Here are some of the questions that people considering a Gap Year May ask. Each Gap Year Placement is different and so therefore are the answers to these questions. You should find out as much as you can about the organizations that you are considering applying to. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the organizations you are considering applying to — it is better to find out things before committing yourself.

Will I be paid for my gap year?

Some placements do pay you others are voluntary. Sometimes you will be provided with meals, accommodation and ‘pocket money’. Read any information you receive carefully. Occasionally, some local grant-making trusts are able to make a contribution towards items such as travelling costs for those on gap years that are focussed on serving others.

I can't commit for a whole year are there shorter placements?

Some places offer shorter opportunities, some longer. The time it takes for a person to be trained and to settle into their role means that many organisations require a minimum length of commitment which is often one year.

I'm not a Catholic but saw the poster/website and am interested in a Catholic Church based Gap-year, can I still be considered?

This depends on the organisation you wish to apply to and the nature of the service you would like to do. For example , some organizations would require a person who can share their Catholic Faith journey with others. There are also some multi-denominational Christian organisations offering gap years on this site but we mainly advertise those opportunities which are specifically Catholic. Other sites will have many more Christian placements that are open to people from all faith traditions. You will find links to these sites on our ‘Links’ page.

Can I visit family and friends in my free time? Will I get holidays?

The organizations that provide the gap-years mentioned on this site will expect you to work hard, but they will also recognise that we all need rest and breaks; therefore you will get time off. Remember, if your placement is only for a year, you will no doubt want to maximize your experience. Also, some of the opportunities listed are an experience in community living. In these cases, free time is often spent enjoying meals, social activities and growing together as a community rather than ‘doing your own thing’. Holidays might have to be taken at set times of the year. You should ask questions about time off when you make your enquiries.

Is it really for me?

Only you can answer this. When considering a gap year you should research it carefully and also talk to family, friends and other who know you well. There is, of course, an element of stepping into the unknown, but this should be considered against the great opportunities that a gap year presents. Normally, you would be invited for an interview before being offered a gap year placement, so you do have the opportunity to look carefully at the organization and the people you would work with, as well being able to ask relevant questions. If you accept an offer of a placement you should honour your commitment and not change your mind without good reason.

My application for university has not been successful. Is it too late to apply for a gap year?

Most organizations will fill their gap year vacancies during the course of a year, but sometimes things happen at the last minute, such as a volunteer having to drop out due to family circumstances. Therefore it is sometimes possible that vacancies might still exist and there is nothing wrong in making contact with organizations to see if something is still available. However, you should not see a gap year as an ‘insurance policy’ — they require people who are really interested in the particular work that each organization undertakes.

I am not a UK resident? Will my application still be considered?

Many of the organizations that offer gap-years will consider applications from suitable individuals within the E.U. area as long as they are proficient in English and understand British customs and culture. Some foreign nationals will require visas and/or work permits to work in the U.K. - similar to those required for any U.K . based employment. It should be noted that work permits (which are the responsibility of the employer, not the employee, to apply for) are often quite difficult and expensive for small charities to obtain. Those currently residing overseas should contact the relevant organisations to see what their policies are in this regard . Most establishments would expect applicants to be available in person for an interview and would not be able to help with any travel costs from overseas . No organization will accept applications from individuals who are not legally resident in the U.K