People approaching the end of their time at high school or college are in the fortunate position of being able to contemplate taking a year off before going on to the next phase of their lives. "Taking a Gap Year is the definitive handbook for all those students who want to make the most of a year off before or after their college course. Topics covered include: >Making the decision to take a Gap Year >The rewards and risks of a year out >Discussing the idea with careers advisors and employers >Whether to arrange your own Gap Year or to use an agency Author Susan Griffith includes all the necessary information on the specialist Gap Year programs available, the enormous range of jobs that can be found by travellers worldwide and the possibilities for voluntary work around the world, joining an expedition, gaining some new skill or qualification, or simply taking the opportunity to travel. An important feature of the book is the section on the preparations to make, covering: >How to raise funds >Inoculations and other health precautions to take >Advice on taking out insurance >The paperwork you may need, from passports and work permits to student union cards >What to take--and what to leave behind >How to take or transfer money. The book includes a country-by-country guide to Gap Year opportunities in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada, Israel, and Latin America, including information on work permits and other red tape as well as specialist addresses for finding work. The text is vividly illustrated with first hand stories and case histories from Gap Year travelers to show readers what they can expect from their yearoff.