GAP Info
What is a GAP Year?? This is a year off between High School and University/TAFE to save money, take a breath, stop studying… before you get back into it again.
Many students take a GAP year so that they can be eligible to receive Youth Allowance. If your parents have a Health Care Card now - you may be able to get Youth Allowance straight away.
To receive Youth Allowance you have to be considered independent from your olds, so you need to earn $18,850 in 18 months to be eligible to get Youth Allowance*
Youth Allowance is approximately $400 per fortnight…. if you are living away from home… BUT please double check this at http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/home/index.htm - and don’t hold me responsible if this is wrong!
*This may mean that your parents will have to support you for the first 4 – 6 months at University….. something to keep in mind…. 
Check out the following links for GAP year opportunities:
Gap Year in the Defence Force: You will have to keep an eye on this site - applications for 2010 will start soon…. www.defencejobs.gov.au/ADFGapYear
Cultural Care Au Pair: If you are interested in working with children and travelling to the USA, you could work as an Au Pair (live in Nanny). You need to be between 18 – 16yrs old to be able to participate in the program. If you would like to learn more about the program, call Trish Cavenagh, Country Program Manager on 1800 677 373 or go to www.culturalcare.com.au
Ski & Snowboard Training and Internship Opportunities: Educating Adventures Limited run GAP Year Ski and Snowboard Internships at Whistler Canada and Lake Tahoe, USA. Applications for the Internships are open now! To find out more, contact the EA Ski and Snowboard Team on 0) 02 8011 4981, email sstraining@educatingadventures.com or go to www.educatingadventures.com
Lattitude Global Volunteering: The application period is now open for the 2010 period. International volunteer projects are available in several countries. Volunteers receive food, accommodation, and in most cases weekly pocket money, along with assistance organising everything, pre departure briefing and in country support. To find out more, go to www.lattitude.org.au Applications close 20- May 2009. Early Bird applications close 30- April and priority will be given to all applicants for the UK received by this date”.
Volunteer Abroad World Education Program Australia: Offers GAP Year programs to young people 18 yrs + in the USA, South America, Africa and Asia. You will be able to work in programs which help communities in need. For more information, please contact Judith Ortmann on 1300 884 733, email info@volunteerabroad.com.au or go to www.volunteerabroad.com.au
