12 Months, Five Continents, Two Friends = One Ultimate Year Out

Aug. 22, 2011 - PRLog -- (Boston, MA)-- Gap travel experts Real Gap Experience and i-to-i Volunteering understand that it is a difficult time for young people either trying to secure a place at university or to stand out in the job market. In a recent nationwide survey of over 500 UK businesses conducted by Real Gap Experience, it was identified that work experience is the first item looked at by employers (45%)* on a young candidates resume.

“We have launched a global search for two lucky candidates to win a once in a lifetime money-can’t-buy opportunity,” said Managing Director Sam Cox. “Not only will they gain an understanding of some of our amazing travel experiences and travel the world, they will also have guaranteed work placements with both companies in our global offices. In the current economic climate, students are facing challenging times and research has shown us that it’s not just about qualifications; employers want a combination of experiences that will demonstrate key qualities and skills in the work place. This ultimate experience will give two students the perfect starting point.”  

The two lucky winners will travel and discover Thailand, South Africa, Australia and the USA. While visiting some of the world’s most stunning destinations, they will be provided with the tools to report back via blogs and video. By documenting all of the fantastic experiences on their trip, the students will effectively be creating a portfolio, a potential platform to impress future employers. During this amazing adventure, work experience in Real Gap Experience’s and i-to-i Volunteering’s international head offices in Melbourne, Boston and the UK are included. This is an opportunity to put the skills they will have learned to the test back in the office environment.

For two lucky winners this is the beginning of a life-long learning journey. It is apparent in the current economy that employers are looking for a strong record of qualifications as well as seeing what students have achieved outside of the academic world. This is a great opportunity to seize a life enhancing experience and get that much needed work experience under their belt.  

For more information on how to enter to win the Ultimate Year Out, visit www.facebook.com/ultimateyearout. Real Gap and i-to-i Volunteering have developed a fun interactive Facebook application where applicants choose their travel buddy. There is also an opportunity to produce a fun, interactive video to preview what the Ultimate Year Out holds and features yourself and your friends.

About Real Gap Experience: Since 2003 Real Gap has been offering worldwide Gap Experiences to 35 countries across 6 continents. Tours run from 2 weeks to a year and can be anything from a full time volunteer project to a hands-on activity with adventure travel itineraries exploring the highlights of the destination. Experiences encourage interaction with locals, helping travelers really get under the skin of the culture. Real Gap and Inspired Breaks offer a variety of tours from volunteering, teaching, sports coaching and paid work programs across Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas. www.realgap.com

About i-to-i Volunteering: Since 1994, i-to-i Volunteering has provided meaningful travel trips to offer fulfilling and life-changing travel experiences to anyone with a desire to get out there and make a difference for the better. Annually 6,000 volunteers are placed on projects to assist in the development of overseas local communities in 24 countries worldwide. The volunteer projects chosen with NGO’s are sustainable and produce a positive long-term impact and contribution to the local community. www.i-to-i.com

Contact: Lynsey Devon, Activity Sector PR Manager, 800-985-4852, travel@i-to-i.com

Survey results: *Carried out by Opinion Matters, the survey results were taken from 505 UK nationwide businesses. Employer groups covered most industry sectors including Arts and Culture, Education, Finance, Healthcare, IT and Telecoms, Retail, Catering, Architecture and Engineering, Media and Sales, and Travel and Transport.