Plans from the government to create fast-track two-year degree courses in universities in England could create a new opportunity for students to take gap years.

Although the compressed courses would incur higher yearly fees, the added expense would be offset by avoiding a whole year of additional rent and living costs. They would also relieve some of the pressure felt by students to commence careers immediately after finishing university, freeing them up to travel and gain real life experience in their chosen fields.

Here, the experts at Gapyear.com and StudentUniverse share their top tips for students looking to complement their courses with amazing travelling experiences

If you're studying nursing…visit Cambodia, India or Guatemala

Nursing and health-related degrees attract tens of thousands of students every year and the skills learnt are applicable all over the world. There are many opportunities to volunteer on medical electives, particularly in developing countries like Cambodia, India and Guatemala. Impoverished environments are particularly challenging and you will return home with newfound confidence and experience that simply can't be found in a classroom.

If you're studying teaching…visit Japan, Thailand or China

Teaching remains one of the most popular degree subjects for students and, like healthcare professionals, teachers are in demand the world over. There are opportunities for young Brits to teach in most countries in the world with many opting to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). This can be a great way to experience a classroom environment in an entirely new culture. Popular TEFL destinations include Japan, Thailand and China.

If you're studying history…visit Europe

History is a perfect choice for students who want to develop a range of transferrable skills, like analytical thinking, writing and research and the subject has been a perennial favourite for decades. The grand old cities of Europe are particularly good history lovers with Rome being an especially inspiring spot. Further studies could be combined with an InterRailing trip, a popular way for backpackers to explore the continent.

If you're studying biosciences…visit Belize or Africa

Bioscience degrees cover a variety of subjects and can open doors into any of the science-related industries, covering everything from food to health to the environment. The latter lends itself especially nicely to travelling experiences and there are heaps of volunteering placements and internships available. These cover every type of environment imaginable from the coral reefs of Belize to the savannahs of Africa.

If you're studying sociology…visit Namibia, Bangladesh, Honduras or Bolivia

Sociology-related degrees have always been massively popular in academia and can lead to incredibly fulfilling jobs in social services, prison services and public health. Related volunteer placements are available in countries all over the world. Community projects in countries like Namibia, Bangladesh, Honduras and Bolivia typically focus on vulnerable people, like disadvantaged children and the elderly.

If you're studying business…visit New York, Buenos Aires or Beijing

Business and finance degrees are one of the most popular subjects in English universities today with hundreds of thousands of students applying for related courses every year. A great way to enhance your studies with real world experience is to get onto an internship in a foreign city. Business internships are available in all the world's great cities, including New York, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Sydney, Paris and London.

If you're studying law…visit Madrid, Cape Town or Dublin

Law is one of the most competitive, difficult and demanding subjects, yet the rewards can be immense, and many students take related degree courses in the hope of being admitted to the Bar. Like the business sector, there is a huge variety of law internships over the world, particularly in major cities like Madrid, Cape Town and Dublin.

StudentUniverse, the world's leading travel booking site for students and youth, offers discounted pricing and terms on flights, hotels and tours as well as handling complex itineraries, custom designed gap year experiences and group travel requests. For more information go to www.studentuniverse.co.uk.

-Ends-

For further press information, please contact:

Melissa Hobson/Natalie Garland/James Brooke.

Rooster PR

T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927

E: StudentUniverse@rooster.co.uk

www.rooster.co.uk

About StudentUniverse:

StudentUniverse is the world's leading travel booking site for students and youth. Through negotiations with a network of global partners, StudentUniverse offers discounted pricing and terms on flights, hotels and tours. Its Travel Services division also handles complex itineraries, custom designed gap year experiences and group travel requests. StudentUniverse also operates Journeys are Made @ GapYear.com, the world's largest gap year inspiration travel platform.

StudentUniverse launched in the UK in 2013 and was acquired by Flight Centre Travel Group in 2015. StudentUniverse is headquartered in Boston with offices in London, Toronto, New York and the Philippines. StudentUniverse believes that travel is essential to a modern education. Millions of students use the service every year.

For more information go to www.studentuniverse.co.uk, www.facebook.com/StudentUniverseUK, www.twitter.com/studentu_uk or www.instagram.com/studentuniverseuk.