Parents

‘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

We realise that parents want to be sure that their son or daughter is in safe and reputable hands. Oyster is a small and specialist organisation that offers first class projects and a thorough and personal approach. We offer a variety of placements abroad that are challenging and will give our participants new skills and experiences, so that they make the most of their gap year.

The destinations are managed by one of our 3 UK team members meaning that they get to know participants personally, offering help and support from the moment someone applies to the moment they return from their time away. Our overseas representatives are local residents who are employed directly by us to make all the arrangements and to be a helpful friend to participants whilst they are away.

‘One of the most exciting, mind expanding and valuable things you can do during a gap year’ Lucy Brims 2007

Your son or daughter will be taking part in tried and tested schemes which are thoroughly checked and monitored by our UK staff and overseas representatives. Most of our placements have been running for eight years and have fantastic participant reviews which you can request from us.

Your child will get:

• the certainty of a well-chosen placement with everything arranged in advance
• a personal service from our experienced staff in the UK which includes thorough preparation before departure
• excellent support from our representative abroad
• a group of fellow travellers to share the experience with
• the chance to learn key life skills through real life experiences in a very different country
• the opportunity to learn a language
• Flight arrangements (option to book you own with relevant price deduction)

Oyster is a full member of the Year Out Group, an association of leading year out organisations. All payments to Oyster Worldwide are protected by our Air Tour Operator’s Licence commonly known as ATOL. This is a government backed insurance scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority that would come into effect in the unlikely event Oyster Worldwide was to become bankrupt or go into liquidation. Our ATOL number is 9598. Oyster has this Licence because we include flights to all of our destinations but an individual is excluded if they arrange their own flights.

Our Experience

Oyster has one of the most experienced teams in the gap year industry; Roger Salwey, Oyster’s founder and Director has been directly involved in organising gap years since 1994. He was the Operations Director of a leading school expedition and gap year provider before specialising solely in gap years in 1999. Since then he has organised placements for around 1,000 participants, including two of the Oyster staff who joined after graduation. Having experienced our placements first hand, they are well placed to manage and develop them as well as understanding the needs of current participants.

‘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

 

Oyster is proud of its overseas representatives, most of whom have managed these projects since 2000 when they started. Their experience, local knowledge and warm personalities will offer another layer of reassurance as your child adjusts to life abroad. Their role is to meet participants at the airport and help them settle in, providing an initial orientation and co-ordinating any additional parts of the package, such as intensive language courses or expeditions.

All our representatives live locally and have regular contact with all participants. The groups are small so our representatives get to know them well. As well as arranging occasional social meet-ups for the group, they will support your child if they face challenges that they don't feel able to handle alone. Past participant have highlighted this friendly approach as one of the great strengths of Oyster.

'The most memorable day of the placement would have to be the last one, and it’s a shame in a way that it isn’t until the end that you realise just how grateful and appreciative the school has been for your effort. Although I was sad to be leaving, the treatment I received form the students as well as the teachers was simply the most overwhelming sensation I’ve ever had the great fortune to experience’ Sam Souter 2007

Support at home and overseas

‘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

A key feature of Oyster is the care taken to get to know our participants and ensure that they are well-supported before and during their time overseas.

All participants will meet our UK team to find out more and to undergo an informal interview to ensure they are well suited to the placement. Parents are welcome join us to ask any questions you may have. Once your child has accepted a place we will then make the necessary arrangements (including work, accommodation and flights) and advise your son or daughter on how to obtain insurance, vaccinations and so on. Our friendly staff are always happy to be contacted about any queries you or child might have before departure.

About two months before departure we run a pre-departure course which will give participants the chance to meet the rest of their group and to receive advice and information which will help them during their trip. This is a unique and fantastic opportunity to meet with returned participants and gain relevant training (e.g. teaching, working in hospitality). It includes preparation for the work, travel survival tips, cultural issues and health advice. We have a comprehensive health and safety policy.

A member of the Oyster team will see the group off at the airport. They will then be met at the destination airport by our local representative who will help them settle in and provide an induction programme. The local representative will check on your son or daughter’s progress during their stay and will be available to help with any problems or health issues if necessary. Again we are contactable in the UK throughout your child’s time away.

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)