A Gap Year Can Help Others Too
Published: August 02, 2011
ADVERTISING FEATURE
WHEN most people think of a gap year, and particularly those who didn’t go to university, it can, along with its many strengths, bring forth some negative connotations: not to mince words, it’s spun as middle-class kids, with too much free time, shirking their responsibilities. Often, though, the reality couldn’t be further from such statements. A number of gap year programmes will, for example, offer interested parties the chance to help rebuild a community and help those in need.
A case in point is New Zealand. Ravaged by earthquakes this year, a number of people have stepped up to help with repairs and aid, engaging in volunteer work during their year away from education. And plenty more will do, and should do: voluntary work, particularly somewhere like New Zealand, is an excellent and socially viable way to spend a gap year, working toward unity, prosperity and growth.
Indeed, community spirits have been raised in the country following the natural disaster, while a narrowly avoided tsunami has allowed for rebuilding projects to stay, thankfully, on track. There are plenty of schemes, fundraisers and projects, too: it was recently announced that famous and infamous memorabilia from the rugby world will go up for auction, with proceeds going toward the rebuild effort.
Neighbours Australia have had their fair share of troubles in recent months, too: the floods, which affected many areas of the country in late 2010 and early 2011, have required their own rebuilding efforts. Like New Zealand, there are many opportunities to volunteer in Australia, with plenty of flood recovery programmes set in motion and making real headway. And just as adversity has unified communities and peoples in New Zealand, Australia, too, is finding strength in tragedy.
Indeed, for all these reasons and more, potential gap year candidates shouldn’t be dissuaded by often unfounded negative observations: a gap year, contrary to sitting in an office working for a cigarette company, which most people would tell you is a great job because it gets you on the career ladder, can be one of the most rewarding and lasting things that you ever choose to do.
If you’re having reservations, then, put aside your preconceptions and consider voluntary work in a country such as Australia and New Zealand. You could make new friends, experience a new culture, and take part in a community of volunteers and workers who are local and from abroad, in a cause that’s genuinely worthwhile, and personally and socially enriching.