FAQ

What's special about Oyster?

Our team in the UK and overseas have considerable experience in arranging gap year placements abroad. Our UK staff have all undertaken Oyster projects themselves therefore We know what makes a great gap year and offer carefully chosen placements in different parts of the world to deliver this.

‘The programme as a whole was excellent, very reliable. It was flexible enough to keep volunteers using the best of their abilities. The representative is brilliant. It’s no surprise so many people return to Romania and with Oyster. I definitely will.' Tamsin Clube 2007

How long have you been going?

Most of our placements have been running since 2000 and we have been operating under the name of Oyster since 2006. We will be happy to put you in touch with those who have travelled to our placements in the past. They will be able to tell you directly about the service and expertise offered by the UK team and our representatives abroad.

Is Oyster a member of the Year Out Group?

Yes, we are a full member of the Year Out Group. Our procedures have been assessed and the Year Out Group has taken into account that our placements and staff are well established.

‘I think the programme as a whole was very well organised. I never had to worry because I felt like I was a part of a well planned placement where I could join in with the Nepali life as much as possible and always knew what I was doing’. Alice Foren 2008

Is there a minimum or maximum age for participants?

Our voluntary placements are open to anyone over 17 and we always welcome career breakers of any age. For Canada you will need to be aged 18-30 to fulfil visa requirements.

Do I need to learn a language?

With all placements we encourage you to learn enough of the local language to get by and to be sociable. You'll get some basic language teaching on arrival. Those who try to keep learning throughout their trip make real progress.

Do I travel on my own?

You will go out with a group that varies in size depending on destination and whom you will meet at the pre-departure course. You're certain to become good friends with some or all of them and many end up travelling on together at the end of the placement. If you prefer not to go with a group this is usually possible. We'll be happy to talk it through.

‘The friendships I’ve made with other volunteers are far stronger than I imagined’. Amy Russell 2005

Can friends go together?

Yes.

Can I do more than one placement?

Yes. We'll reduce the cost of your second placement by £300. An increasing number of participants choose to do a voluntary and a paid placement.

What if I want to arrange my own flights?

That's fine (although you might miss out on travelling with the others and being met on arrival). We will reduce the price of your placement accordingly. Our ATOL bond only protects you if Oyster arranges your flights.

 

How do I apply?

Fill in the application form and submit online. Alternatively apply for our information pack that includes an application form. We will then invite you to a briefing and informal interview at our office in East Sussex. If we are confident that you will gain a lot from the placement and your referee confirms this we will offer you a place with Oyster.

‘I am so glad I came to Romania, it has (and I think always will be) the best thing I have ever done. I’m glad I came with a company like Oyster which gave me so much support and guidance.’ Chloe Leadbetter 2007

Why do you need to interview me?

We want to make sure that you find a placement which is right for you, so that you get the most of your time abroad. All our placements are challenging in different ways. We want to make sure that you have what it takes. It also gives you the chance to check us out in person and find out more before you sign up.

Can I have a telephone interview?

Yes. We can interview you over the telephone if coming for an interview is impractical. Given the scale (and cost) of what you have applied to do we feel it would be better for both of us to meet if at all possible.

What happens at the interview?

We will invite you to spend a couple of hours at our office in East Sussex, where you will meet the team and the destination manager for your placement and possibly other applicants for your destination. You will have the chance to find out in detail about Oyster and our placements. We will chat to you about your experiences, motivation and expectations and brief you on what you will be doing. You will hear within 24 hours whether you have been offered a place with Oyster. Most applicants are successful.

What does the pre-departure course involve?

The course will be held at or near our Oyster office. The course lasts between 1 and 2 days and there is no extra cost for the course apart from your transport to and from the venue. At the course you and your group will be given useful information about the work you will be doing, the things you will need to take, health, safety, local language and cultural issues etc. It's a great chance to meet your travelling companions, ask questions and share the excitement.

‘Thank you for your support throughout my time in Brazil. I've made friends to last a life time and have memories which will inspire me to act when I see those in trouble and pain for as long as I live.’' Emily Parr 2008

At what stage do I pay?

You pay a deposit (£180) to secure an interview but this is refundable if you decide not to accept the place with us and counts as your first payment if you do accept. There are two further payments of £450 six months before departure and the balance 90 days before departure. If you are accepted more than 7 months before departure, you will be given the option of paying the balance upfront. We will give you a 5% discount on the remainder of the balance.

How do I raise the money?

Most participants manage to raise the total cost themselves by finding paid work before departure. However, we can also give you plenty of suggestions for fund-raising initiatives. Contact us for further details.

Find out more

Contact: Call Jon on 01892 770771 or email jon@oysterworldwide.com

‘I have a lifetime of memories! And loads more friends!' Libby Young 2006 (top)