by creating small teams of like-minded Leapers, most importantly in the same age range (18-21) which is crucial to team bonding, and we get you chatting before you even step foot on the flight – we have a Whatsapp group and arrange a zoom chat with you all for your pre-departure briefing. Yes, it is still nerve wracking meeting everyone at the airport but it is so much easier than solo travelling where you arrive in country not knowing how to get a taxi to your hostel and then having to throw yourself into the deep end and introduce yourself to your dorm. Did you know – most of our Leapers get on so well that they opt to do onward travel together after the programme. We have even had a Leap wedding!
Feeling homesick is a common and completely normal part of the gap year experience. It’s tough to be away from the familiar comforts of home, family, and friends and the time difference can make you feel even further removed. However, homesickness can teach you resilience. By learning to cope with these feelings, you’ll discover inner strengths and develop new coping mechanisms. Plus, you’ll appreciate your home and loved ones even more when you return, cherishing those relationships and moments in a deeper way.
Leap example: You have our wonderful carefully selected team leaders who know just how to help when it comes to homesickness, they will look after you and make you feel safe and supported if you are feeling out of sorts. This then allows you to adjust quicker and get enjoying the team programme to its full potential.
Culture shock can hit hard when you’re in a foreign country with different customs, languages, and ways of life. Initially, it can be overwhelming and make you question your decision to travel. But as you navigate through this, you’ll become more adaptable and flexible. Embracing new cultures broadens your perspective, helping you understand and respect different ways of life. This cultural competence will not only make you a more worldly person but also improve your ability to work in diverse environments in the future.
Leap example: All of our programmes celebrate different cultures. By doing a Leap programme you will get an insight into the proper authentic way of living and get off the tourist trail. Our guides will help you embrace the culture and enjoy it, rather than solo travelling where you might feel confused or intimidated by the differences in culture. If you want a totally different culture then check out our Cambodia programme –cook local food and set your senses alight as you lift the lid on the real Cambodia.
Managing your finances independently is a significant challenge during a gap year. Budgeting for travel, accommodation, food, and activities can be daunting. Yet, this is an invaluable life skill. Learning to handle money wisely will prepare you for financial independence in the long run. You’ll become more resourceful, learning to make the most out of limited funds and understanding the value of saving and spending wisely. Bonus point - it looks great on your CV.
Leap example: By doing a team programme it allows you to budget more effectively as you have paid for the bulk of your experience up front. Meaning you just need to budget for food and any optional extras you wish to take part in. It provides structure and will make you feel empowered as you successfully manage your budget. Our Kenya programme is a good one to look at if you want most things included and minimal expenditure out there.
Gap years are often filled with unpredictability. Plans may change, weather may change, and unexpected situations will arise. Dealing with uncertainty can be stressful, but it teaches you to be more adaptable and spontaneous. You’ll learn to think on your feet, make quick decisions, and handle whatever life throws your way with grace and composure. These skills are crucial not only for your gap year but also for your personal and professional life ahead.
Leap example: Life is full of uncertainties, for example you might be up and ready to trek Chicamocha Canyon on our Colombia programme, but the weather might push that back a little. You will quickly learn to go with the flow and embrace change rather than fear it. Between your team you adapt and overcome while also learning to be resilient and grounded.
Perhaps the most profound challenge of a gap year is the journey of self-discovery. Away from the expectations and routines of home, you’ll have the freedom to explore who you truly are. This can be daunting, as it involves confronting your fears, insecurities, and aspirations. However, this introspection is key to personal growth. You’ll gain a clearer sense of your passions, values, and goals, which will guide you in making more informed and fulfilling life choices.
Leap example: All our programmes are designed to challenge you and to gently take you out of your comfort zone and show you what you can achieve once you push fear aside. Our programmes are so well curated to do this without just launching you in at the deep end– we are so proud of our success stories – from Leapers being too apprehensive to get on the flight, to then mustering up the courage to try again a few months later, to social anxiety skills being tested and Leapers realising they can talk to anyone - we know that our programmes are life-enhancing. You will grow and develop on any of our programmes, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.
Challenges come in all shapes and sizes – it is not just the mental challenges that one can encounter. It can be physical too – from trekking in hot humid climates, to camping in rugged terrains, to showering in less than warm water! It all adds up to challenge you and test your resilience and grit. Through each hurdle you overcome, you will better yourself and realise just how far you can push yourself to your full potential – an invaluable life skill.
Leap example: A physical challenge would be trekking Machu Picchu on our Peru programme; it is a slow steady test of endurance and your mindset will also play a huge part in getting you to the top. You will find that with the support of your team and the leader that you can achieve great things and you can do this. You will arrive at the top feeling accomplished, proud and strong.
Embracing the challenges of a gap year is not about seeking out difficulties, but rather about recognizing that these obstacles are part of the journey. If you constantly run from them you will not experience your full potential. They shape you into a more resilient, adaptable, and empathetic person as you experience getting comfortable with being a little uncomfortable at times.
So, when you face tough times, remember that each challenge is an opportunity for growth. Your gap year will be a tapestry of experiences that will enrich your life and prepare you for whatever comes next. Take the plunge, embrace the unknown, and watch yourself transform in ways you never thought possible.
Which would you say is your most challenging programme? Well, challenge means something different to everyone. As discussed above – for some the challenge is physical, for others the challenge is mental. But the main thing is, everyone can gain something from doing a team programme with us. In terms of physically challenging, Colombia or Peru are challenging in terms of trekking – it is gradual and you work your way up to it as you acclimatise. It is also hugely rewarding and the scenery on both is stunning. In terms of a mental challenge – any of them – you are tested with meeting new people and being away from home on all of them. But the key thing to remember is we know this and we are there to support and encourage.
How long are your team programmes? 3-4 weeks long on our programmes.
What would you say is the most valuable skill that can be gained from doing a Leap programme? Personally, I would say resilience. You learn that you can’t control absolutely everything and that life naturally has hurdles that need to be navigated. It teaches you to be adaptable and to let go – some of my favourite travel memories have arisen from situations that I didn’t plan and were a result of a change in event. Resilience is a key skill that you can then take into your life after the Leap and is going to make your life easier and more enjoyable!
