This can be a daunting experience after studying for a number of years, but it can also be an exciting opportunity to do something different whilst you are young and healthy.
If you have made the decision to take some time out and not either continue studies or start a full time career straight away there are ots of options.
But what is best to do?
To help make your adjustment easier after graduation we have put together ideas to help you. Hopefully this guide helps you plan the best experience of your life.
1. Travel
The world really is your oyster and depending on your budget there are so many countries you could visit.
You could plan a short break with friends, solo or book a tour. Just have time away somewhere different can freshen you up and give yourself a well deserved break after exams.
There is a lot of choice - going on a tour, travel independently, city break, backpacking adventure, summer student trip or something longer.
You could visit amazing cultural cities in Europe, relax on beaches in Asia, party at the full moon party in Thailand, explore Australia, enjoythe jungles of South America, or travel to see exotic animal in Africa.
There's a big world out there and what better time to explore it. You could even do a round the world trip!
Below are some recommendations for worldwide tours and adventure trips:
- Inter-rail around Europe
- Get a hop-on hop-off bus pass of New Zealand
- Book a tour in South Africa
- Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in South America
- Travel overland on a tour in Southeast Asia
Gap Year
If you like the idea for a longer experience than just a short holidady then why not consider taking a gap year.
There are lots of reasons to take a gap year, you could spend months or a year or longer travelling or doing a structured trip combining multiple experiences.
Some of the best destinations to visit on a gap year can include Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Spain, France, Canada, Brazil and Mexico - just to name a few.
Browse our website for ideas how to plan the ultimate post graduation gap year trip.
2. Work Abroad and Get Paid
Do you like the idea of travelling but you don't have the funds? Are are you keen to escape your home town or country? There are so many options to work abroad.
If you are open to living in a new country and would like to get paid there are a range of jobs available. From short term and summer jobs which are ideal for students to long term jobs where you can work abroad for 1 year or more.
These positions are a great way to live abroad, experience a different country/culture, boost your bank balance and travel in your free time.
Popular jobs for graduates can include:
- Europe seasonal work
- Applying for a working holiday job in New Zealand
- Teaching English in Asia
- Summer jobs in France
- Winter ski jobs Canada
3. Volunteer
There are so many really inspirational volunteering programs around the world. This might turn out to be a life changing experience and where you get to learn new skils, meet new people and help make a small impact.
It is advised to apply though an international volunteer organisation who will arrange your placement and provide a safe trip.
Recommend options include:
- Working with elephants in Thailand
- Volunteering in Africa helping people
- Teaching in South America
- Volunteering with sea turtles in Central America
- Volunteering in Europe is popular
4. Gain Experience for Your CV
If you are worried you are lacking the experience to land that dream job or career why not consider gaining work experience.
This might sound realy boring compared to our other suggestions but gaining vital hands on work experience can really help your future job prospects, and also be fun.
Having a good CV / resume will really help and employers will like to see you spend your time wisely on an internships for example.
Some popular work experience options include:
- USA summer internships
- Professional internships in China
- Media and journalism placements in Africa
- Medical and healthcare electives in Asia
You'll also get to meet new people and have lots of free time to travel.
5. Learn a New Language
We highly recommend learning a new language at any stage of life, and what better time now you have more free time.
Knowing a new language can really help when travelling, socialising and making new friends and also might improve your job prospects.
There are lots of courses available onine and around the world. Studying a new language abroad is an amazing experience where you can really get to integarte into a new culture.
Language schools around the world offer courses and also organise social activites.
We recommend:
- Learn Spanish in Spain
- Living and taking a Spanish class in South America, you could teach English and study in your spare time
- Studying Portuguese in Brazil
- For a culture shock why not learn Mandarin in China
Plan Your Post Graduation Life
We hope our guide for graduation options has given you lots of ideas for things to do around the world. There are so many options, make sure you do something you enjoy and go for it.
