Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year

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Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year

You've paid off your balance, you've bought your rucksack and you've booked your flight ticket. Now it's time to get your head into gap year mode.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year - Unpack your judgements

Chances are, you're going to see things you've never seen before and as much as you've prepared, you won't be entirely prepared for seeing it in person. Going with an open mind and a determination to embrace different cultures rather than judge will help you get the most out of your trip.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year
Britain isn't best

Having the luxury of running water, flushable toilets and paved roads doesn't give anyone the right to feel superior to people who don't. In an ideal world, everyone would have them but they don't and it's not their fault. You're there to help underdeveloped communities improve their lives, not turn your nose up or be patronising.

Mentally prepare yourself for a gap year - Keep the faith

Faced with something like organising chaos in an African school, it's easy to feel daunted and lose confidence. But take stock - you've survived GCSEs and probably A Levels, you're intelligent - you can do it.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year - If at first etc., etc.,

Mistakes can, more often than not, be rectified. If your gap year involves learning or putting into practice new skills, like diving or surfing or teaching, you're probably not going to get it right first time. Be ready to make mistakes, laugh at them and learn lessons from them.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year
Lay off the pity
A superior attitude won't help, but neither will lashings of pity. Many of the underprivileged communities you'll volunteer in have retained their dignity and show an amazingly optimistic approach to life. And if they can keep upbeat, you should be able to hide your feelings of helplessness, at least in front of them.

You won't be able to fix everything that's wrong in Africa - the best thing you can do is give people your time, energy and enthusiasm.

Mentally prepare yourself for a gap year

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year - Seal those friendships

You already have something in common with people on a gap year - the desire to travel and do something different. Many a firm friendship (and the odd relationship!) has developed as a result. You might need to compromise at some point but friendships are usually worth it and in any case, it's excellent practice for shared houses at uni! Very occasionally, there'll be a spoiled twat or know-it-all in your group - rise above them until they get over themselves.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap trip!

Mentally prepare yourself for a gap year
Be the attentive student

Switching off while a teacher droned on about French subjunctives might have cost you an exam mark or two. Ignoring the person who's teaching you to scuba dive or handle pythons could put your life in danger - pay attention! Here endth the lecture.

Mentally preparing yourself for a gap year - Call us!

Real Gap advisers are happy to answer any questions you might have about your gap year. You might also want to take a look at our advice on coping with homesickness, culture shock and jet lag.