“A GAP year is an opportunity of a lifetime that will enable you to gain independence through working and living in an environment, which is different to your normal way of life.
Working in both England and Canada has given me the confidence and self-determination to excel in my future ambitions. I thank Letz Live for making this opportunity possible and I strongly recommend choosing Letz Live when considering your GAP year”.

Lucy (Queensland)


“ 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 Letz Live. Our accommodation and transfers were all organised for us in advance, but more importantly, Letz Live provided invaluable advice and a wealth of traveling experience.

I’ve benefited the most from this ongoing support throughout the year. Its 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)“.

Mitch (Queensland)


“ My time withLetz Live has been amazing. Having applied to Letz Live in 2007, I had no idea that 12 months later I would be eating Baguettes in front of the Arc de Triomphe, rock climbing in the French Alps, or cruising down the southern coast of Portugal. The raw experience that I have gained so far from my GAP year is something I could only have ever dreamed of. My school in Yorkshire is brilliant, the holidays are plentiful – so having fun is almost guaranteed.

I’d recommend a GAP year to anyone half-considering it as an option!”

Tu (Tasmania)


“ All is great in the town of Winnipeg.
Thanksgiving was a lot of fun. I went with one of the junior school teachers to the lakes in Ontario and had a blast. Halloween is coming up too. Everyone gets into it here; the whole school is decked out in Halloween kit. I am thinking of going to school as Gene Simmons from Kiss.

I love my school! The kids are nice and I have been told that I am doing a good job in the junior school. The staff here are all really nice and very welcoming (I have even had a few staff members suggest I meet their daughters and nieces).

My favourite part of the day is going outside with the kids and running around with them. Playing touch football or tag with the grade 1’s and kindy kids is a lot of fun. The past few weeks have been beautiful with the changing leaves, as it is now almost fall. There have been plenty of ‘leaf fights’. The children v Mr Stower……(I always seem outnumbered)!

In Winnipeg it’s usually a crystal clear day, of about 3 degrees. I think I am enjoying the cold weather but of course miss the humidity of Brisbane.

I have also been helping out with the varsity girls’ volleyball team. It’s a lot of fun. The girl’s are funny, they are more concerned about their warm up music or ‘pep rally’ dance than the appropriate volleyball skills."

Damian (Queensland)


“After graduating from high school, I decided to take a GAP year in Scotland. I had so many expectations prior to departing but I can assure you they were all met and even exceeded.
A GAP year gave me the opportunity to take a well-deserved break from my studies and to learn how the other side of the world lived. Seeing my first snowfall, eating haggis for breakfast, wearing a kilt, embracing the local culture and forging long lasting friendships with the teaching staff and kids alike was truly a life changing experience.

The best thing was earning British Pounds whilst not having to pay for food and accommodation. And who else can say “Well I turned 18 over in the UK and got to backpack around Europe for three months with twenty five other fellow Aussie GAP students.” ---- Come on, what a story to tell your mates back home!

I truly recommend taking a GAP year through Letz Live, from time to time I look back at all the photos from my year abroad and can safely say that it was the best year of my life!”

Bernard (Queensland)


“ FREEDOM, INDEPENDENCE, EXCITEMENT. There are joust some of the many words that come to mind when I think of my GAP year. I can safely say that the past 10 months I’ve spent in Europe have been the best of my life.

At the start of the year I was daunted by the prospect of spending a year away from family and friends, in a foreign environment thousands of kilometers from home. However, at the same time it was an electrifying feeling – and it still is!

So after 10 months of my GAP year I have traveled to over 25 countries. I have tried Sangria in Spain, stared at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, cruised the Greek Islands and traced the Berlin Wall – all during school holidays in my job as a GAP assistant in the beautiful English countryside.

As a GAP assistant I have been responsible for teaching a variety of things; from Netball to I.T, Music to Math’s. I have immersed myself in English culture and discovered that I don’t like Marmite (English version of Vegemite), but love a scone with a cup of tea and no matter how I try, thongs will never be ‘flip-flops’ and chips never ‘crisps’.

