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!!!!! WELCOME TO UGAP !!!!!
Gap Year - best time of
your life?
.....please
read on - this wwwebsite could seriously change your life and for
loads less than you could ever imagine!
(...if you need a break from the
unrelenting text, check out the photo gallery of places and
opportunities by clicking the gallery link above!!)
"Hektor gave a talk at
Uppingham 3 years ago, and I've never forgotten it!......I can honestly say it
changed my life!" Bee Noel Uppingham.
"KROME IS A PHENOMENON TO BE ENJOYED. HIS TALK ENTHRALLED,
MOTIVATED AND AMUSED OUR SIXTH FORM OF OVER 200 BY THE SHEER
ZEST AND MANIC HUMOUR OF THE PRESENTATION. IT IS REASSURING
TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE SPEAKER WHO IS UNRESERVEDLY UPBEAT, POSITIVE,
ENCOURAGING AND FUN...HIS INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM-THE QUALITY
OF A GOOD SCHOOLMASTER, WON US ALL. CALL ME FOR A
RECOMMENDATION....."
Richard
Mather, Oundle. 01832 277122
There are 3 sections on this page, click on
relevant section....
1 - I'm thinking of taking a gap year.....(hooray!
good on yer!)
2 - I'm a Parent.....(whoops!...bit
worried?!)
3 - Schools - book a talk.....(who
is this man?)
FOR ALL SCHOOL LEAVERS.......
 |
"I'm in the Algarve, on the biggest yacht in
the marina, I've got the keys, I've got the whole
yacht to myself! Everything's brilliant, I can't
believe my luck - thought I'd ring to let you know
how I've been getting on, and to thank you for the
inspiration."
Answerphone message from Daniel Whitham, ex Kevics Totnes,
en route by sailboat for S. America |
......whether taking a gap year or simply taking time out
for a breather (to recover from those brain numbing exams) or
to reassess your future, the period just after you leave school
has the potential to be the best year of your life. Grab the
opportunity with both hands...
This is
the Great Adventure-in particular I'm talking about Gap Year
travel...A year may seem a bit daunting, but at least 3
months is enough to be away properly and to get a flavour of
independence and to enjoy the challenge of using your
initiative and increasing your self confidence - you'll
probably never be quite so able to take the time to do so again. I
know Uni fees may be a problem, but there are many Gap year opportunities
to work , play, and to combine business with pleasure - one of
the Secrets of Life, during this wonderful time.
Remember that one hour's work-which pays you a minimum
of over £5/hr as a school leaver, can get you up to
5 night's b/b and a base in paradise out of season, in the Far East especially. You
will learn how to make the most of your money - to get your
money's worth - a great asset later in life, particularly at
Uni. Remember too, that you'll be getting huge summer
holidays - a great opportunity to use your Student Card for
discounts on travel and accommodation and do a Cook's tour
of galleries and hysterical monuments on the Continent and
into eastern Europe, and
perhaps work in a gap year job over the tourist season and polish up your foreign languages
for Uni or commerce.
Raising funds for Gap year organisations can be daunting.
Given the right information, the more adventurous of you can
prepare, work, save, and realise your own gap year dream that will
give you huge satisfaction and enhance your self-esteem and
confidence forever, and at much less cost. There are loads
of very practical and user friendly guide books available,
and many on the subject of taking a Gap Year and working
abroad, and don't forget, Googlegooglegoogle your questions!
For over 15 years I've been giving these gap year talks at all kinds
of schools and have had such wonderful responses from people
just like you who have had the most amazing experiences in their gap years all
over the world-be one of them! I have many practical
ideas for safe gap year travel and suggest safe and easy countries from over 30 years
of personal travel experience in which to travel and sometimes
work (getting a gap year job). See if you can get your school to book me for a startling,
unforgettable, and motivating talk. I usually talk to the
Lower VI, which gives you plenty of time to plan ahead, to
do some enjoyable but vital research, and think about working
for the funds.
You could also get your ever loving parents to book me for
an intensely fun, informative, and entertaining talk in the
comfort of your own home!
This is all not about loads of money, if the best things
in life are not necessarily free, they needn't cost an arm
and a leg! - and it's certainly not about going out and buying
loads of new equipment. I took a Gap Year from the grey skies
of the City in 1972-I'm still on it!!-I've never been back
to an office since, and have had so many outrageous adventures
with absolutely no regrets. I continually travel to update,
meeting school leavers, like you, travelling independently
from the West Indies to the East.
Essential points to encourage you to plan for
your own Gap.....
