A gap year can open the door to new experiences and help enliven your CV

Each year in the UK, about 200,000 17- to 25-year-olds take a gap year. The time between leaving school and starting university or college is ideal for seeing the world. It's not hard to see why after 13 years of education. And having spent that time living with your family, you may feel that it's time to get out there and experience new sights, sounds, climates and cultures. Linking that with gap project activities is a great way to spark your imagination and interest, and gain new skills. Why not make the most of it?

There are some real benefits in taking a gap year, providing you use the time to maximum advantage. Students that have a successful gap year usually arrive at university refreshed and focused. Statistically, students who have taken a gap year are far more likely to complete their HE course. They are also more aware of the world. "After my gap year, everyone said I seemed more worldly," says Louisa Price, who spent four months on a teaching project in Ghana before travelling through Africa. "Seeing so many different countries and cultures, and working with people who came from such a different place to me really opened my mind. When I started my degree back in England, I could really tell who'd been on a gap year and who hadn't. Those who had were very obviously more tolerant and mature."

Most institutions welcome post-gap students, however, a few faculties prefer their students straight from school, so if there is a course your have your heart set on, it is best to check with the university before completing your UCAS application.

You should aim to develop a number of options, to assess the benefits, risks and cost of each, and then make a plan based on reliable information. The plan may change, but your chances of success are greatly enhanced when working from a firm base.

There is a range of activities which can be undertaken all over the world, including learning a skill or improving an existing one, paid or voluntary work, and travel. You are likely to want to include a variety of activities in your trip.

At the end of your time away, you should evaluate what you have learnt and use this information to enliven your CV and demonstrate that you made good use of their time. You don't want your good work to be dismissed as simply a "holiday".

Year Out Group can help you prepare in two ways: the Information and Guidelines pages on the website provide advice on planning a gap year, and how to select the year out placement that best meets your activities. There is a list of 35 of the UK's leading year out organisations who have all voluntarily agreed to abide by Year Out Group's Code of Practice and operating guidelines.

A placement with an established organisation is often the highlight of a gap year. Those who take a year out gain self-confidence and feel empowered. It's a wonderful opportunity, and one that you should consider carefully before passing up.

Richard Oliver is chief executive of the Year Out Group (01380 816 696; www.yearoutgroup.org).

Which Course magazine is now available online at www.independentezines.co.uk/whichcourse/. Contact Joshua Gilbert - tel: 020 7005 2283; fax: 020 7005 2292.