Worried they'll think you didn't get into college or university? Worried they'll think you couldn't find a decent job? Couldn't find anything better to do? You're your own person. Tell your parents that you will prove everyone wrong when they see how much this program has given you. You don't worry about what other people think. Check out Katimavik. Get out there and get some real-life experience.

Well, if you put off school just to sit around at your parents' place watching TV or holed up in your room playing video games - that's a waste of time. Drifting through the first year of university studying something you're not really into-that's a waste of time. Think about this; is it a waste of time or is it an investment to 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 to yourself you can push yourself and try something new. It's not a long-term commitment, but it is definitely a long-term investment that will pay off in years to come.

You can reassure them by explaining that this program is all about learning to be independent and responsible. You'll be surrounded by motivated people who want to get involved and do something with their lives. The program is designed to encourage young people to make decisions and take responsibility for the consequences of 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 employee of the program. He or she will be on hand to guide you through the program in your first real-life experience living away from home.

Once you are on the program, all expenses are paid - Food, transportation and lodging costs are taken care of by Katimavik. Katimavik volunteers also receive a 3 dollar a day living allowance as well as either a $500 perseverance bonus (six month programs) or a $1000 perseverance bonus (nine month programs) upon successful completion of the program

In order to volunteer for Katimavik, you must contribute:

• A $35 non-refundable application fee.
• A $150 non-refundable participation fee once you are officially accepted to Katimavik. This fee covers accident insurance, your criminal record check and other administrative costs.
• A $350 travel deposit once officially accepted to Katimavik. You will be reimbursed this amount when you successfully complete the program. Volunteers who quit the program or are asked to leave the program for violation of the behavioural standards will not be reimbursed the $350.

Well, you can tell them that Katimavik is definitely worth it in terms of cost/benefits. It's a guaranteed return on your investment, because you get what you put into it. It doesn't cost anything to join the program - in fact, you get paid a finishing bonus, as well as a small daily allowance. Plus, you get free training workshops as part of the program.

Professionals in the corporate world fork out on average $200 for a seminar on leadership and team-building skills. Time is money, so invest your time in yourself. Develop valuable professional skills. Learn how to set goals, manage your time, and deal with living on your own away from home.

Tell them this is the cheapest and fastest way to get a wide variety of life and work experiences without committing to too much time or spending thousands of dollars. Some exchange programs charge a lot of money. Other programs require you to make a serious time investment by doing your own fundraising to pay for the trip.

Katimavik offers you the opportunity to learn first-hand about major social issues affecting everyone from all walks of life such as the environment, poverty, literacy, as well as cultural and linguistic diversity - all while gaining on-the-job experience. You get to apply the skills you learn in training workshops right away, and you get feedback and support from the Project Leader as you go along.

You learn how to live and work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds in different parts of the country. You may be pushed out of your comfort zone, not just geographically, but socially, culturally and on a personal level as well, which makes you stronger. It's intensive volunteer work, living Big Brother style - but no one will be voted out of the house so you have to learn to deal!

Tell your folks you will do 35 hours a week of volunteer work - valuable hands-on experience to add to your resumé. The Katimavik experience will give you confidence and help you grow personally in terms of maturity and independence. Plus, it looks great on college/university applications because it shows that you are willing to explore and push yourself. Employers always say they like motivated self-started individuals - not couch potatoes who veg on the sofa 24/7 instead of getting out there and looking for opportunity.

Tell them a program like Katimavik will help you learn to make decisions and to be aware of the consequences of your actions. You'll be exposed to all kinds of people; different working and living conditions and you'll be on your own. You'll have to set priorities every day, take care of yourself and be a good co-worker and housemate. You won't be getting lost-you'll be finding direction and a way to explore the possibilities that are out there waiting for you.

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. They go abroad on working/holiday visas and explore the Commonwealth, Europe or head off to Africa and Asia to do volunteer work. There are entire websites devoted to providing suggestions on what to do and where to do on your 'gap year'. Although some have been criticized for taking an extended 'spring break' mentality on the road, 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' and offer programs such as 'Havard's 'WorldTeach!' and 'Princeton in Asia'. For more info, check out this article in The Guardian, "New research shows the skills learnt on gap years are a key to success in later life - if only those taking them realised before they made their plans, by Andrew Jones. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/education /2004/jul/27/highereducation.gapyears)

What could be more useful than volunteering and making a difference in a local community that needs your help? What could be more useful than learning another language or protecting the environment, and at the same time, reaping the benefits of all the advantages Katimavik has to offer? Think about how you could learn to solve problems by dealing with real life situations. You will become more adaptable when you learn to cope with change and diversity. Remember, when you're job hunting or applying for school, these are the kind of qualities recruiters are looking for.

Tell them you'll keep in touch and send lots of pictures. You can also use the Katimavik blog to stay connected. You can post pics, stories and videos online so your friends and families back home can follow you along your adventure (www.gokatimavik.com). There are links to all your fave sites like facebook, myspace, and twitter as well.