The Grammar School for Girls Wilmington

If you are considering a gap year after college you will find a useful list of links on the yearoutgroup and greatgapyears websites. Probably the best site when considering a gap year is www.gapyear.com which covers pretty much everything you need to know about planning your trip.

There is also lots of information from a variety of gap year companies in the Careers Library.

Gap year organisations vary in location, duration and price and if you are lucky you may find one willing to provide financial assistance by way of scholarships, eg Gap Challenge. These are hard to find but do exist; see individual websites for details.

One of the most important considerations when planning a gap year abroad is your safety. Personal insurance covering both health and belongings is absolutely essential.

If you intend applying for a course which requires relevant work experience, for example Social Work, then you may wish to consider volunteering with Community Service Volunteers. You would have free accommodation and food as well as receiving a weekly allowance of £27. You have to commit to a minimum of 4 months (maximum 12 months) voluntary period. More information available from: www.csv.org.uk

If you are considering a career in engineering, science or general business you may wish to consider applying to do a year in industry before going into higher education. Placements are available in large companies locally and nationally and the average weekly payment is £140. More information is available from the Year in Industry organisation at: www.yini.org.uk

www.embassyworld.com Embassies around the world
www.hostels.com A growing list of hostels worldwide
www.masta.org Travel health information
www.sydneycity.net Everything that's happening in Sydney
www.tagish.co.uk Any/every embassy
www.timeout.co.uk What's on in all the big cities worldwide
www.towd.com Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory
www.hihostels.com Youth hostels abroad
www.intellicast.com World weather forecasts
www.theglobe.com Global newspaper