Postcard from Bishkek

Today happens to be International Students’ Day.

The day owes its origins to the occasion in 1939 when Nazi authorities stormed the University of Prague to suppress student demonstrations – and executing some nine of their leaders, sending over a thousand of the others to concentrations … and led to the closure of Czech universities and colleges.

The day was first commemorated in by the International Students’ Council in London in 1941 … and it has since been adapted by various International Student bodies. As it happens, November 17th has also been significant dates for other pivotal student protests – most notably in Athens in 1973 and Czechoslovakia (again) in 1989.

 Back in the 1960′s a new trend started to appear amongst students – taking a “year out” either between school and university or after graduating and before getting a job … or simply “deferring” a year.

In the UK, it is currently estimated that something like a quarter of a million young people take a “gap year” and even Crown Princes have been known to take one.

As well as providing valuable experience, it was seen as adding an interesting point of value to a CV – although it’s doubtful if that is sufficient reason to take a gap year in itself – and some higher educational institutions even encourage it.

Although they are known as a “gap year” – implying a year away from learning and the normal routine, or educational studies, to undertake non-academic activities – that term can be misleading …

• it doesn’t necessarily last for a year … it can be less – or more
• it doesn’t mean that there is no learning … although it tends to be less formal and more experiential

 

Sometimes the gap year is simply a modern day version of the “Grand Tour” … travelling to see the world, or join an expedition, but sometimes they may chose to undertake volunteer work, take a supplementary course or take up an internship. One (Swedish) survey identified five different types of gap year, those that are taken:

• as an investment (in developing skills or work experience)
• whilst waiting for better opportunities to emerge
• for self development and awareness
• for leisure
• to complete military service

Although young people some take an independent approach, there are organizations that offer to organized programmes and offer advice – sometimes referred to as a “gap year industry”.

Not all of them are commercial ventures: in Britain, for example, there is VSO and Raleigh International … whilst the classic in the United States is offered by the Peace Corps … and the international student association AISEC also offers its members a variety of opportunities.

 

Over the years we have received a couple of enquiries about the possibility of organizing a “gap year” programme – but they have never progressed beyond the initial enquiry stage.

 

Although there are many similarities between making arrangements for a tour and a “gap year experience” there are some important differences as well. Here’s some notes that we put together when addressing those enquiries.

• Perhaps the most important thing is to “know yourself” … the motivation behind what the “gap” is intended to achieve.
• If you are using one of the organizations in the “gap year industry” to make arrangements – then “get to know them” as well; their experience, programme, resources, and so on.
• Get to know your destination / hosts … do a little homework so you have an idea of what to expect … and what will be expected of you … what money is involved – not just what you pay but is money paid by or to the hosts and what for?;
• Do your sums: have an idea of what it will cost you (not just the initial fees, but living expenses as well) and make sure you have access to enough funds available to meet emergencies …
• Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork:
  • passport, visas, work permits, inoculations, etc.;
  • tickets, insurance;
  • credit card details;
  • emergency contact details – at home and whilst “in country” – including the local embassy/consulate,
  • the “programme” – including arrangements for liaison / supervision; crisis and risks policy
• Keep in touch with home …
• Stay up to date with the news and current affairs … and any travel advice which may be relevant
• Don’t forget that, hopefully nothing untoward will happen, but things can go wrong … so:
  • don’t forget the insurance … which should cover the activities being undertaken – even, perhaps, the ones that aren’t planned but possible as “spur of the moment” options – for example, horse riding. Of course, it should cover medical expenses … and it is important to be aware of any exclusions – e.g. being under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Ideally it should also provide cover for cancellation, your possessions, and your liability for damage and/or injury to others;
  • plan for possible variations – for example, buy a flexible ticket rather than a cheaper one that operates only on fixed dates;
  • Consider health issues … as you will be away from home for some time … so in addition to a “first aid kit”, a supply of any regular medications will be needed – but what will happen in “emergencies” … e.g. a dental problem.
  • Keep safe and remember that … “if you wouldn’t do that at home, then maybe you shouldn’t do it here” …

 

 

Tags: Education, Tourism