Are you a high school senior thinking about taking some time off before going to college? Perhaps you are a college student, wanting to take a break from your studies, or a soon to be college graduate with a desire to discover a bit of the world before settling down to a career. Whatever your situation, our Island TEFL Gap year program could be perfect for you. Giving back to those in need and being of service to others is not only a satisfying experience, but will add valuable credentials to your resume.

Island TEFL offers a wide selection of options to suit all tastes. Enter our travel writing competition and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes, kick-starting your gap year experience!

The competition is open to anyone planning on taking a gap year, or time off between work or studies, but a valid passport is necessary to use the prizes. For competition guidelines and rules, see www.islandtefl.com.

First prize:
Islandtefl.com, 4-week TEFL Certificate course, allowing you to travel and teach English as a second or foreign language in many countries across the globe. You can choose to take this course in Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Phuket Thailand. You can learn more about the TEFL course by visiting www.islandtefl.com.

Second prize:
Island TEFL one month volunteer teaching experience in Thailand. During this once in a lifetime opportunity you will experience a homestay with a host Thai Family, while teaching at a local Thai school.

Third prize:
Two weeks paid accommodation at an Island TEFL resort location. You will gain first-hand experience of our TEFL/TESOL operation. Choose from Bangkok, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Phuket.

Pick one of the following themes, and in 900 - 1200 words, write a true account of your experience.Please provide us with your name, country, contact details (email and phone), as well as the category you have selected below, and the title of your story, and email your entries to info@islandtefl.com – with GAP YEAR WRITING COMPETITION in the subject line. Attach your story as a WORD document, not PDF.

The themes are broad, so you have plenty of opportunity to find something to write about. Remember that a travel story can be about your home town, or as far afield as your travels have taken you. Your home town may not seem exotic to you, but to someone who has never been there, it may just be. The best location stories are often written by locals, who know the ins and outs of a place, so do not be discouraged to enter if you have not done much travelling. The Islandtefl Gap Year program may just be your opportunity to do so!

Please don’t submit general guides to an area, but rather a personal experience of a specific event or journey.

Theme 1:
The road less travelled

Theme 2:
An experience that changed my life forever

Theme 3:
48 hours in ... (place)

The winning entries will be published on www.islandtefl.com

The closing date for entries is 15th April 2012. Winners will be notified by email, and the judges decision is final. Prizes are not transferable, and cannot be exchanged for cash.