7 reasons to take a sabbatical – the new British obsession

Between the financial strains, the rush of work and the stress of our many deadlines, day-to-day life can really get us down. That’s why so many people are taking time away from it all to pursue a more rewarding experience on a sabbatical. With this in mind here is a look at 7 of the reasons why sabbaticals are becoming such a popular style of getaway for people right across Britain.

1.   Refresh and recharge

One of the biggest reasons people embark on a sabbatical is to combat the weariness of day-to-day life. When you’re clocking long hours at work, not to mention juggling the other areas of our life, sometimes a break away from it all is the perfect chance to recharge your batteries. 

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2.   Learn about different cultures

One of the best things you can gain by going on a sabbatical is the chance to learn and understand different cultures. There’s no better way to appreciate a different way of living than by truly immersing yourself in the day-to-day customs of another country. From the villages of Ethiopia to the communities of Cambodia, a sabbatical is the perfect chance to understand the cultures that have always fascinated you. 

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3.   Help communities in need

One of the most worthwhile sabbaticals you can embark on is a volunteering expedition to help communities in need. From teaching in Jamaica to social work in Ghana, there are countless different volunteer opportunities available around the world.

For many people, volunteering conjures up ideas of building huts, but with companies like Projects Abroad you are able to use your already established professional skills and expertise within a new environment. For instance, physiotherapists, teachers, social workers and journalists are just some of the in-demand professions currently needed to volunteer in Africa.

4.   Learn about yourself

A volunteering sabbatical is more than just your average holiday. It’s a getaway that challenges you to confront some of the world’s gravest problems, whether that’s child trafficking in Ghana or environmental degradation in Thailand. In the face of such adversity, people learn more about what sort of person they truly are and what sort of values we hold most dear.

5.   Bring skills back to your own workplace

Any old holiday can help you to relax and unwind, but few can enable employees to bring new skills back into the workplace. Sabbaticals however can do exactly that. Whether your area of expertise is in biology or childcare, seeing the challenges faced elsewhere can bring you a new sense of purpose when tackling problems at home. To find out more about how you can learn valuable workplace skills abroad, look online at www.projects-abroad-pro.org.

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6.   Develop a fresh perspective

Sabbaticals offer an eye-opening and breathtaking perspective of the world around us. It’s not uncommon to come back with a newfound understanding and appreciation of life, and the motivation to always get the most out of it.

7.   Inspire the people around you

Motivated and positive attitudes are infectious. One of the real plus sides to going on a sabbatical is that your newfound perspective can also inspire the people around you, whether it’s your family, friends or even colleagues.

Resource box

The Telegraph

Article exploring the idea of a modern sabbatical

Forbes magazine

Tips on how to take a sabbatical from work

Lonely Planet Cambodia

Tourism and travel advice from one potential sabbatical destination

 

 

Five weird things about the British

From cooked breakfasts to a stiff upper lip, certain traits make the British really stick out. If you’re visiting the UK or you’ve come to learn English on a study abroad programme, here are some of the more bizarre customs of these isles:

 

Morris dancing

International interest was sparked in this most curiously British tradition during the summer's Olympic opening ceremonies, in which the stick-tapping dancers were featured heavily. The origins of the folk dance are hazy, but a variation has existed for at least five hundred years. At its core is a group of costumed dancers with bells attached to the knees, dancing in unison. Sticks, handkerchiefs and even swords usually come into play. Though now only a minority interest, Morris dancers can still be found in village fêtes and town festivals up and down the country.

 

Cheese rolling

Displaying the kind of unique eccentricity that has made Britain famous, this annual event takes place on Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, in the heart of the west country area. The 'rules', if such an anarchic competition could have them, are simple: a huge round of Double Gloucester cheese is thrown down the frighteningly steep hill, and one second later, a bevvy of brave/stupid competitors follow to chase after it. But the hill is at such an angle that it is almost impossible to stay upright, and there are frequently injuries – leading to recent official events being banned.

