Paid Gap Year in the United Kingdom – School Assistant

Throughout your placement, your designated UK based Country Manager is available directly via telephone or email whenever you require; they’ll even come and visit you during your placement!

The answer is…… perhaps. It really does come down to the individual school and their unique set of requirements. In saying this, we only have a handful of placements that only appoint one participant, so the chances are you’re likely to be placed at a school with a fellow Letz Live participant. What makes this even better is that you will have communication from them the moment placements are confirmed and have the opportunity to meet during pre-departure functions and our orientation programme!

Based on number of applicants received in previous years, the chances are high! Whilst we cannot guarantee that all applicants will receive a placement (as the schools make the final decision), we do make a conscious effort to identify opportunities across our entire network of placement partners to ensure there is a suitable placement for all our outstanding candidates!

We certainly take down your preferences for a number of things including your preferred location, age groups, if you’ve got a particular interest in a school or if you would like to travel with a friend. In saying this, whilst we take them as “preferences” we cannot guarantee this and therefore some flexibility on your behalf is required. Our job is to match YOU to the best possible placement based on YOUR strengths and interests. The wonderful thing about the UK is that there is PLENTY of travel opportunities for you to catch up with both old and new friends during your year in the UK.

Absolutely! We have access to some great airfare rates and will provide assistance with your comprehensive travel insurance policies (travel insurance is mandatory). We also work with immigration experts who, for a small fee, can lodge and manage your visa application on your behalf.

Owing to a recent change in interpretation of certain UKVI (border agency) regulations, a UK Gap Year experience isn’t possible for those under 18 on the date of travel, unless you hold a UK ancestry (blood grandparent or parent, born in the UK) or have a British / Irish passport in your own name. But, all is certainly not lost for the younger applicants, as we have procured a good number of gap placements in Thailand (for both 6 or 11 months) and New Zealand and these are open to all ages from 17 years.

If you are turning 18 later in the year you may be eligible for our Camp Assistant programme (starting March/April) or for the UK September intake.

Unfortunately, due to the complicated nature of visa and entry clearance requirements imposed by the UK government, we are unable to offer alternative program options in the UK at this time. We do, however, offer several Gap Year programme options for participants to enjoy across the world. Some of our other fantastic destinations include Australia, New Zealand and Thailand!

To live and work in the UK you will need either a British/Irish passport or you will need to apply for a working holiday visa. Please see below for the costs for the two different visa types, Youth Mobility Scheme Visa and British Ancestry Visa.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa

To be eligible for this visa you must be between 18-35 years at the time of travel, and be a citizen of one of the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Monaco
• New Zealand
• San Marino

The Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa will cost £298.

The British High Commission requires you to have the equivalent of £2530 or more in available savings. You will need a bank statement or a letter from your bank as documentary evidence. These funds are required in your own account for 28-days prior to your visa lodgement.

At some VFS Global offices, there may be additional service charges to cover the courier costs of sending your application away for processing.

International Health Surcharge Fee is – £1,552.

Ancestry Visa

To be eligible for this visa you must be 17 years or older, a Commonwealth citizen and have a grandparent was who born in the UK.

The Ancestry Visa will cost you £637.

The British High Commission requires you to have the equivalent of £2500 or more in available savings. You will need a bank statement or a letter from your bank as documentary evidence.

International Health Surcharge Fee is – £5175

For full information visit GOV.UK

If you’re a British or an Irish passport holder you do not require a visa to work in the UK.

During the school holiday periods, you’ll be able to explore and travel around the United Kingdom at your own leisure. Why not make the most of our amazing ‘gap-only’ tours, explore the island nation with family and friends, or even take a quick trip to visit Rome, Paris or even Berlin? The world is your oyster!

Depending on your placement, it is to your schools’ discretion whether or not your accommodation will be available during the holidays, so be sure you ask your employer. Please note that food is only inclusive during working terms and will not be provided during school holiday periods.

The fee includes:

• Your placement as an assistant at a leading UK school, carefully selected by our team (we visit our host placements annually to ensure their continued suitability to host our participants)
• A position within a school that will pay you an allowance
• Accommodation (and depending on the school, food too) for the duration of your placement (throughout term time)
• Our famous ‘Orientation’ program which is held prior to the commencement of your placement
• Orientation includes, 2 nights accommodation, meals, training course + you meet countless other participants!
• A dedicated ‘Country Manager’ who will be your key point of contact in the lead up to and throughout the full duration of your placement with us
• Local UK mobile phone SIM card
• Access to a variety of discounted tours throughout the UK and Europe to enjoy during your time abroad
• Gappy support group to meet others on the programme prior to departure