Page 50 - Intra Muros November Issue 2025

TODAY’S CHILD

Six worthwhile gap year paths

1. Wildlife volunteering
If your teen is animal-mad and not
scared of hard work or the occasional
goat smell, this is golden. Programmes
like Care for Wild, Moholoholo, or ACE
place young adults in wildlife sanctuaries
or conservation centres. They learn
about animal care, conservation ethics,
and (let’s be honest) doing your share of
the grunt work.

Great for: Nature lovers, aspiring vets,
or anyone who wants to do something 4. Cruise ships and superyachts are often covered. Camps vary wildly –
meaningful and offline for a bit. This is proper work – long hours, tight from lakeside outdoorsy ones to more
quarters, and zero room for laziness. specialised creative programmes. Some
2. Adventure and growth camps But it pays well, includes international agencies include Camp Leaders and USA
Not everyone’s built for lecture halls travel, and builds real work ethic. Teens Summer Camp.
just yet. Programmes like Quest Africa need specific safety training (STCW)
and Warriors Academy focus on physical and usually start in entry-level roles like Great for: Sociable teens who want an
challenges, life skills, and personal deckhand or steward/stewardess. overseas adventure and don’t mind
growth. Think hiking, building, leading, shouting “eyes on me!” twenty times a
failing, recovering – all in a group of Great for: Adventurous, disciplined day.
equally confused 18-year-olds figuring teens who want to earn while seeing the
out life. world – and don’t mind cleaning things. The point isn’t the programme – it’s
the purpose
Great for: Kids who need to build grit, 5. Study abroad/short courses Gap years can be game changers if they’re
confidence, and independence before Not a full degree, but enough to keep the treated like an investment, not an escape
choosing a career path. brain busy. Some do language immersion plan. That doesn’t mean every day needs to
in Spain or Japan; others take creative be productive. But there should be a sense
3. Au pairing abroad short courses in London or Amsterdam. of momentum – a thread your teen can trace
You get board, meals, a stipend, and an These are good for curious kids who back later and say, “That’s when I grew up
instant crash course in how other people want to keep learning but aren’t ready a bit.”
live. You also get to look after children, for university just yet.
which means you grow up very quickly. How to know if your child’s a good
Europe is a popular choice, especially Great for: Kids with academic interest candidate for a gap year
the Netherlands and Germany. Most but no clear major in mind – and families They’re not ready to commit to a course or
agencies require a police clearance and willing to invest in the experience. career yet.
basic childcare experience. They have the maturity to make the year
6. Summer Camp USA (or Canada) count.
Great for: Independent teens who love Your teen becomes a camp counsellor, They’re motivated to do something – even if
kids and want to live abroad without runs activities, supervises kids, and earns they’re not sure what.
blowing their life savings. a stipend. Flights and accommodation They need time to build confidence,
independence, or life skills.
And above all – they’re willing to work
through the discomfort of not having it all
figured out. Because that’s the real growth.

About the Author
Nicola Killops is a curriculum designer,
education consultant, and neurodiversity
specialist based in South Africa. She works
with families, schools, and teachers to
support gifted, ADHD, and twice-exceptional
learners – helping each child find the path
that fits them, not the system. She is the
founder of NeuroParenting Hub, where
she offers personalised tools, resources,
and real-talk support for parents navigating
complex learning journeys.

48 | INTRAMUROS NOVEMBER 2025