Alternate Options to Traditional University for Thrill-Seekers

Looking for some alternate options besides university? Here are some pathways into education, travel and adult life that aren't frequently talked about, designed to get you on the right roadmap!

In this day and age, university is a big expectation from many families, friends and employers...but, besides the pressure of applications, grades and acceptances, university isn't the only pathway into adult life and a successful career. 
University does have its wonders - you begin to learn how to live alone, take your own responsibilities seriously and gather a degree specific to your career ambitions - however, sometimes society forgets that university isn't for every individual, and that reality means other options are very poorly talked about. 
As a university drop out myself, I can vouch for those who are unsure of traditional education after A-Levels/College. One of the soul reasons I applied for a degree was because my original travel plans got cancelled due to the Pandemic and I felt immense pressure to not waste a year and gain something accredible. 
In the end, I was wrong, and university wasn't the path for me. Who knows if it was the course, the university, the people, or the timing, but I just didn't fit in or enjoy the lessons I was being taught, let alone want to settle down in a new place for three years when I was unsure of my decision. However, another immense thing that needs to be addressed is mental health - my mental state was not strong enough for university, and that is okay. Sometimes, after the stress of exams and grades and even a global pandemic, a break is needed! If you are like me; unsure of what path to take, confused about other options besides university or just not ready to commit to years of education...you've come to the right place!

Here are some alternate options to a traditional university degree:

Global Grad
What is Global Grad?
Global Grad are a travel company that allow students to study online university degrees, open university courses, build on entrepreneur ideas and fulfil independent projects while likewise travelling the world. 
It is PERFECT for anyone wanting to continue education, but travel at the same time! You have a range of options in courses to choose from, and many universities who offer them!
They offer 'Semesters' and 'Roadtrips' to several locations, complete with adventurous itineraries and tourist experiences, while also being indulged into the culture of the world. While travelling with them, students will stay in hostels and have access to study hubs, with internet, facilities and the opportunity to study whenever they want to. 
In addition to studying, students will have the luxury of living in a different culture and learnings its language! If you are looking to study geography, what a better experience than to travel and learn the worlds geography first hand? If you are studying photography, why not build a portfolio full of adventure and sublime sites? If you are working on a project involving travel or tourism, what better way to entice clients than wholesome experience and understanding of a culture? 
Locations Include:

• South East Asia
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Australia and Bali

If you are interested in applying to be a Global Grad (in accordance to travel rules and coronavirus restrictions) 
PLEASE CLICK HERE

Certificate of Higher Education
What is a CertHE?
A CertHE is a Level 4 Qualification, equivalent to the first 1 or 2 years of an undergraduate degree. 
This means, you will go to university for 12-16 months, study the course you want, and receive a qualification in a year instead of three to four years with a traditional university degree. This is a great way of study for those who are hesitant to commit to university for three years, but are still interested in further education. 
There are multiple universities who offer CertHEs, such as the Open University, South Wales University and multiple London institutions. 
The flexibility of a CertHE will provide you with freedom to choose what you want to do the following year, instead of embarking on a course you are unsure of and then being stuck for a number of years - if you decide after the first year you don't want to carry on, then you can leave with a qualification equivalent to that first year and even return after a gap year or working year to complete the course fully.
Here are some CertHE options the Open University offers:

• Adult Health and Social Care
• Arts and Humanities
• Business Management
• Business Management and Languages
• Business Management and French
• Business Management and German
• Business Management and Spanish
• Childhood and Youth Studies
• Children and Families
• Computing & IT and a second subject
• Computing & IT and Business
• Computing & IT and Design
• Computing & IT and Mathematics
• Computing & IT and Psychology
• Computing & IT and Statistics
• Computing and Engineering
• Computing and IT
• Data Analysis
• Design and Innovation
• Early Childhood
• Economics and Personal Finance
• Education Studies (Primary)
• Engineering
• English Language
• Environment
• Health Sciences
• Healthcare Practice
• Healthcare with Health Science
• Language Studies
• Law
• Law and Languages
• Law and French
• Law and German
• Law and Spanish
• Mathematical Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Open
• Psychology
• Social Care
• Social Care (Scotland)
• Social Care Practice (Wales)
• Social Sciences
• Sport, Fitness and Management

If you are interested in learning more about the Certificate of Higher Education
PLEASE CLICK HERE

Gap Year/Working Year
What is a Gap Year/Working Year?
A gap year is a year out of education many students take before continuing onto higher education, internships or employment. Very commonly, this break from eduction is used to work and save money, travel and gain experience or figure out what they want to do the following year.
Finishing A-Levels and receiving grades can be an extremely overwhelming feeling. A lot of the time, that stress and pressure you may have felt over the course of exams, alongside the duration of sixth form, feels like it will never go away...and then that summer between Year 13 and University arises, and all you want to do is pause. 
Taking a gap year is a chance to take that pause, and give your education a break. Maybe you are unsure what you want to do after A-levels, or don't think you are ready to continue onto higher education just yet? In all honesty, you are not alone. Hundreds of students take a gap year to figure out what they want to do and take a well deserved rest. 
There are so many things you can do on a gap year, such as: 

• Volunteering – find a placement anywhere in the world and be part of a cause you are passionate about. This can include animal welfare, charity work or even working with a local food bank.
• Travel – go backpacking or find a company you can travel with, taking a year out to explore and experience before settling into adult life. This can include many things, such as working abroad, studying abroad or even living abroad.
• Paid employment – enrol on an internship or apprenticeship to gain valuable work experience before committing yourself to a full time course or job. This can include anything from mechanics, to publishing, to farming.
• Part-time courses - find an online or in-person course in an area of interest to you or what you want to do in the future. This could include anything from understanding mental health, learning a new language or perfecting those cooking skills.

As you can see, there are many options for you to embark on for the duration of a year, excluding the traditional university education.
If you are interested in learning more about Gap Years/Working Years:
PLEASE CLICK HERE

All in all, there are many alternate options to attending university, and an important aspect to remember, that I constantly seemed to forget, is that university will ALWAYS be there. 
The world is awaiting, and if you want to see it, then there is no better time than now. Grow in its rich environments, immerse yourself in its cultures and become the most interesting person in the room!

Why do a geography degree when you can see real lie volcanoes?
Why do a photography degree when you can take pictures of universal sunsets?
Why do a law degree when you can help people being affected by the consequences of crime?

If higher education isn't for you, and you'd be shocked how many others there are who feel the same, then take a leap of faith and follow your gut - because you never know where it might lead you!
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