This year has taught me so much about the world and the person I want to become in it. It has enabled me to create my own existence, to relax and prepare myself for university in 2009.

When I think back to the apprehensive, nervous 17 year old that left Australia in January, I cant believe how quickly the time has gone and how much I have grown. Now I am almost home, but not without a few more adventures and a few more stories to add to the collections.”

Karly (New South Wales)


“ I spent my GAP year with Letz Live in quite possibly the BEST boarding school in Canada located in Winnipeg (a.k.a Winterpeg). I was thrust straight into this crazy new world of fun and excitement. Everyone at the school was welcoming and friendly and as the year progressed, this didn’t change!

Being in a GAP position, you are presented with so many opportunities, whether that is traveling around on school trips, both within Canada or into the United States, or making friendships that will last a lifetime. If you’re outgoing and get involved, the opportunities’ will present themselves to you.

Taking a year abroad allowed me to grow and change into a mature young adult, in a way that is only possible by being in a position such as this. I loved acting as an older sister to so many international boarders and lending a helping hand in the classroom is more rewarding that I ever imagined.

For anyone is thinking about a GAP Year , stop thinking and just do it! I promise you, it will be the most amazing experience of your life. Powdery white snow and temperatures that drop lower than I thought possible – what more could you want?

Thanks Letz Live, I am forever in your debt!”

Samantha (New South Wales)


Choosing a gap year was one of the best things I have ever done and I feel so lucky for all the opportunities I have been given to experience ‘life’ this year!

Not only have I been placed in an amazing school, I have had the opportunity to travel the world and make loads of new friends. Letz Live has allowed me to have a base network of other gap students to converse with whilst in the UK, some of which have become my closest friends this year through traveling.

I am currently working in a high school with kids aged 11 -19 in Northern Wales.
Throughout this time, I have developed strong friendships with both the staff and students and become integrated into the family lifestyle and atmosphere of the school. As everyone is so friendly, you feel as though the UK and your school really is your ‘home away from home.’

As a gap student I have had the opportunity to coach sports such as hockey, netball and swimming and become involved in the amazing outdoor activities such as white water kayaking, skiing, canoeing, climbing and gorge walking that my school offers. I have also thoroughly enjoyed occasionally teaching my own little classes and assisting in the day to day running of the girl’s boarding house. Working at the school is always a laugh, living with 24 lively teenagers and involving myself with activities, discos and sporting events.

My gap year has taught me to be more independent and has allowed me to discover more about myself and mature as a person; giving me the confidence to meet new people, try new things and travel the world. So far this year, I have traveled 24 countries and developed a large network of life long friends. After working and traveling on a budget, a gap year definitely allows you to appreciate the saying, ‘there’s no place like home.’

Approaching the end of my gap year, I can honestly say I don’t want to leave as the experiences I have had and the friendships I have forged are invaluable. Many of my friends back at home say to me ‘I wish I had taken a gap year,’ and I strongly recommend doing one. It has also allowed me to take time off and really think about what I want to study in university next year. After achieving so much in my travels and work experience, I now feel confident and ready to embark on a new journey and begin university at the start of next year.

This year has been nothing but fun and without a doubt the best year of my life! By taking a gap year, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain!

Caitlin (Queensland)


“ My GAP year in Scotland was, undoubtedly, the best year of my life, filled with an abundance of impulsive traveling, cultural exploration and a wealth of new friendships.
It was throughout my year that I developed a sense of independence, blossoming through my boarding house responsibilities with the children, into the adult that I was destined to become, stopping along the road momentarily to relive my preschool days of play dough, stories on the mat and spelling tests!

I irrefutably recommend a GAP year to any prospective student as the friendships that will be shaped along the way will last a lifetime and span the circumference of the globe.
I will always look back on my year away with fond memories of laughter, frivolity and growth, and I am thankful that I was given this chance to change my life forever.”

