Scots Show Biggest Increase in Gap Year Take Up
Date added: Tuesday 19th May 2009
SCOTS SHOW BIGGEST INCREASE IN GAP YEAR TAKE UP
The latest research1 from Year Out Group, the association of leading UK-registered year out organisations, has found that gap years are not just the preserve of people from London and the Home Counties; Scots recorded a 50% increase in gap year placements in 2008. The research has revealed that it is not only the Scottish on the move - more people from the East Midlands, the North East and Yorkshire/Humberside are deciding to escape Britain to volunteer, teach, learn a new skill or test their endurance on an expedition.
Overall, however, people from the South East are still most likely to go on a gap year placement (19%), followed by Londoners and those from the South West (both 13%), whereas only 2% of placements are filled by people from Northern Ireland.
The research also reveals that the most popular countries for structured gap year placements are South Africa, Canada and Ecuador, which has jumped from ninth position to third. Also showing increased popularity are Australia, Tanzania, Costa Rica and New Zealand - a country that has entered the top ten for the first time. However Peru, India and Thailand have all seen a slight fall in popularity since last year. Countries that have dropped out of the top ten list altogether include Kenya and Ghana.
Year Out Group members' top-ranked worldwide destinations are as follows:
| 2008 POSITION | COUNTRY | 2007 POSITION |
| 1 | South Africa | 1 |
| 2 | Canada | 2 |
| 3 | Ecuador | =9 |
| 4 | Tanzania | 5 |
| 5 | Australia | =9 |
| 6 | Peru | 4 |
| 7 | India | 6 |
| 8 | Costa Rica | =9 |
| 9 | Thailand | 8 |
| 10 | New Zealand | New Entry |
Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of the not-for-profit Year Out Group, comments: "Whilst there is still a north/south divide, with over 40% of places filled by people from London and the South, it is encouraging to see Scots and those from other, more northerly regions showing the biggest increase in the take-up of new placements. This rise reflects the increasing awareness and better showcasing of gap year opportunities in local schools and universities, and at careers fairs, aided by our member companies.
"In terms of the most popular destination, South Africa continues to be a firm favourite amongst gap year travellers. There are various reasons including a still-favourable exchange rate for the rand, and the sheer range of different gap year options to choose from. These include conservation initiatives in game parks, volunteering in health centres, teaching in orphanages and penguin research programmes, all of which are available over several weeks or months."
Year Out Group is a not-for-profit organisation. Its carefully-vetted 37 member companies are specialists in their field and comply with a strict Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines. Members offer a superb choice of activities in over 90 countries worldwide (including the UK), and collectively carry more than 53,000 participants each year.
For further information, advice and a full list of members, please call Year Out Group on 01380 816 696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org.
For further information, advice and a full list of members, please call Year Out Group on 01380 816 696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org.
Ends - 19 May 2009
Notes to editors:
1 Research covers 53,583 people who undertook placements with Year Out Group member companies in 2008
Press: For further information, to interview Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of Year Out Group, or to obtain case studies and photography of placements, please call Julia Farish, Richard Mellor or Ian Bradley at Travel PR on 020 8891 4440, email j.farish@travelpr.co.uk or r.mellor@travelpr.co.uk