The thought of a whole year puts many off...a
few months is enough for you to learn so much
about yourself and your potential.
Think about travelling
in the Tropics. It's far cheaper, you don't need to
take so much kit, and most importantly local
people are far more up for unstructured ad hoc
volunteering in schools and local projects.
One hour working during
the summer hols earns approx £5...enough for 5 days'
b&b and a base in the tropics with local schools and
projects just down the road.
Before you hit the fond
parents with the bombshell, do some research and
draft out a few ideas of where you'd like to travel,
or what you'd like to do, who you'd like to visit,
(friends or relatives in Oz?) and about how long
for.
Check out the guide
books at the library, check out political
uncertainties, possible problems, health risks, get
an idea of a budget, insurance quotes etc. Your
parents should at least respect and approve of your
efforts to think ahead in a mature and sensible
fashion...any wavering, and get them to buy you
decent insurance. If they're still not convinced
suggest they fork out thousands of pounds for a gap
year nanny to put it on a plate.
Almost any
school/project will be delighted to have you assist.
for two reasons- 1 kudos. 2 the opportunity to
practice their English.
Take a "pocket
portfolio " of photos of people and places back
home, your family, home, friends, etc, to show and
tell in the classroom and the many occasions you
have for a chat with interested and friendly locals.
Take a camera to document the wonderful time you'll
have with the friendly and appreciative locals.
When you get back and
go for interviews for jobs/uni, take your "gap"
pocket portfolio to show the interviewer.
You'll have loads to say about the great time you've
had, with photos showing some of the peoples, places
and projects you've been part of. At the end of the day
you will be remembered and probably short listed for
having stood out for taking responsibility for
yourself and showing independence, initiative,
adaptability and the ability to make choices.
Also, and importantly,
you haven't relied on the fond parents to present it
to you on a plate with a Gap year organisation!
I was in the Himalalas in May
where I met a Gapper who'd (or his parents!) had
paid over £3000 to a Gap organisation to work in a
nearby school. My ticket had cost £285 return, and
for a month I bussed, hitched, walked and talked and
did ad hoc show and tells in 7 schools along the
mind boggling rocky road that led to Ladakh.
I also helped a village
prepare for the visit of the Dalai Lama, and happily
lived and enjoyed for sometimes as little as a £1 a
day, say £100 for the month. So for around £400
inclusive, I flew to India and back and made the
days of hundreds of incredibly excited and
appreciative children who had never had the chance
to have a tourist to themselves to ask questions and
look and discuss pictures of places and things they
had not even imagined.
Quite a lot of change from
£3000 there, and far more scope for initiative and
taking responsibility for oneself, learning to adapt
and budget.
Later, going to Uni and
being away from home seems a bit of a doddle.
ONE IMPORTANT THING IS OBVIOUS,
ESPECIALLY WHILST TRAVELLING....
YOU CAN HAVE A LOUSY TIME IN
PARADISE
OR A FANTASTIC TIME IN A
HELLHOLE
IT'S ALL DOWN TO..... .ATTITUDE!!.......
(...and this goes for Life, too!)
CARPE DIEM !!
SPECIAL NOTE FOR GIRLS!!...
FEAR NOT THAT YOU'RE A GODDESS!! LOADS OF GIRLS ARE
SAFELY TRAVELLING INDEPENDENTLY THE WORLD OVER AND HAVING
THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES.
GOOGLE "SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WOMEN" etc...loads of
good advice.
GIRLS THINK "YES, I CAN DO THAT"...AND DO IT.
BOYS THINK "YES, I CAN DO THAT.. ANYTIME".. AND MANY NEVER
QUITE GET AROUND TO IT.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE JUST LIKE YOU WHO'VE
GORN BEFORE!
"In the last three months I have climbed and snowboarded
in the Atlas mountains, travelled by camel in the Sahara,
sailed up the Nile, snorkelled in the Red sea, stayed with
gypsies and tribes people and learned about different cultures, worked
in hotels and bars, and done much much more-and all for less
than it would have cost to stay back home. If you're taking
a gap year, don't squander it-you gain experience and knowledge
that the majority of people never get. Listen to this man,
I heard him speak at Dean Close, he has changed my life!"
pc from Tim Allen. Dean Close, met in the Sinai-heading for another
distant horizon!!
"You seriously blew my mind-your talk was visionary,
full of practical advice and encouragement...I can't wait
for my gap year...". email from Matthew Singmin.
Tonbridge.
