Gap year qualifications

While you're on your gap year, it makes sense to beef up your CV with some qualifications.

Georgie Bushe qualified as a snowboard instructor in Canada

"I have recently qualified as a snowboard instructor with Nonstop Ski in Fernie, Canada and had the best three months of my life. I chose to go on an instructor's course because I wanted something to give me a focus and something to work towards rather than just bum about for the season.

We had instruction every day from some of Canada's top instructors and there were lots of weekend sightseeing trips to other regions. We went to Calgary to watch an ice hockey match, to the hot springs in Banff and to Montana in the US. While in Fernie, I took evening classes in French and photography. Included in the course was an amazing day of cat skiing, an avalanche course and a winter first aid course.

Five of us stayed in a cosy little house, no more than 10 minutes walk from all the amenities. After a tough day on the hill and a generous feast of home-cooked food that the local bistro made for us every night, we either relaxed with a DVD or went out to one of Fernie's many bars. If we weren't up for a beer (or several), there was always something else going on like tobogganing or street hockey.

Not only have I got memories to last a lifetime but I've got an internationally recognised qualification that I may just decide to use after I finish uni."

Charles Howarth trained as a divemaster in Thailand

"I knew I'd have to work during my gap year travels, and wondered what kind of job to go for. What job could I get where I would be on a sun-drenched beach all day?

I decided to train as a divemaster in Thailand. The PADI divemaster course involved a healthy mix of theory and practical application over a period of six weeks. The course finished and I began work as a professional divemaster for a dive shop on the island of Koh Tao running the boat and guiding certified divers. You wouldn't get out of bed in England for the salary I was on, but in Thailand, I was able to live like a king.

Nothing is perfect, but I would say it's the closest I have ever been with any job. What's more, future employers when looking at my CV will see I undertook a great deal of responsibility whilst on my gap year."