‘Whatever My Results, I’m Going!’

PR Log (Press Release) – Jun 25, 2009 – Many A-Level students are so committed to volunteering abroad during their gap years, that they have said their exam results will not affect their decision to go away, according to surveys conducted by not-for-profit organisation Lattitude Global Volunteering.

When questioned, 83% of the 17 to 25 year olds who took part in a recent survey claimed that their exam results would not impact on their volunteering plans, even if they achieved higher grades than expected.  Not-for-profit gap year provider Lattitude ran the survey to demonstrate the value that young people place on gap year volunteer projects, with regard to their education and their future.

“We were not surprised that so many young people responded this way, but it might be an eye opener for some parents, employers or those that don’t necessarily rate gap years very highly” says Richard McKenzie of Lattitude.

A ‘Year Out’ can often be interpreted as aimless backpacking, with little idea of what to do next, but the popularity of taking a gap year to volunteer abroad has risen in recent years.

Many young people now see gap year volunteering projects as a rite of passage in between exams and university.  Gap year volunteering providers such as Lattitude enable young people to make a positive difference to communities abroad, and to simultaneously benefit on a personal development level.  The experience can even encourage students to go back into education on return.

“Volunteering abroad develops confidence, independence, cultural understanding and many life skills that can’t be learnt elsewhere” Richard McKenzie continues.

Employers also value the volunteering gap year as a beneficial addition to a CV.  Another survey running on Lattitude’s website (www.lattitude.org.uk) shows that 93% of the voters believe volunteering abroad will make them stronger candidates for university and job applications.

The 35 year old organisation believes that everybody should have the chance to volunteer abroad.  “Lattitude prides itself on providing such a life altering and significant opportunity to all young people, with funding schemes available for those who would struggle to raise the required fee alone.”

Have your say about volunteering projects abroad at www.lattitude.org.uk or call 0118 959 4914 to find out more about the projects.

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