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With exams all over, coursework handed in and nearly three months ahead of you with little or nothing to do, why not spend a bit of that student loan doing something exciting? Your university summer holidays could well be the last chance to travel, commitment free, before you enter the world of work so you need to make the most of it!
Although you could just stick a pin in a map, grab your back pack and fly off to your chosen destination, there are also a lot of great options for summer breaks which can teach you a new skill and give you the chance to learn about new cultures whilst making a difference.
1 – Volunteer
Volunteering provides you with the opportunity to dedicate your time, energy and expertise to doing something worthwhile and truly rewarding. There are literally hundreds of options for volunteering close to home or on the other side of the world so all you need to decide is where your skills will be the most helpful. As well as making a positive impact through your travels, you will gain valuable life experience, meet interesting people and have something unique to add to your CV at the end of it.
2 – Work and learn
An increasingly popular option is to combine your trip with learning a new skill. The options are endless and fortunately, fantastic value. Why not jet off to Buenos Aires to learn Spanish in authentic surroundings, learn Arabic in Dubai or Morocco or brush up on your Italian whist soaking up the atmosphere in Venice? Not only do you receive top-notch teaching but you are forced to use your new language skills to interact with the locals meaning that you learn more and faster. Teaching normally takes place in the mornings leaving your afternoons free for exploration and getting to know the city that you are in.
If languages aren’t for you there are also multiple options to learn to surf, practice yoga, be taught Spanish guitar or learn to cook in exotic destinations.
3 – Teach English
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a popular way to see the world, do something good and earn a little money along the way. Getting the qualification couldn’t be easier – you can do it online or over an intense practical weekend. Once you receive your qualification, you are free to browse the 20,000 TEFL jobs posted online every month from all corners of the world. The hardest decision that you will have to make is whether you want to be in the middle of nowhere or whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of a big city. Another advantage of teaching English abroad is that you can save up a little money and travel around the country at the end of your summer with your newly acquired language skills and a new appreciation for the culture of the country.
Your summer holiday is your chance to get away, relax and come back to university revived, with newly acquired skills and a wealth of great memories. Make sure you do something exciting with your summer.
