Parents and Advisers

Advising young people on the selection of
well-structured year out programmes

A year out between school or college and higher education or employment or between higher education and a job, can give young people a valuable and challenging learning experience - provided that it is carefully planned. A well-structured year out can be part of the lifelong education process and can make a significant contribution to an individual's personal development. Employers and university staff increasingly attach importance to evidence of enterprise, maturity and sustained commitment both within and outside formal education. However, those planning deferred entry should confirm that their chosen universities are happy with this arrangement.

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.

Inevitably detailed research will depend on a wide range of individual factors. Not all the questions that follow are relevant to all activities. Inevitably, responses will vary from organisation to organisation. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers. Clear answers to many of the guideline questions will be contained in year out organisations published literature. However, appropriate use of the guidelines will help students and advisers to gather further information and to ensure that they choose well-structured programmes that are right for them – and, equally important, that they are right for the programme.

1. Look at who can take part and how they are selected:

• What is the age range of participants?
• What are the selection criteria and procedures?
• Do I have a choice programmes?
• How many participants will there be on my programme?

2. Look at who will benefit from the activity:

• What will I gain from the programme?
• Who else will benefit from this programme?
• Why are young people from the UK needed on this programme?
• Who has asked for their involvement?
• Will the programme continue after I have left?

3. Look at exactly how you will spend your time:

• How has the programme been chosen, planned and vetted?
• Are the host organisations paid to take me? Do they pay me?
• Has a responsible member of the organisation personally checked each placement?
• What exactly will I be doing?
• Will I be alone or in a group?
• What living and meal arrangements are there?
• Is there any written agreement between me and the organisation? What are my responsibilities? What is expected of me? Is there a code of conduct for participants?

4. Look at exactly how you will spend your time:

• Precisely what does the programme cost?
• Do I need a budget for extras?
• What deposit do I have to pay? Is it refundable?
• What are the payment terms? What are the cancellation terms?
• Is fund-raising necessary in order to cover expenses and, if so, what advice is given?

5. Look at the Organisation itself:

• What are its aims, objectives, philosophy?
• How long has it been in existence?
• How does it plan its activities?
• Can it give examples of successful programmes?
• Can I speak to past participants?
• What is the legal status of the organisation? Partnership? Private company? Public company? Registered charity? Sole trader? Other?
• Where is the organisation registered?
• Is the organisation financially sound? Are there contingency reserves in case of emergency?
• What are the organisation's policies on Equal Opportunities?

6. Look at pre-departure arrangements:

• What are the travel arrangements? Who is responsible for them?
• Who arranges visa, entry permits, etc.?
• What insurance cover is provided? Who provides it?
• Will I see the appropriate documentation?
• Are health, possessions, cancellation, repatriation, etc. all covered?
• What medical/health precautions are necessary?
• What pre-departure orientation and/or training is given?

7. Look at safety procedures and in-placement support:

• What are the organisation's policies on health and safety?
• Who is responsible for me at the programme location?
• Has anyone from the organisation vetted this person?
• Where is the nearest representative of the organisation?
• What repatriation arrangements are in place?
• What in-placement emergency procedures are there?
• Who do I turn to if I have a problem about my work or about the placement itself whilst on my programme?
• What are the living arrangements and exactly what is/is not included? Who selects, screens and pays for the arrangements? If staying with a family, are they paid or volunteers and what preparation takes place?

8. Look at the debriefing arrangements:

• What contact will the organisation have with me on my return?
• Will I be encouraged to contact other returned participants?
• Will my experience be used in briefings for future participants?
• What certification, reference or testimonial will the organisation provide?
• Will I be debriefed?

Click here to download the 2009/10 brochure

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