2 Different Career Breaks with Real Gap
Real Gap Year For Grown Ups - Career Breaks
A Programme Manager and a Police Officer talk about their experiences with Real Gap Year for Grown Ups
Name: David Hughes
Occupation: Programme Manager
Age: 50
Programme: Spanish Language School and Ecuador Street Children Volunteer
After seven years working as a programme manager, I found it difficult to find the motivation for my job. I needed to do something completely different to re-invigorate my life and myself.
My main priority had always been my career and providing for my family, but I have a passion for travel and wanted to help those worse of than me.
My experience certainly took me out of my comfort zone and I learnt a lot about myself.
I spoke no Spanish but the language school in Ecuador provided me with the basics. I then started work at the refuge, helping street kids with their homework, teaching basic English and playing games – rewarding, enjoyable and I really felt that I had made a difference.
I came back revitalised and am now planning to start my own business.
Name: Lisa Colton
Occupation: Police Officer
Age: 31
Programme: Conservation Course – Kruger National Park, S. Africa
My dream was to experience wildlife in the bush in an authentic way instead of on a package holiday. I had always wanted to travel to the mysterious continent of Africa, which I imagined, would be full of magical adventures and cultures. I was just about to embark on a life in the police force and decided to travel before I settled into my career.
At the game reserve, I got to experience life as a ranger and learnt how to survive in the bush – real hands-on experience behind the scenes, which tourists never get the chance to see.
My trip was fantastic! I truly recommend it to everyone. You get to meet like-minded people and something like this gives you a chance to fully immerse yourself in a culture, which leads to a much richer experience.
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