Gap-year students 'go East'

Gap-year students are looking to more exotic locations like the Far East for an exciting adventure abroad, one expert has said.

Elspeth Farrar, the Communications Director at the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, commented that gap-year travellers are moving away from destinations that have traditionally been popular.

UK students are interested in places like China, Japan and Singapore, Ms Farrar noted.

'Traditionally it's been places like Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand,' she said.

According to Ms Farrar, English-speaking countries have been a favourite with Britons as many students are not confident enough with a second language.

She added that some countries have tightened up their rules on working abroad.

'It's slightly harder now to go and work in the USA and get a green card than it has been in the past,' she noted.

Many students and graduates spend time travelling or working abroad, with figures from The Business Magazine revealing that there are currently 1.26 million graduates living abroad.