For those who want to become writers, the road can be filled with unexpected challenges. Students typically find it difficult to juggle their studies with a part-time job, family life and socialising. Being a good writer takes years of practice and academic study, leaving ample room for boredom and frustration. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for those who want to continue their education while pursuing their passion for storytelling.
In-Country
If you’ve been searching for a gap year experience, consider an in-country option. There are plenty of stunning destinations for students to study creative writing, with strong regional accents, beautiful landscapes and big cultural differences providing an opportunity to learn a new language. You won’t get bored of a new country, especially if you’re in a remote area and don’t have access to the internet. In-country study gives you the freedom to develop your own daily schedule, take unlimited breaks as needed and enjoy all the local amenities.
If you’re interested in an in-country option, be sure to check out the available universities and choose one that suits you. You might not get the full scholarship as the university fees are typically high, but you will have access to a wide range of teaching staff and materials. If you’re accepted, be sure to notify the university as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements.
Countries that Offer Remote Learning
If you can’t travel abroad for your gap year, consider taking up remote study. Lots of universities, both independent and established, offer degree courses, master’s courses and even PhD programmes entirely online. This is a fantastic option for students who want to continue their education but don’t have the time to do so in-country. You’ll learn the same as if you were in a traditional campus environment, except you’ll be able to communicate with your lecturers via email and video conferencing rather than meeting face to face. This allows for more flexibility and plenty of time to work on your creative writing.
These countries that offer remote learning: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK. So, wherever you are in the world, you can always find a remote learning university to help you achieve your creative writing goal.
Continuing Your Education While on the Job
If you’ve already started your job search and are looking for further education, consider a creative writing programme. Lots of companies, both large and small, will give you a break on your job search fee, providing you’re willing to study for a corporate programme. These are typically aimed at employees who are already working, so you won’t get a chance to further develop your skills as a writer whilst on the job. However, if you’re looking to further develop your skills whilst on a job search, consider a non-corporate option.
Look To The Small Businesses
If you don’t want to commit to a formal education or don’t have the time to do so whilst on the job, consider an independent study programme. Lots of established businesses, such as The Creative Writing Centre in London, offer courses and tutor support for those who want to gain experience and prove their writing talent. If you’re looking for inspiration, consider taking a class with a well-known and successful author. You’ll be able to ask the author for tips and advice as well as let them know how much you’re enjoying their work. This could lead to additional work for the author, on a project that you’ll co-work on. The indiesphere is a great place for writers to develop their skills and make connections, with many talented authors looking for students to work with them.
Whether you’re looking for a gap year experience, want to further your education on the job or are looking for inspiration, there’s plenty of choice for those who want to become writers. With a little planning and research, you’ll have no trouble finding an academic institution that offers the programme you’re looking for. You’ll also have plenty of options when it comes to remote learning, depending on where you are in the world. If you know that a corporate job isn’t for you, then you can search for an independent study programme that will help you develop your creative writing skills whilst on the job. And if you’re looking for inspiration, then consider taking a class with a well-known and successful author. You’ll be able to develop your skills whilst getting valuable advice from someone who has been there and done it. Good luck out there.