It was tears of joy and sorrow for A-level students yesterday. For those who have been unsuccessful in their application to higher education, or do not have a place, it can be a stressful time; one of unknowing and unrest.
As members of what David Miliband recently described as the "pinched generation", life for those who don't get into university could be hard. The job market is undeniably tough, and even work experience is in short supply. A year is a long time to wait for those reapplying, so travel is one option to consider.
I think Tefl (teaching English as a foreign language) could be a great option for those on a tight budget, as many employers offer benefits, such as flight reimbursements, accommodation, insurance or visas. Any money saved while teaching can be used to fund further travel, and some Tefl employers welcome applications from friends or couples looking to go abroad and work in the same area.
So what options are available to those without a degree?
Being without a degree should not be a problem. Some countries, such as Japan or South Korea, look for a degree before providing work. But there are hundreds of positions all over the world where this is not required. For those vacancies, a 100 or 120-hour Tefl course would stand you in good stead to get a job, and provide the skills, knowledge and confidence to teach English. These courses can be completed entirely online or through a combination of classroom and online learning.
Pay can vary depending on location, employer and position. Volunteering is also an option, and in many cases accommodation and meals are included with monthly stipends provided to cover basic living/social costs. These are often in areas in great need of assistance, where there are under-privileged learning environments and a lack of resources.
Tefl is one way to gain a good life-experience. It can help to promote self-development, confidence, cultural awareness, understanding, self-sufficiency and communication skills. It can also help young people to access a world of experience and opportunity that simply isn't available in the UK at the moment.
The skills gained are hugely transferable, and this is recognised by both potential employers and university admission officers. This could be a great aid in next year's application process, giving your CV a boost and conveying a certain maturity and understanding that others without such experience won't have.
Not getting in to university doesn't have to be a disaster; it can be a chance to do something unfamiliar and exciting, something that will allow for self-development and prepare you for the road ahead but ultimately, is just really good fun.
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