 

Pearly Kings & Queens

Found in the drinking holes of London's East End, these self-styled royal members of the working class have adorned themselves with pearly buttons since Victorian times. A quirky and sadly dying breed, the Kings and Queens nonetheless continue to raise huge amounts of money for charity – and have a right old knees-up while they're at it. They may be difficult to understand as they more often than not speak in Cockney rhyming slang, a language once often used in London. But once you’ve mastered the English language at a top London school like Malvern House English School, learning a bit of Cockney rhyming slang will be much easier – and it’ll make you feel very British!

 

Ascot Ladies' Day

The historic Ascot racecourse attracts attention for its high-class spectators as much as it does for the horseracing on the track. A strict dress code states that all women must wear day dresses and hats at the Ascot Gold Cup, leading many ladies to wear extravagant and often frankly ridiculously headwear.

 

Weighing the mayor

The small town of High Wycombe, just outside of London, bears witness to one of the strangest political events in the world. Every year, the newly elected mayor of the city is weighed in front of the townspeople, along with all his or her officials. This tradition dates back to a notoriously alcoholic mayor from the 17th century – the idea is that if a mayor has gained weight from the previous year, it has been at the taxpayer's expense.

poll by twiigs.com

Resource box

Ladies' Day

The Week takes a look at some of the more surprising Ascot headwear.

Cheese Rolling: A brief history

The BBC takes a lot at the origins of this tradition.

The Morris Dancing Page

A portal for all prospective Morris Dancers.

Treat yourself this autumn

Things have dramatically changed in the last two months. The summer wardrobe has long been put back in boxes, while jumpers and blankets have come out. Salads and light dinners have been replaced by soups and cakes to fight the depression that comes with the shortening of days. We are all mourning the short British summer and getting ready to hibernate until April, hoping that Christmas and the New Year will help forget about the cold weather.

Well, this will be like last winter and the year before, so you better get used to it now and do whatever it takes to do the most of it. Why wait Christmas for presents and not treat yourself now?

Warm coat and earthy food

If nice walks in the countryside and cuddles under the blanket are not enough to cheer you up, do something about it. You hate being cold when going and coming back from work? Go and buy yourself a warm coat and some new boots! You had enough of your summer diet and are craving for something more substantial to fight the cold? Eat some pies, stews and cakes, you will burn more calories in the winter anyway!

You don't have to be miserable during the whole of the autumn and of the winter. While SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is affecting many of us, it is too easy to use the lack of light as an excuse. Do things that you like and treat yourself with little things that will make your day. The winter will be long but it can be a great season too!

Perfect date prep in 5 steps

Getting ready for a first date – or any date – requires time and dedication. It’s important to make decisions about what you wear, how to style your hair, and whether you go with the black or the brown shoes – after all, you want to look like you’re putting in at least some effort.

Whether you met through friends or on an online dating site like www.eharmony.ca, you can be sure to impress if you follow these tips on how to get yourself ready before a big date.


What to wear

The best rule when it comes to date clothes is to keep it simple. You don’t need designer threads or fancy jeans to impress a girl – just make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and well-fitting. A simple button-down shirt with a subtle print (like plaid or gingham) is always a safe bet. Keep cuffs neat and don’t button all the way to the top – you’re not in the board room.


Ties are unnecessary, unless your first date is to a wedding or an awards ceremony. Keep it casual and give yourself room to breathe. Clean, pressed jeans without rips or tears in them are fine, but a nice pair of khakis always goes down well too.

Hair tips

Don’t obsess over your hair – girls are turned off by an overly gelled do – but do put some effort in. Run a comb through it and style it with a bit of product, but don’t go overboard or your hair will look stiff.

Some girls love a bit of facial hair, so don’t be afraid of rockin’ the beard, as long as it’s cut close and neat. When in doubt, clean shaven is always a safe bet, and ensures your date that you’ve put in a bit of effort.

It’s a shoe-in…

A simple pair of black dress shoes or brown oxfords always goes down well. Avoid sneakers, but a casual pair of sport shoes, like Converse All Stars, can add a bit of edge to a tailored look – so long as they’re clean!

Smell like roses

You don’t need to douse yourself in cologne to make a good impression, but DO make sure you take a shower before your date and put deodorant on before heading out the door. A light spray of a subtle cologne is a nice touch but it’s not compulsory.


