Convince your parents

 Parents worry... that’s part of their “job.” Here’s what to tell them when they say:

• 1-You’ll never go back to school if you take off for 6 months

  Are your parents worried you might not go to college or university after Katimavik? Students coming back from Katimavik are more motivated, better prepared to make decisions, and in many cases, they're ready to hit the books. With some experience under their belt, they have a much better sense of direction in life.

• 2-You won't be able to adjust to the real world after coming back!

  Are your parents concerned you won't be able to “adjust” when you come back? If you want to learn to adjust to the real world, Katimavik is a better option than taking time off to work. Research shows that programs like Katimavik help you learn to adapt to new living and working conditions, and set realistic goals. Most importantly, you’ll experience the real world and figure out what you want to do with your life.

• 3-What will the Jones' say?

  Are your parents worried about what other people will think? Worried they'll think you didn't get into college or university, or that you couldn't find a decent job? Tell your parents that their friends and neighbours will be proud of the community work that you’ll accomplish while on the program. It’s people like them that benefit from your efforts as a Katimavik volunteer. Plus, you’ll gain some real-life experience so that you’ll excel in school or work when you return.

• 4-You will be wasting a whole semester!

  Do your parents worry you'll be wasting your time? Do they think you should be studying instead? Well, if you put off school just to sit in the basement watching TV or holed up in your room playing video games, that's a waste of time. What about drifting through the first year of university studying something you're not really into? Why not make an investment and gain some real work experience as a volunteer? Katimavik is a great way for you to learn to manage your time and deal with real-life problems. Prove that you can push yourself and try something new. It's not a long-term commitment, but it’s definitely a long-term investment that will pay off in years to come.

• 5-Will you be safe out there in the real world? Who'll looking after you?

  Are your parents concerned about your safety? You can reassure them by explaining that this program is all about learning to be independent and responsible. You'll spend your time with motivated people who want to get involved and make a difference. The program is designed to encourage young people to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions.  Katimavik provides excellent training and you will not be left high and dry in the middle of nowhere. You'll be living together in a group with a project leader who is a responsible Katimavik employee. They’ll be on hand to guide you through the program in your first real-life experience living away from home.

• 6-How the heck can we afford this?

  Don't worry! Katimavik is accessible to all Canadians. Once you are on the program, all expenses are paid for by Katimavik, including food, transportation and lodging. The costs are very affordable when compared with such programs.

• 7-If you really want to take a break from school, why don't just go out and get a real job?

  Are your parents worried you could be earning more money working instead of volunteering?Compared to the time and money you invest in Katimavik, the rewards are priceless. Though you may not be padding your bank account, you’ll be helping other Canadians and gaining meaningful life experience. In addition to covering all program-related costs, Katimavik offers you free training workshops as part of the program. You’ll get the chance to develop your leadership and team-building skills in free training workshops, which are worth an average of $200 in the corporate world. Time is money, so invest your time in yourself. Develop valuable professional skills. Learn how to set goals, manage your time, and become independant away from home. Your parents don't see what advantages Katimavik can offer? Compared to similar programs, Katimavik is extremely affordable. By investing a bit of time and money, you can: Learn about social issues like environment, poverty and literacy Experience cultural and linguistic diversity Apply your skills in training workshops Learn to live with a diverse group of Canadians Get 35-40 hours of hands-on work experience a week Gain maturity, confidence and independence Stand out on college and university applications Improve your résumé and impress potential employers

• 8-Are you nuts? You're already unsure about what to do next. How is "getting lost" for 6 months supposed to help?

  Do your parents think you're just taking a semester off to lose yourself or run away from responsibility because you can't decide what to do? A program like Katimavik will help you learn to make decisions and take responsibility for your actions. If you’re unsure of your path, it will give you direction and help you find your passion. In the UK, Australia, and many European countries, taking a year off between high school and university is almost mandatory. Commonly referred to as a gap year, it's considered a rite of passage for many people to take some time off before heading back to school. Results show when young people take time to travel and do volunteer work, they're better equipped to deal with the real world, whether it's the pressure of academic life or a full-time job. Many universities in the US, such as Harvard and Princeton, actively encourage taking a gap year. For more information, check out “New research shows the skills learnt on gap years are a key to success in later life,” by Andrew Jones.

• 9-Why don't you make yourself useful?

  How many times have your parents told you to make yourself useful? Here’s how you can make yourself useful: join Katimavik! On the program, you can: Volunteer and make a difference in a local community that needs your help Learn another language  Protect the environment Learn to solve problems by dealing with real life situations Become more adaptable by coping with change and diversity. These qualities will help you stand out when you're job hunting or applying for school!

• 10-We barely see you as it is... How are we going to keep in touch?

  Your parents must be worried about losing contact with you. Tell them you'll keep in touch and send lots of pictures. You can also use the Katimavik blog, Facebook and Twitter to stay connected. You can post pics, stories and videos online so your friends and families back home can follow you along your adventure.