When one year ago I considered taking a gap year, the prospect of spending one year on the other side of the world away from family and friends seemed scary. And it is – in the beginning at least. But it is 110% worth it. I have always enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. On my Gap Year I have travelled the North and South Island of New Zealand thoroughly, visited Melbourne and Sydney and went to Samoa as well as Hong Kong. Thinking about how much I have experienced, how many amazing and inspiring people I have met whilst traveling and working and how many lessons I’ve learnt it just seems surreal. I would do it again any day.

“Without a doubt, my gap year has been the best thing I have ever experienced. I was given the opportunity to become a role model for the hundreds of children at my school. As a young man who loves his sport, I’d have to say the highlight of my working year would be the time I spent helping to coach the under 10’s rugby team to premiership victory. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, then a gap year with Letz Live is definitely the way to go.”

My time here has been amazing, not only have I learnt more things about myself, like how to be more independent but also about how to see from other peoples perspectives better. New Zealand  has been amazing and it is so beautiful, especially in the ways that you would not expect, for example how clear the stars are here or how rapidly the scenery can change over the course of a few miles.

I’ve seen amazing places and this year has definitely changed me for the better which I’ve been very grateful for, and in that aspect I’m sad to be leaving because I know how much here has made me happy but I am also looking forward to seeing my friends and family at home and starting university soon.

Exactly 353 days ago, I left my family, friends and everything else I knew behind to explore another country with people I had never met. Little did I know that this would be the greatest decision of my life.

Not only has New Zealand shown me some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, but it has also allowed me to grow as a person in so many different ways. The freedom of a gap year has made me more financially responsible and helped me figure out all the things I want and don’t want out of my university experience in the years to come.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always easy sailing. There’s ups and downs at work, with your roommate and other gappies you spend loads of time with but all in all the pros by far outweigh the cons.

I wouldn’t change anything at all.

I’ve had no regrets on my gap year and would certainly recommend it for anyone making the decision whether to go ahead with it. I’ve made lifelong friends with many people I’ve met here, from all over the world- some Kiwi, English, Australian and South African. I have also learnt many important life skills – interacting with adults and learning how to conduct myself in a professional workplace. Some may feel also a bit daunted at the fact you are going away for a year- one year is a long time but the school holidays break up the year and it just flies by. I’ve never felt homesick and you just get used to living here! Letz Live have been great in organising this opportunity for me.

Taking a year out and travelling to New Zealand has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made. I’ve had the opportunity to live and work in a school where I was instantly welcomed and made to feel part of a community surrounded by people who are iincredibly friendly and hospitable. Sport is one of my passions and the college has provided a platform for me to develop my coaching skills. This opportunity provided me with a school-tour to Canberra (Australia) coaching the schools First XI cricket team. I have made what I hope to be lifelong friendships with people from all over the world – Kiwi’s, South African’s and even Australian’s!

Just 18 days after finishing school last July I found myself on a plane to New Zealand and about to start the most incredible year of my life. I’m working at a school in Christchurch as a Gap Assistant, helping out in areas such as sport, the Learning Centre and of course in the boarding house.

I’ve had the most incredible opportunities at the school: coaching rugby alongside an ex All Black, being taught how to row by an Olympian and getting to explore some of the best countryside New Zealand has to offer. And all whilst being paid! I’ve also been travelling during the school holidays.

Of course, it’s not all play and requires a lot of hard work at times, but it has been so unbelievably worth it.

Letz Live has been a real asset for my gap year. As an (initially) inexperienced traveler, it was great to fly with a group of other ‘Gappies’ and the Letz Live team. Our accommodation and transfers were all organised for us in advance, but more importantly, Letz Live provided invaluable advice and a wealth of travelling experience. I’ve benefited the most from this ongoing support throughout the year. It’s great to have Letz Live contact us regularly to help us organise our flights and tours (not to mention the discounts they have provided us with).