Felicity (Queensland)


“ I have gained confidence I never knew I had, self-reliance, the ability to communicate with others and so much more.

Before leaving, I considered studying education at university and now after experiencing school life as a staff member, I am more confident in saying that this is the path I wish to pursue”.

Ben (Queensland)


“ My GAP year was spent in an English boarding school close to the Welsh boarder. I loved my time working in an environment where I was entrusted in helping out with the daily running of the boarding establishment. Governing bed times, helping with different lessons and office tasks were my daily duties, however if you are willing you can lend a hand in almost anything you wish.

I strongly recommend a GAP year in the United Kingdom. For a young Australian to venture to a far away land for 12 months really puts you out of your comfort zone and in some cases makes you appreciate what you have back home in Oz!
Furthermore, taking a GAP year allows you to mature as a person, be assigned responsibility and gain independence weather it be through working in a boarding school environment or international travel, and better prepares you for future education and employment.

Spending time abroad with Letz Live is simply a MUST!”

Georgie (New South Wales)


“ Without a doubt, my GAP year has been the best thing I have ever experienced. I lived and worked in the south of England, where 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.

However, the highlight of my travels is much harder to choose from, as every holiday I went on, I had a great time with friends both new and old. I still get together with my fellow Gappie’s and share some of the great memories in which we shared on our GAP years.

If you’re looking for a life-changing experience, then a GAP year with Letz Live is definitely the way to go.”

Josh (Queensland)


Venturing into my GAP year in the UK, I was a little nervous about being away from home for such a long time, but at the same time excited about the experience ahead. From the word go I was welcomed into an unfamiliar but comforting community with open arms and from that moment on, I can say that not much changed.

I spent my year working at a boarding house in the English Midlands. My responsibilities involved undertaking duties such as waking boarders, assisting with homework, encouraging household chores as well as helping to maintain a sense of wellbeing amongst the boarding house community.

School holidays gave me a chance to travel across Europe, to places I never thought I would have had the opportunity to visit, as well as meet new people, who have now become lifelong friends.

My GAP year has handed me an invaluable experience and the confidence to travel the world and to meet new people. Having completed my year in the UK I am now enthusiastic and excited about beginning my next challenge in life – being a university student.

Luke (Queensland)


For a seventeen year old who has just left school it can be a very daunting process deciding what to do with ones life. However by choosing to do a GAP year, fortunately I was not faced in this predicament.

I worked as a matron in a prep school boarding house in the gorgeous town of Malvern, situated near the Welsh boarder. As a matron I had greater in-house duties yet I was also allowed and encouraged to help out in co-curricular activities that I enjoyed, such as teaching fun dance classes and helping out with school plays and musicals. I was also very fortunate to work with other Australian’s who have since become and will always remain close friends. The highlight of my year was without a doubt, the travel, during which time I visited close to twenty countries throughout Europe and the UK, each filled with their own amazing cultures and friendly faces.

When I tell people of my experiences I always get the same reply, “I wish I’d had the opportunity to do that when I left school!” It is for this reason I recommend the GAP year to all those who are interested. A GAP year means dealing with real world situations in an unfamiliar context and hence demands maturity, responsibility and independence at young age, which are all great traits to encompass.

I can honestly say that my GAP year was the most incredible and rewarding experience I’ve ever encountered, the skills I learnt, the places I traveled and the people I met will always remain more then just fond memories, they have shaped the person I am today.
Thanks Letz Live!!!

Natalie (New South Wales)


Before going on my GAP year I wasn’t entirely sure how the year would turn out, but sure enough it was the best year of my life. Initially it was hard saying goodbye to all my family and friends, but after having spent a year in such proximity with my new family (the school community) I found it even harder to return to Australia.

Being given the chance to embrace a totally new lifestyle with a whole range of responsibilities so far away from home, gave me the chance to become my own person and with that I was able to gain confidence in myself. It also allowed me to meet and live with people from a variety of different cultures that has now provided me with endless invitations to countries from all over the world.