What NOT to do…

Don’t wear a suit. Don’t wear low-slinging jeans that show your boxers. Don’t show up late without texting on your way to let her know. Don’t look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. Don’t make fun of her for putting in effort for your date; especially if you haven’t… it’ll just make her self-conscious.


Resource box
The Art of Manliness
This article is a great guide to planning a perfect first date

The Frisky
Dos and don’ts for a great first date

Valet Mag
A great online mag for men’s fashion

Which is the most important thing to think about on a first date?

A Rainy Weekend in Brighton

The average rainfall in October in Brighton is 14 days, which means there would be lots of rainy weekends. This usually leads to lounging around the house watching TV, playing computer games or just eating aimlessly. If you have kids then you end up spending hours-on-end trying to keep them entertained. Below is a list of 5 things that you can do in Brighton when it’s raining so you don’t want to waste your weekend!

Top 5 Things to do on a rainy weekend in Brighton:

- Watch a film at the Cinema - Brighton hosts a Cineworld at the Marina, and Odeon on the seafront/ West Street and their very own Duke of York cinema.

- Go to Churchill Square Shopping Centre

- Go to Bowplex at the Marina - great fun for all the family.

- Go out for a family meal or go for afternoon tea at your local café

- Visit Brighton Museum & Art Gallery - admission is free and in the middle of the City Centre. As well as visiting the Museum there is also the Royal Pavilion just round the corner.

Who Said Rain Wear Was Miserable?

England is world renowned for its fabulously foggy weather, but the weather this so-called summer has surprised even the most cynical of Brits. The Met Office figures show that the UK has suffered the wettest June since records began in 1910.

England has not only suffered from endless days of rain but also a poor amount of sunshine,
June was the second dullest on record with only 119.2 hours of sunshine and the total UK rainfall was more than twice as much as normally expected.

So amongst all this rain is there a silver lining? Yes. The answer is wet weather wear.

So as the Her Majesty The Queen would say the rain seems far worse when one is not prepared for it, therefore here are a few pieces of Britain's iconic rain wear that one can enjoy!

The Burberry Trench Coat
 

Burberry is a classic English brand, rich with history. Its distinctive tartan pattern has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world, not to mention it's also one of the most copied brands out there. Burberry is most famous for its iconic Trench coat which was invented by founder Thomas Burberry who set up shop in Basingstoke in 1856 at the tender age of 21.

This fascinating new all-resistant material attracted many, including the British Army making them Burberry's first major client. Over the period of a century the trench coat has gone from practical war gear to a must have piece in your wardrobe.

Today, trendy celebrities and respectable royals are sporting the the iconic trench, keeping it a focal piece in the whirlwind industry known as the fashion world. The Burberry trench have kept thousands warm and dry over the years and therefore should suffice this summer.

Wellingtons

 

 

Better known as 'Wellies' or 'Rubber Boots' Wellingtons are a type of boot based upon leather Hessian boots. The name was popularised by Arthur Wellesly, Duke of Wellington and then became a must-have fashion item during the British aristocracy in the early 19th century.

Wearing wellies are not only super practical in order to keep feet dry but have recently become very fashionable due to the 'festival wear' craze. Thanks to Britain's dreary summers, wellies are unmissable on the streets throughout the UK, especially during festival season (June- September).

Now available in every pattern and colour available. So why not make most of the rain? Slip on a pair of wellies and have a splash about in a near by puddle!

The Essential Umbrella

 

 

Whether it's a traditional, a compact or a modern bubble umbrella, it can be agreed that an umbrella is a must have accessory this summer. There is something very British about an umbrella- perhaps it's a reminder of everybody's favourite childhood classic, Mary Poppins.

There is a never ending range of umbrellas available to the British public, whatever the occasion. Feeling trendy? Go for the bubble umbrella. In need of a 'work' umbrella? Perhaps a traditional with a U-shaped hardwood handle. And the list goes on.

Don't let the weather get you down, don't fight the rain- just go with it. Grab an umbrella and put on a pair of wellies, your day will suddenly seem just that tad better!