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Do we really only live once?

Residing in a predominantly Buddhist country (Thailand) I have to be careful to whom I pose the question above. However, on a recent (May 2004) trip to the UK (my first for 4 years) I was slammed in the face with a passion by the people to live life to the fullest and escape the confines of the rat race and "normal life". As soon as I touched down I noted a desire in people to get away and travel more. This was enforced by the queues in departures :-)

This was completely re-enforced by the programs on English TV these days. Each day had TV programs on living, moving and or working abroad, relocation abroad, emigration, buying houses and "doing them up" either to live in, sell or run as a guesthouse etc. Programs with such name as "A House in Greece", "No turning Back", "Away Haze" and "Start Over" spring to mind.

It would appear that this is a very popular theme to firstly have so much coverage but also appear to have such high ratings.

Two things could be surmised from this, firstly and sadly that Brits (I am a Brit) are generally unhappy with the quality of life in the UK. Secondly, Brits are just taking it upon themselves to gain the adventurous spirit and live life in another country or both.

Moving abroad, finding work or a new career in a foreign country, coping with foreign languages used to seem a struggle but these days with travel so accessible and the world a much more open place with thanks to cheaper travel and the internet it's easy to explore and research.

Since I made the move to Thailand in 2000 I know of approximately 10 other people from a similar age group (mid to late 20's at the time) that have ventured overseas to more satisfying living conditions and daily sunshine. Don't get me wrong it is still daily life and work but far more pleasant and exciting. The 10 people were personal friends from the UK but I have also witnessed scores of dive interns set to leave the west and begin a new career in scuba diving - successfully.

Thailand has become the home of 4 very good old school friends of mine. All of them enjoying work in either publishing, the financial sector or a couple of them in the scuba diving industry.

As you have probably gathered by now this web site is pretty much a personal testimonial of if you are prepared to put the ground work in to relocating, living and working abroad then the rewards can be reaped.

All of the scuba internships that I offer on this site are a step closer to fulfilling relocation abroad dreams. Many dive interns (professional dive trainees) have come to Thailand to train and then used their professional scuba skills to work overseas and relocate to a place that has been dear to their heart. One guy is in the Bahamas on a research boat working. There are a couple that are in the throws of setting up a scuba diving store and operation in Mexico. A good friend of mine has worked his way down to Australia and has now partnered in a dive shop there. Many of the candidates use the diving skills obtained to take them on a world trek or around the world tour if you like. The PADI OWSI (open Water Scuba Instructor) certification is basically a passport to move and work your way around the world in many different and exciting locations where ever there is scuba diving.

To answer the "title" question - I really don't know if we only live once but one thing is for sure - I am going to make the very most of this life and feel extremely lucky enough to be surrounded by adventurous happy people that are intent on doing the same.

Train with the Pattaya Scuba Dive Training Academy for an adventurous dive career and new life.

Gap year abroad or year out - if you cannot commit to a lifestyle change then at least have a "year to remember".

A Gap year abroad and year out can be anywhere, doing anything and everything. Whether its building schools in third world countries, doing some work experience, bathing in a beach in Fiji or simply backpacking around the globe experiencing foreign cultures and different ways of life. Thousands of Students, professionals and University graduates decide to take a year out to travel the world every year.

In these modern times this is very achievable, and there is a whole world of opportunity waiting to be explored. Flights are faster and cheaper than times passed making it just as reasonable to reach those far off exotic destinations as it was to visit your neighboring country only a few years ago.

Gap years or a career break traditionally was viewed as taking time out before or after university. Traditionally gap years and taking a year out involved foreign travel, and was only undertaken by those from wealthy families and backgrounds willing to finance the experience. Of course times have changed; nowadays taking a gap year or a year-out is one of the most talked about phenomenon of the new millennium and in modern times is seen as a positive, not a negative thing.

Gap years and taking a year out has many definitions as people go through their life. Pre-university gaps, during and a post university gap-year, career gaps which statistically are the fastest growing gap year and year out market, post wedding gaps, pre-retirement gaps and the list goes on - people are just becoming more adventurous.

There are many factors to consider when planning a year away or a gap-year abroad. Gap years abroad in some cases a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, and there are many issues to consider while planning a trip, such as: Travel insurance, money, safety, visas, and possible destinations to visit.

There are thousands opportunities and experiences when taking a gap break or “gap-break” to choose from. Whether its conservation and voluntary work in the Amazon jungle, sailing adventures, teaching opportunities, looking after animals in the big game parks, to working on ski resorts or scuba diving around Thailand. The list is endless.

Some of the most popular backpacking destinations include Australia, Japan, United Kingdom / Europe, South East Asia, Canada, USA and South America .

If Scuba Diving your way around Australia, Asia or just using a professional scuba diving license as a passport to travel the world appeals then Mermaids Dive Center will be able to assist you. It will allow you to correspond with other people that have taken a year out or a gap year abroad helping to provide invaluable information and the option of making new friends in the process.