Gap year ideas/experiences for teen with no money?

[Ruffian]

18 Year-old DS currently on a 'gap year' until September and has no real idea what to do with himself. He was heavily influenced into taking a gap year by his friend who announced that University was 'a con and a waste of time.' Ds is pretty shy, doesn't like to go outside his comfort zone, doesn't go out much. I can see what confidence he did have draining away.

He has a virtually zero-hours job, very busy at xmas but since then just the minimum 6 hours so he's broke. I'm on a low wage so can't really help although I could probably borrow some money if there was something really good on offer.

Anyone got any suggestions of work experience or other things he could get involved in over the next 6 months?

Angloville looks amazing - never heard of it before thanks Mary.

I had a skint gap year.

When I went to university someone said: “oh you should have gone to Africa”

Gap years are really the preserve of those who can afford them.

However he should probably try fir a better job . Volunteering is a great way of gathering skills and experience.

Could he try making a few films throughout the year? It’s easy enough with iMovie.

Interesting point Tiny. I do think though that too many young people are relying on the gap year companies which charge extortionate fees for adventures and volunteering experiences. My son has paid £45 for his flight to Prague in a few weeks time. He has probably about £600 left from this travels in Asia. After the month in the ski resort he'll probably try and get another workaway placement in a hostel and/or language immersion course. Both provide full board & lodgings. His plan is to stay for as long as he can afford - then come back and work for a while before going to uni. His experience will be no less valuable than someone who has parted with £££ to a gap year company.

...He has probably about £600 left from this travels in Asia. After the month in the ski resort...

Yes - I struggled to save money as couldn’t get a job fur months and months -terrible recession. Managed three weeks in Greece though which was fun

The point is that gap years are often funded directly/indirectly by parents even if their offspring don’t realise it.