Having a base in the UK gave me the opportunity to travel back and forwards between countries, in fact I managed to get to 12 countries by the time I turned 18. Certainly a worthwhile experience I would recommend to everyone!

Peta (Queensland)


My GAP year was an experience and an opportunity that I will never forget. It gave me insights to a lifestyle in a different country, widespread travel within the UK and in Europe that will live with me forever and friendships that will never be forgotten.

From the time spend in the UK, the things that stay with me most are the faces of the students and the fun times that we had together. I loved the opportunities to coach the cricket and rugby teams, to assist in running cross country events and athletics carnivals. Swimming lessons were always lots of fun and games and disco nights always gave us lots of laughs.

I forged strong friendships with the teaching staff and their families and the staff and students within the senior school. It was wonderful to be welcomed into many homes and made to feel part of their family. It was fascinating in that the weather was so much more varied, as was the scenery with its location in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

A GAP year with Letz Live really expands your horizons and gives you the opportunity to see the world!

Todd (Queensland)



PARENTS:

A “GAP year” offers such a wonderful opportunity for a young person to work and live in another country in order to experience a different lifestyle and culture. Our daughter thoroughly enjoyed her time in England and has gained valuable life skills, which will enhance her future career options. It has also developed her love of travel and expanded her general knowledge.

We would certainly recommend Nick Hare’s company, “Letz Live” as he not only established a position as a matron, for our daughter in an excellent school but for the continued support throughout the year, both for ourselves and our daughter. Their advice and guidance is always readily available and we felt confident with “Letz Live’s” expertise.

Our only regret is that we didn’t have the chance to experience a “GAP year” at the same age!

Mr & Mrs Dempster (2008)


Our son Damian completed school at the end of 2007. He left Brisbane bound for Winnipeg, Canada on August 24 after working and saving for his GAP year. Damian applied to Letz Live in April of 2008 and found out that his destination was Canada at the beginning of May. From that time on I was in constant contact with Nick (Director of Letz Live) either via email or telephone. Nick was always available and able to answer my many questions. Nick was able to put us in contact with an excellent travel agent, Jeanette from Events Travel, who helped us with all of Damian’s travel arrangements. Both Nick and Jeanette kept us informed of what we needed to do with regards to visas (Canada and the USA) and other travel arrangements. We met with Nick a couple of weeks before Damian was due to leave and he arranged for the GAP student who had just returned home, to meet with us. We found that very reassuring. Nick also came to the airport the day Damian flew out. When Damian arrived in Canada, there were some initial difficulties with immigration and his work visa but Damian called Nick who was able to sort things out with the Canadian Consulate in Sydney and after that everything went smoothly. Damian is having a wonderful time in Winnipeg and has made many friends. He has travelled on school trips to the USA, Ontario and Vancouver and he is going to Nova Scotia in April. Nick at Letz Live helped turn the idea of having a GAP year into a reality and as parents having him readily available to organise, answer questions, help, suggest and talk about his own experiences, made things so much easier for us.

Mr & Mrs Stower, (2008 / 2009)


Henry had a wonderful time in Canada. The school was welcoming and certainly looked after him. We have no complaints and believe it was beneficial for Henry to participate in. Henry has commented on his time in Canada and it has all been very positive.

Mr & Mrs Young (2008)


This is a wonderful program!!!!
My daughter was able to travel to the other side of the world by herself and be welcomed into a safe environment. She met many other GAP students and struck up a friendship with most of them in addition to the staff at her school - all of which are now lifelong friends!

Parent (2008)


Travel is a great way for our children to bridge the gap between the safety net of school and the real world of work or university. Letz Live has been an enriching experience for my son. He has now reached adulthood in a safe environment yet in an educational and enriching experience of his life that will form part of his personality and memories. What more could a parent ask? I would highly recommend this program to any parent who believes their child’s education does not stop within the family and school.

Parent (2008)