Exciting gap year ideas for students

For some students, gap years are all about travelling. To others, they are about building on work experience or volunteer work. Gap years can be based around work, volunteer work, adrenaline/thrill seeking, culture, parties, organised tours or completely independent roaming. Choosing which is right for you depends on your personal preferences.

Inter-railing around Europe

• Some people wish to experience all that a continent has to offer, which is why 'inter-railing' has become popular in Europe as it is a fantastic way to see all that it has to offer. Inter-railing consists of buying a rail pass (from any number of online websites) that allows one unlimited rail travel in X amount of countries for X amount of time (price varies). This allows you the freedom to explore Europe at your own leisure - you choose the countries to visit, your accommodation and the time scale. Three months unlimited, second class rail travel in 30 European countries costs no more than €900 (+ accommodation and living costs).

Oz Bus

• The 'Oz Bus' experience is highly recommended to those with a larger budget. This experienced tour company take you on an adventure overland from London to Sydney, London to New York, London to Kathmandu, London to Beijing, around Africa or around South America. This may be an expensive gap year, but it will enable you to experience a vast rage of cultures and countries and engage in a vast range of activities. This is an organised trip but does allow for a degree of independence (you can go where you like providing you do not miss the bus!) Prices range from £445 to £6999 (+living costs).

Teaching

• Many gap year companies offer the chance to teach abroad. Most companies will provide training as standard and set you up with flights and a school to teach in. The possibilities are endless, from teaching English in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal to teaching sports in Fiji. The great thing about this type of trip is that you gain the fantastic experience of teaching and working with children, but still have the opportunity to pursue your own interests on your gap year. Prices vary massively so make sure you compare the market.