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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...............