A gap year can be more than a chance to blow off steam and have fun. It can be life-affirming, offering opportunities for personal growth, cultural exposure, and professional development.
Cost is the first hurdle for many young South Africans planning to spend time overseas. Flights and the relative weakness of the rand against most major currencies make travel to popular gap-year destinations such as Europe, the UK, the USA, and Australia expensive.
According to Gavyn Letley, from specialist loans provider DirectAxis, turning the dream of an overseas adventure into reality starts with setting a budget.
“This may seem a mundane way to start the trip of a lifetime, but it will be worth every moment. It will reduce the stress of constantly worrying about money, and potentially cutting the trip short, allowing you to gain more from the experience.”
While it’s difficult to budget for the unknown, he suggests starting by listing expected expenses. These include:
- Airfares;
- Visa costs;
- Travel insurance. A medical emergency, flight or other cancellations or theft could ruin your trip. Ensure you’re adequately covered;
- Transport when you arrive;
- Accommodation;
- Meals and;
- A contingency for unexpected costs.
When budgeting, consider the cost of living at your destination as it may be more expensive than in South Africa.
Once you understand the costs you can start considering how to fund the trip. Common strategies are:
- Getting a part- or full-time job
- Working while travelling. A paid internship will offer valuable work experience and some spending money. Alternatively, jobs such as au pairing can provide income and cover accommodation and meal costs.
- Volunteering or participating in educational programmes. While these may not provide an income, they often offer other support such as meals and accommodation.
If this all seems daunting or you’re unsure about the people or organisations where you are applying, there are specialist agencies which can help.
The benefits of working with an agency are:
- It will guide you through visa applications and work permits.
- Its networks of employers make it easier to get seasonal work or jobs in sectors such as hospitality, au pairing and teaching. Reputable agencies vet employers and employment programmes, minimising the risk of job scams or poor working conditions.
- Some agencies will arrange accommodation and offer 24/7 emergency support.
- Many provide cultural orientation and tips to help you integrate seamlessly.
Letley says before choosing an agency or paying any money, check its credentials, ideally with someone who has used it. Also, compare prices, as some charge high placement fees.
Agencies may also only offer jobs in particular, high-demand sectors. Researching job opportunities independently may provide more scope to work in your preferred industry.
Doing the homework beforehand will make your gap year less stressful, and more enjoyable so you’ll get more from it. While you’re away, stay on top of your finances and look for opportunities to stretch your budget. Some include:
- Open a travel-friendly bank account with minimal foreign transaction fees, especially if you plan to travel to multiple countries.
- Use budgeting apps to keep track of expenses and avoid overspending.
- Look for student and other discounts at attractions and on transport. Some attractions cost less if you pay and book ahead of time. If you’re regularly using public transport, a weekly or monthly pass is cheaper than buying a single ticket.
“A gap year can be a worthwhile investment for young people, enabling them to assert their independence, expand their world view, build character, learn new skills or accumulate a breadth of experience that will benefit their careers,” says Letley.