"It's the only talk I can remember!!" Thomas
Gibbs. Oundle, met at the Grange cookery school doing a course
before an overseas placement.
....and when you get back, with a tan and all your
fantastic pictures and stories, your friends will say
"you're really LUCKY to have done that!"
.....rubbish!! it's not luck, it's CHOICE!!
make the choice!! You'll never regret it, never forget
it, and it'll change the way you see and feel about yourself
and the world...forever!
.....AND DON'T FORGET, I DO HOME VISITS TO HELP YOUR PARENTS
FEEL HAPPIER ABOUT YOU EMBARKING ON THIS GREAT ADVENTURE......(and
they'll save a packet!)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::krome@ugap.co.uk::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FOR SCHOOLS WHO MAY WISH TO BOOK ME......
"IF YOU ONLY BOOK ONE TALK A YEAR-THIS IS IT!". TONY MILLER,
LANCING COLLEGE
FEAR NOT THAT YOU'RE BOOKING A LEMON!! THERE'S NEVER A DULL MOMENT!
......wit, loads of practical experience and advice, and audience
interaction is the name of the game for these talks. There
are always masses of questions, and, most importantly, many
stay behind to ask further questions and discuss their own
plans. The talk is profusely illustrated with startling eye
grabbing slides, updates and gripping yarns, there's never
a dull moment.
.....RIPPING
TESTIMONIALS WRITTEN BY SOME OF THOSE WHO'VE BOOKED ME.....
"A thrilling alternative to Gap year organisations. Hektor Krome amuses and motivates with superb photos, breathless style, and 30 years experience!". Neil Morris. Hustpierpoint.01273
833636
"...of all the lectures, this is the one they remember the
most....his message is simple and compelling; those who have
followed his advice have returned wiser and fulfilled,
having enjoyed an extraordinary and inexpensive experience."
Jeremy Hutchinson. Careers.
Dauntseys.01380 814539
"KROME IS A PHENOMENON TO BE ENJOYED. HIS TALK ENTHRALLED,
MOTIVATED AND AMUSED OUR SIXTH FORM OF OVER 200 BY THE SHEER
ZEST AND MANIC HUMOUR OF THE PRESENTATION. IT IS REASSURING
TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE SPEAKER WHO IS UNRESERVEDLY UPBEAT, POSITIVE,
ENCOURAGING AND FUN...HIS INFECTIOUS ENTHUSIASM-THE QUALITY
OF A GOOD SCHOOLMASTER, WON US ALL."
Richard
Mather, Oundle. 01832 277122
"An explosive presentation...went off with a bang, so to speak!" Edmund Hunt. Careers. St. Edwards Oxford
01865319214
"Hektor Krome
is a guaranteed hit with all age groups with his infectious
enthusiasm and terrific slides. Most schools are looking for
speakers who can be relied on to educate as well as amuse,
and the fact that he held rapt the attention of 200 VI
formers, even at the end of a very busy and long term, says
everything..." John Thornley, Director of Administration, Eastbourne
College
"Truly inspirational!...an
ideal talk for students, particularly with Gap Year in mind. The audience
was gripped throughout by a delivery which was as fresh and enthusiastic
as it was witty and original...the reponse could not have been more positive.
Krome is a man with a mission to entertain and educate in the truest sense
of the word, and he does so magnificently. Excellent value for money!"Jenny
Brown, Highgate
"Colourful, compelling, bizarre, but practical!..he kept everyone spellbound.. the runaway highlight of the year!". Donimic Walters. Uppingham
"An
excellent and most stimulating talk, responses ranged from
'inspirational' to 'completely mad'. I enjoyed your talk and
magnificent slides enormously..."Douglas Henderson,
Clifton
"Outrageous,
unconventional, -an entertaining roller-coaster in search of the perfect
Gap Year experience, not so much as a whiff of political correctness!" Anthony
Wallersteiner, Tonbridge
"Our favourite
speaker, he has been coming here for years and every time
we get the most terrific response from the students.I've absolutely
no hesitation of recommending him to any school looking for
an exceptional speaker to motivate students to make the most
of their potential". Tom
Jeffers. Christs Hospital School.
"Few, if any,
speakers have made such an immediate and positive impact on
the audience, you were the runaway highlight of the series,
see you again next year...."Murray
Fowler, Wellington.
"Flamboyant, exhuberant,
captivating, and inspirational." Chris Barry. Harrow.
"We were enthralled by your photos, your energy,
and the sheer theatre of your presentation." Tana
McPherson -Smith. Benenden.
