Choosing a worthwhile project

The wide variety of opportunities allows young people choice and flexibility in organising a rewarding year out designed to suit individual requirements and aspirations. Possibilities include cultural exchanges, educational courses and visits, expeditions, volunteer work and structured work experience amongst others.

A successful year out might include several different components. Programmes can last from a few weeks to a full year. They can be in the UK or overseas. Organisations may involve a handful of young people or many hundreds.

 A representative group of leading year out organisations has recently been formed to promote the concept and benefits of well-structured year out programmes, to promote models of good practice, and to help young people and their advisers in selecting suitable and worthwhile projects. The suggestions and guidelines that follow have been produced by this group and are intended both for young people and their advisers.

Choosing the organisation and activity most suited to the individual can be a difficult and time consuming task both for the young people and their teachers, advisers and parents. However, it is crucial to the success of a placement and even to the safety of participants that year out organisations are carefully researched before a place is accepted. This can take time and it is wise to start planning as far in advance as possible – in some cases as much as a year or more ahead of the start date.

It is equally important that young people should be aware of their responsibilities when undertaking year out activities. Participants should be aware that "dropping out" of a placement or programme can be disruptive not only to themselves but also to others directly and indirectly involved in the programme. Whatever programme is selected, success will depend upon participants and organisations having a clear understanding of their respective responsibilities.