Ideas for gap year?

[Mountpleasant49]

Results day approaching and DD is now considering a gap year ideally in a place where she could also improve her language skills (like Germany or France). But it could be anywhere… Any positive (or negative) experiences out there? For background, DD ended up with one single offer she’s not that happy about and is considering reapplying depending on her grades. Thank you!

My understanding is that it is now a LOT more difficult to get work in Europe than it was before BREXIT.
So all the things people used to be able to do (working in ski resorts in the Winter and Beach resorts in the Summer), have now been cut off to our youngsters.

Workaway?

@UsingChangeofName , it’s such a shame that those opportunities are not
as easily available… but luckily DD has an European passport. @LIZS , thanks, we will take a look.

@Mountpleasant49 What is she intending to study? Work, if she can get it, is always a good idea. I also think volunteering for something in this country is good too. Maybe look at enhancing her skills for her new degree application too.

Thanks, @TizerorFizz.she’s planning to study Economics and Politics and, yes, that’s a good suggestion, to consider how what she does could enhance a potential new application.

There’s a general election looming! Help a political party?

A lot of universities do blended degrees, so let’s say three years at their key place and then a year say in Australia / America etc at a work placement combined overseas placement . These are vetted and often earn as you learn, with a historical context to give reassurance .

@Mopscharlotte it can be very hard to get the work placement overseas. Most are uni exchanges. And they are very competitive.

Given that she can work in the EU what about au pairing? I'm pretty sure the demand would be high for her (so she'd have more choice of families) because she's a native English speaker. She could also just head over and get bar work or something. She can do anything there that she can here.

I don't think she necessarily needs a plan (depends on her personality though) outside strengthening her language skills. To that effect she could enroll, for example, in the Alliance Francaise and do language classes while in France leading to a recognised language certificate (the equivalent of TOEFEL for non-native English speakers) and get to a high level. She could do au pair work, bar work, the rest of the time and just have fun while absorbing and learning the language. It could open extra doors later if she does her chosen degree and has more than high school French (or German).

What did she get in her A Levels?

Does she have particular universities in mind for next year?

@TheSquareMile , DD ended up getting AAAA* and that was enough for the only offer she had. She was happy to accept it so she will no longer consider a gap year or reapplying.