Gap year travellers are more successful later in life, new research published by Gapforce suggests

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND, September 02, 2010 (Press-News.org) Graduates that have been on a gap year will be more successful in their career later in life, according to new research.

Nearly three quarters (70 per cent) of workers who took a year out to travel the world rate themselves as very successful in their career opposed to only half of those that headed straight to university.

Those that do choose to see the big wide world before starting their degree are also likely to earn more than those that didn't.

The poll of 3000 graduates carried out by Gapforce, one of the UK's leading gap year companies, revealed that the average employee who graduated from university in the past 10 years earns GBP25,132 a year.

But those who travelled oversees before starting their degree were on a basic salary of GBP26,300 - well over GBP1000 more.

It also emerged that 80 per cent of people who took gap years thoroughly enjoy their chosen career later in life compared to only 33 per cent of those that didn't get chance to travel.

Marcus Watts, founder of Gapforce, said: "Many people benefit from taking a gap year to travel the world. With a structured programme which may incorporate training, working or volunteering overseas, travellers are able to gain valuable experience which will help in later life."

One third of young people surveyed believe they were not emotionally ready to start university when they left college or sixth form.

Mr Watts said: "Gap years help many young people to mature which means that when they return to university their mindset is more focussed towards study. The type of opportunities open to young people in their years out is amazing and they are able to realise so many lifelong dreams. Overseas travel provides young people with a real sense of fulfilment and inspires so many to go on and achieve their career goals.

"There is an assumption though that gap years are purely aimed at school and college leavers, but that isn't always the case. Many people are taking sabbaticals later in life and using the opportunity to travel."

The research revealed 67 per cent of people said they would be more likely to employ someone that had taken a gap year as opposed to someone who hadn't. While a quarter of those surveyed said they thought a university would be more likely to select a student who has taken a gap year during the application process.

A staggering 87 per cent of people who took gap years believe they have done better than friends who failed to go travelling when they were younger.

Mr Watts added: "These findings show how you can advance your career by taking some time out and travelling. With a structured itinerary, you can really bolster your CV. Employers value someone that can speak languages or has worked oversees before. Voluntary work looks great on a CV too.

''In the UK you start full time education at the age of four and many don't leave until they are an adult at 18. Therefore visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures during your gap year can reshape your whole outlook on life."

Incredibly, the research also found that two thirds of travellers said the things they learnt on a gap year were much more valuable to them than the information they studied at university.

TOP TEN MOST VISTED COUNTRIES ON GAP YEARS

1. Australia
2. America
3. New Zealand
4. Thailand
5. France
6. Spain
7. Singapore
8. Hong Kong
9. Canada
10. India

For more information about Gapforce, visit http://www.gapforce.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Gapforce is a family of companies which offer expeditions and voluntary placements around the world. Volunteers work with major partners such as the Red Cross, UNESCO and AWF.

• The Gapforce family of companies includes Trekforce, Greenforce, Sportforce, Skiforce,Medforce and Ozforce. The organisation runs more than 70 projects that span the globe.

• Overseas voluntary projects are run by Greenforce, which has non-profit status.

• Gapforce is a member of The Year Out Group.

• Gapforce was responsible for bringing a group of Maasai warriors to London in 2009 to take part in the Flora London Marathon. The Massai's aim was to raise money to bring clean drinking water to their village.

• An array of celebrities have taken part in Gapforce projects including Bruce Parry, Jack Osbourn, Zara Philips and Ben Fogle.

• Gapforce has become a pioneer in the industry, leading the way with profound vision. All ages, nationalities and religions are welcome

• For 20 years, Gapforce been providing innovative gap year projects.

• Greenforce has created UNESCO heritage sites in Fiji and works extensively with WWF and the Red Cross in South America.

• Trekforce has used their expertise to become the first non-Belizean organisation to become an NGO and be given a portion of their rainforest to sustain. They have also established relationships with the governments in Papua New Guinea and Borneo.

• Ozforce has remained a popular choice for participants looking to raise money and our range of jobs in Australia sets us apart, with choices from agriculture to hospitality, teaching to construction.

• Medforce and Skiforce are exciting new ventures that combine our previous knowledge with some of the best programmes worldwide. They are already gaining a solid reputation in the gap year and travel industry.

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