Himalayan expedition

Naomi Gadsby is currently studying for a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. She took part in a three month expedition with the British Schools Exploring Society in the mountains of Northern India during her gap year.

Choosing my gap year

I considered lots of other projects but the one with BSES was the most varied and had a science fieldwork component, as well as opportunities to take part in challenging trekking activities in the foothills of the Himalayas. I also knew someone who had been on a BSES expedition and had a positive experience.

I funded my gap year through a combination of lots of different things. I organised fundraising events such as a barn dance and a party, and I was also grateful to receive sponsorship from a number of trusts/companies/charitable organisations after writing lots of letters! Friends and family made contributions and I had also saved up some money from a Saturday job.

My gap year experiences

The expedition gave me the opportunity to see some amazing, remote places in the company of some great new friends. One day you could be scaling a steep hillside to do some fieldwork, the next you could be making a map of a remote mountain village, or talking to local people about their experiences.

Another day you could be learning crevasse rescue and walking on a glacier, or trekking for hours in the most stunning landscapes. But always, you would be carrying a heavy rucksack! The expedition could be challenging particularly when it was snowy and cold, or hot and dusty, and you were tired from hiking all day, but you still had a couple more hours to go before you reached your tent.

For me, the expedition was the start of many more adventures, and I am grateful I was able to take a year out and satisfy my wanderlust for a while! In general, it gives you more confidence, independence and maturity, and those things give you more perspective in whatever you do after your gap year.

My advice

I would advise other graduates considering a gap year to do something challenging! A gap year can give you the chance to explore new places, meet new people, gain new skills, and discover more about yourself and your capabilities. But only you can make it so.

It’s worth thinking about what kind of things you really want to get from your gap year and trying to plan accordingly. However, it should also be fun too, so talk to other people who have done things you are you interested in, and go with organisations that have a good reputation - do your research first!