Quest Overseas - Gap Year Travel

Are you part of the crowd which missed out on the Olympic tickets? Well all is not lost, you might still be able to be part of the action, and this time get paid for it as well! Have a look at the details below for six jobs on offer working in the Olympic village this summer:

Coca-Cola is working with BioRegional (http://www.bioregional.com/) on an exciting project within the Athletes Village. We are looking for six Sustainability Ambassadors to work in the Athletes Village at The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (27th July to September 9th 2012). This is a once in a life time opportunity to be part of the greatest show on earth, communicating with world class athletes from around the world in the heart of the Olympic Park.

We are looking for enthusiastic, positive and bubbly individuals with strong communication skills, a passion for sustainability and ideally a second global language such French, Spanish, Mandarin or Russian. Applicants should be 18 or older.

This is a paid position, the application deadline is 20th February with interviews being held on the 2nd or 3rd of March.

If you or any of your friends are interested in any of these positions please apply directly for them as per the details on the link below.

Click here to see the job spec and application process

There are hundreds of different ways to go about fundraising for your Quest project, from applying to travel grants to collecting money in a tin.

One way that's really good fun and a great way to publicise your project is to organise a big event and get the whole town involved ... and that's just what Jason Maddrell, volunteer on the 2012 Kenya WaterRelief Summer Team is doing.

On March 8th, Jason's organising a fabulous Casino Night at the Riva Bar on the Town Pier in Gravesend.  For just £10 entry, attendees will get a glass of champagne, canapés, free casino chips - and the chance to win at the roulette, blackjack and poker tables, all with professional croupiers... sounds like a top-class event!

And to maximise publicity for the event and for his fundraising efforts for our Kenya project partner Excellent, Jason's got in touch with local radio station KMFM and the Kent Messenger newspaper. Brilliant!

Top tips to make your own event a success

The Royal Geographical Society (RGS) has Gap Year Scholarships currently available to students taking completing their studies in 2012 and taking a year out in 2012-2013. The scholarships include a grant of up to £4000 plus expert support and mentoring to plan a worthwhile experience.

Applications are invited from young Geography students who would not otherwise be able to participate in such Gap Year activities. The scholarships aim to fund travel, accommodation and/or the costs of a placement such as a conservation project, an expedition or a cultural exchange.

Applicants should be applying to study geography at a UK University and should  be wishing to spend at least part of the gap year undertaking meaningful activities and learning opportunities abroad, which will positively impact their future studies and career.

The deadline for applications from students wishing to take a Gap Year in 2012-2013 is Friday 30th September 2011.

For full details  take a look at http://www.rgs.org/OurWork/LandL/gap+years.htm

With A-level results out this week, you may have been landed with an unexpected gap year while you work out your options. This could be down to results not going as well as expected, or perhaps you completely surpassed your expectations and are looking to re-apply to different courses next year. Either way, it is crucial that this time you now have is used wisely.

Take a break of course, have some fun. But also get some work experience, earn some money, learn a new skill, all of which should put you in an even better position than if you had gone straight to university this year.

Likewise volunteering, if done well and chosen sensibly, will look impressive to employers and universities, and may change your outlook on life altogether. Quest Overseas has a number of spaces still available on our 3 month expeditions departing in early 2012, specifically our Villa Maria  and Rio Teams in January, and our Bolivia team in February. We don't take just anyone, and will interview you before agreeing on a place. If you do feel that Quest Overseas could be right for you though, complete our application form and you may have your gap year planned by the end of the month!

Here in the Quest Office we have everything crossed for all of you waiting for A-Level results to come out next week. We all remember it well and know what a tense time it can be, but remember, whatever happens your options are open.

With the rise in tuition fees in 2012, if you have decided to take a Gap Year, or if the pressure on university places is forcing you into one, then it is all the more important to ensure that the year will be valuable and beneficial to you. A Gap Year can be valuable opportunity to get ahead, develop key skills and make your university application really stand out, but you do need to make sure you spend your time wisely.

We've put together a factsheet with advice for A-Level students considering a Gap Year, and a few pointers on how to make your year useful. Click on the factsheet below to download a copy.

Remember we are always more than happy to chat through Gap Year options with you, and offer any advice we can on how to plan you Year Out. Just give us a ring on 01273 777206, email info@questoverseas.com or use the "Live Chat" on the website.