The 2010 A-level results are out and despite some of the best grades on record, including the new A* rating, many students are finding themselves without a university place, an unfortunate result of the government cuts for the 2010-2011 course.
According to UCAS, applications this year have gone up by 100,000 whilst places have been cut by 6000 meaning would-be students, even those with the standard top mark of 3 As, are having to think outside the box when planning their academic future. The 150% estimated increase in gap-year takers demonstrates this. Whether the school-leavers are taking a sabatical year with the plan to re-apply to university next year, to have time to consider what it is they want to do in the future or for the simple reason that, after two years’ hard study for A-levels, a change appeals, it’s incredibly important to get the correct choice of gap year. Whilst a stress-free job in your home town, saving money for 6 months to take prolonged holiday in Thailand may sound appealing, on your CV it’s certainly not going to stand out; if it does, it will stand out for the wrong reasons. A gap year of this kind, whilst perhaps setting you up with some valuable life skills (learning how to travel alone, manage your money, etc), as far as employability goes, doesn’t help at all. So what does?
A language course abroad is a great choice for a gap year. As well as developing the aforementioned life skills, you will be adding a second language to your CV. You’ll also be learning how to adapt to a culture different from your own, something all too easily avoided on the typical gap year with friends, doing not much else but touring the bars and beaches of South East Asia.
Whilst having fun, learning about the customs of a new country and meeting people from all over the world, without much conscious effort you’ll be developing key language skills which could put you ahead of the rest when looking for a job in the future, as well as widening your horizons for more travel opportunities.
Salamanca's Plaza Mayor, two minutes from the school
At Mester we offer Spanish courses in the beautiful university city of Salamanca. Although a reasonably small city, the famous student atmosphere makes for great nightlife, all with the backdrop of stunning architecture and rich heritage. You have the choice of staying with a Spanish family, alone or in a student flat, where you’ll find yourself living with people from all over the world!
Boosting your CV with Spanish
If your A-level results haven’t gone to plan, take it as a blessing in disguise, don’t get disheartened and think about how you can make the most of the 2010-2011 year!
