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How to prepare for your TY

How to prepare for your TY

Transition Year (TY) can be a very rewarding year for Irish students but it is important to plan the year properly so that it doesn’t become a wasted year. Research indicates that TY benefits students academically and in other ways too such as improved confidence and motivation. TY is, however, only as good as you make it so here is some advice to help you prepare for your TY before and during the year so that you get the most out of it. 

 

• Plan ahead

 

Start thinking about and planning TY several months in advance. Talk to older students who have returned from their TY to get some ideas and advice about the sort of thing you could do during this important year.

Make enquiries as soon as you have an idea about what you would like to do. If you are applying for work experience, approach potential employers with a letter or an email 3 to 6 months before your desired start date. If you are not receiving a response (it can be difficult without the right contacts) enlist the help of parents or teachers. 

If you are looking at study abroad options, do some research into the courses you are interested in. Consider the content of the course as well as the destination. Apply as soon as you can because study abroad courses are popular and could get booked up. Remember that there are courses available all year round and not just in the summer months. Stein Study’s German and Ski course runs in the winter months and is great way to combine learning German with an exciting winter sport such as skiing or snowboarding. 

 

• Be open-minded

 

Make the most of any opportunities offered to you. Accept work experience placements even if it’s not exactly what you were hoping for. Any work experience gained is beneficial to you and will look extremely positive on your CV.

Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and consider study abroad options even if you would prefer to stay home. There are many benefits to studying abroad. Your language skills will improve immensely by being in the culture of the language, you will meet new people and learn about a new country and its culture. 

Consider combining work experience with studying a language with our new course – Spanish and Work Experience in Cadiz 

 

• Cast your net wide

 

Don’t be too specific about what you want to do during TY. The best TYs are those that entail a variety of experiences across different fields so try to include several work experience placements, volunteering work and studying options. 

Remember you have a whole year to fill and there is plenty of time to have some fun too!