DOES TRAVEL BROADEN THE MIND? NOT ACCORDING TO NEW RESEARCH
By Neil Kook
- 60% admit that a “gap year” did NOT broaden their mind
- 29% are sick of their friends travelling “stories”
- 14% admit travelling made it harder to get a job in the UK
Travel broadens the mind, according to the age-old-adage. However, new research from student shipping specialist, 1StopShip, reveals a gap-year could in fact harm your employment prospects, and in some cases, lose you friends!
The study questioned 1,000 backpackers across the UK, and was timed to coincide with the start of the university term where thousands return from a year abroad to embark on further education – or defer studying in favour of a gap year.
Contrary to popular belief, the research found that nearly 60% of backpackers admitted their time spent travelling didn’t help them positively develop as a person while 28% thought they had changed for the better, but quickly reverted back to their old attitude when they returned to home soil.
To add more salt to the wound, 29% of people questioned confessed to growing sick of their backpacking buddy’s endless stories, while 12% stated that their friends returned with a false sense of superiority.
World of work
Meanwhile, those planning to travel post-university before joining the world of work may want to think again. More than a third (34%) admitted they struggled to make the transition into a nine-to-five lifestyle, while a further 14% admitted their stint overseas left them dreading work and feeling unprepared. An unsettled 23% claimed they were already planning to travel again after starting their first job.
It seems these concerns are shared by employers; a shocking 19% said that their current boss viewed their time spent travelling as a negative, while 14% struggled to get a job because they lacked experience compared with non-travelling candidates of a similar age. Despite this, a 39% of backpackers saw traveling as a positive and something that reflected well on their CV.
Ian Brown, from 1StopShip, commented: “While the research may seem a little damning when it comes to taking a gap year, we know from our customers – a good proportion of whom are young people, recent school leavers or graduates – that there can be huge benefits too. We would advise anyone looking to genuinely enrich themselves, or make a positive impression on prospective employers to consider incorporating both work and travel, such as teaching or temping overseas; this can ensure you acquire new skills, whilst also experiencing a new culture and seeing new places”.
Emily Moult, a former Leeds Metropolitan University student who spent a year teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in France, supports this. She said: “I reflect fondly on my year teaching abroad and think of it as a serious life-changing experience. Not only did I get to see new places, but I was also able to improve my language skills and gain a whole host of new skills, all of which helped me enormously when it came to getting a full-time job.”
Whatever the reasons for travelling, careful planning is key, and that’s where a cost-effective and reliable shipping service can play its part. If you’re thinking of moving or working overseas, ensure you don’t leave any of your prized possessions behind and are fully prepared by visiting www.1stopship.com.
Ends
Sources:
*Research was commissioned by Robinsons in September 2014, and questioned 1,000 people who had travelled for 6 months+
1StopShip is a specialised shipping service aimed at those wanting to transport smaller shipments to popular overseas destinations such as Australia, Asia or America. With online quotes, quick and easy booking, and prices starting from £99, it offers safe, simple shipping, guaranteed.