Thinking about planning a Gap Year but unsure about how your plans may be interrupted?
Lots of Gap Year providers are aware that students are nervous about putting down a deposit but also anxious to make plans for late 2021 and 2022, but they are keen to reassure students that they’re still planning programs for destinations, including the UK and New Zealand. In fact, some programs have already sent ‘gappies’ to New Zealand this year. From WEP:
“WEP remains hopeful that programs departing in late 2021 will continue as planned. Our overseas partner organisations, coordinators and host families around the world are looking forward to welcoming the next generation of WEP students.”
Some even report that student applications are returning to pre-pandemic levels, and have advised that students should seriously consider lodging their applications so that they don’t miss out. Letzlive suggest the following for Australian students:
“Our advice to prospective applicants for July (for our New Zealand intake) and September (for our UK intake) 2021, and again for January 2022 (all destinations), is to lodge your application prior to the extended May 31st closing date.”
Many other programs are still accepting applications, and in just about all cases they’ll offer a refund or an alternate trip if yours doesn’t go ahead. Just make 110% sure before you book that they will definitely refund your money if something goes wrong. If your tour goes ahead and you get ill with COVID-19 while you’re away, your program’s insurance should cover any medical costs.
More than ever, it’s essential that you check the fine print before you agree to anything or hand over any money – remember to choose a reputable company and if you are at all concerned then don’t book, or you may never see your money again.
Some of the companies taking applications are:
