Start thinking about your future

1
Are you thinking about your future?
What are your options
2
Whats in it for me? and Why should I bother
to make the effort?

• Higher education could boost your career
  prospects and earning potential, while giving you
  the chance to immerse yourself in a subject that
  really interests you - and to get involved in
  lots of other activities.

3
Going to university

• Student life
• Your student years are not just about
  assignments, exams and making ends meet. This is
  a time for new experiences living somewhere new,
  making new friends and exploring new hobbies.

4
Finance

• Study first, pay back when youre earning
• Theres a student finance package available to
  help with the costs of higher education.
• Student Loans and grants from the government
  bursaries from universities and colleges- this
  does not need to be paid back.
• If you take out a Student Loan from the
  government, you wont have to start paying it
  back until youve left your course and are
  earning more than 15,000 a year.

5
Taking a gap year

• If you still don't know what you want to do with
  your life, or can't bear the thought of higher
  education, a gap year could be the right option
  for you.
• A gap year grants you time to discover yourself
  like and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses
• But if your idea of a gap year includes tropical
  beaches, banana lounges and beer, think again -
  that's a year off!
• A properly planned gap year can prove a sound
  investment, equally, a poorly-managed year out
  may cost you more than a hefty overdraft. Most
  employers will expect evidence of time
  well-spent, not a year's playtime.

6
So, if you want to plan a gap year, what are your
options?

• TravelHelps broaden your horizons by introducing
  you to new cultures, religions.
• Work placementsThis is a great option if you
  don't have much (or any) previous work history,
  helps you build a wide range of new skills and
  contacts..
• VolunteeringVolunteering looks fantastic on any
  curriculum vitae. It demonstrates social
  awareness, a sense of social responsibility, and
  valuable work skills.

7
In conclusion

• Whatever your choice after school - further
  study, employment or a gap year - make sure it's
  well considered.
• Useful websites
• www.aimhigher.ac.uk www.ucas.com
• GAP Activity Projects www.gapaustralia.org
• Global Volunteer Network www.volunteer.org.nz