"Particularly
relevant and inspiring, an annual treat."Margaret
Chandler, Putney H.S.G. "Your talk was simply the best we've had for ages-irreverant,
idiosyncratic, dynamic and fun. Brilliant!" Mark
Richardson. Guildford Royal Grammar.
"THE
IMPACT HE MADE IS BEST ILLUSTRATED THAT SOME 50 MISSED LUNCH
TO DISCUSS HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEIR GAP YEAR."-
ANDREW REEKES. DIRECTOR OF STUDIES.RADLEY.
"TOTALLY
MIND BLOWING! ON A SCALE OF 1-10...AN ABSOLUTE 14!"-
ALISON JONES. RED MAIDS.
"Pukka job, excellent fellow, a credit to the UK. A pleasure having you here.." Roy Christopher Robinson. HM. Bishop Collins School. Simla. India.
"What a blast!...he certainly blew up our leadership course!" Irma Boulding. Strathcona Outdoor Centre. British Columbia. ........SUMMERTIME BLUES......WHY NOT
BOOK ME DURING THE DOLDRUMIC TIME AFTER EXAMS TO BLOW UP THEIR
IMAGINATIONS AND GIVE THEIR BRAINS SOME FRESH AIR ?!
FOR PARENTS.......
MANY OF YOU WOULD LOVE YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS
TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE MOST OF THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY
AFTER THE FINAL TERM TO GET AWAY AND HAVE THE ADVENTURE OF
A LIFETIME-TO GET GET AWAY FROM ALL THE PROPS OF HOME, TO
GROW UP A BIT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY, TO EXPERIENCE FOR THEMSELVES
ALL THAT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIFE HAS TO OFFER, AND TO RETURN
MATURED AND FAR MORE ABLE TO COPE WHEN THEY START UNIVERSITY......ABOVE
ALL, YOU WANT THEM TO BE SAFE AND AVOID MAKING MISTAKES.
HOWEVER, AFTER ALL THE EXPENSES OF SCHOOL
AND THE DAUNTING PROSPECT OF UNIVERSITY FEES AHEAD, THE THOUGHT
OF PAYING PERHAPS THOUSANDS OF POUNDS MORE FOR A GAP YEAR
ORGANISATION TO ARRANGE PLACEMENTS OR ITINERIES IS JUST TOO
MUCH. FEAR NOT!!
IT IS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY TO DO SO!-FOR THE
PAST 32 YEARS I'VE TRAVELLED THE WORLD FROM THE WEST INDIES
TO THE EAST. I'VE DONE HUGE AMOUNTS OF VOLUNTARY WORK IN SCHOOLS
AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AND FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS I'VE
GIVEN HUNDREDS OF TALKS IN SENIOR SCHOOLS TO ENCOURAGE LEAVERS
TO TRAVEL.
THIS IS THE TIME FOR THEM TO START PLANNING,
FIND WORK, ORGANISE SAVINGS, AND BUDGET. TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS
FOR THEMSELVES LIKE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS, AND TO HEAD OFF ON
AN ODYSSEY OF SELF DISCOVERY. REMEMBER TOO, THAT THESE DAYS
THERE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK AND SAVE IN EUROPE AND AROUND
THE WORLD....
..I'M AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PRESENTATIONS
TO SUGGEST IDEAS AND/OR PUT YOUR MINDS AT REST!! TAKING A
GAP OR TIME OFF TO REGROUP AFTER SCHOOL IS AN EXCITING AND
UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY, AND YOUR CHILD(?!) MAY WELL BE UP FOR
IT. OVER THE PAST TWELVE YEARS THAT I'VE BEEN AN INDEPENDENT
GAP YEAR ADVISOR I HAVE MET SOOOOOO MANY SCHOOL LEAVERS HAVING
THE MOST EXCITING AND CHALLENGING TIME OF THEIR LIVES. THEY
FEEL REALLY PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS. EVERY WEEK I GET
EXCITED EMAILS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. WITHOUT DOUBT THEY
RESPOND TO EVERYDAY CHALLENGIES, AND RETURN MORE MATURE AND
BETTER ABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES, GOING TO UNI, FENDING
FOR THEMSELVES AND BUDGETING IS FAR LESS OF A HORROR!
PERHAPS YOU COULD GET TOGETHER WITH FRIENDS WITH SCHOOL LEAVERS
AND INVITE ME FOR A THOUGHT PROVOKING, MOTIVATING, AND INFORMATIVE
EVENING......
...............RING FOR DETAILS 01803 732594...............
......................krome@ugap.co.uk...............
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