A news article this week has suggested that taking time out of study or a career to volunteer abroad can not only help gain valuable work experience, but also provide people with the “essential life skills” they need to survive and prosper in the adult world, according to one commentator.

Scott Bryan, writing for the Huffington Post, said he would not be the person he is today had he not of gone on his gap year experience, which he described delivered important “life lessons” that even his university did not recreate.

He said: “Without the experience of being at the other side of the world for months at a time I’m not sure that I would have developed some of the essential life skills and resilience to survive in today’s society.”

Mr Bryan believed that volunteering on a gap year abroad can also give young people the confidence to succeed in the jobs market through their interviews and other important phases in the selection process. He also stated it can teach them how to budget before being let loose with a student loan.

However, it is not just students who are benefiting from taking a year out abroad. Research from Bride the World has shown this month that a increasing number of older Brits are also looking to get a life changing experience through gap year travel – both career breakers and retirees.

Inspire Volunteer can cater for all ages and specialise in the career breaker. To find out more about us or get in touch click here, or why not have a browse around our site to see how we could inspire you!