A gap year in Gibraltar
Gap years in Gibraltar
Seems like nobody can decide what Gibraltar should be, or who it should belong to. Here are some facts. Gibraltar is a town built on an invincible rock. It’s a country between Africa and Spain – but it’s under British rule. Confused? You needn’t be. Think of it as a Mediterranean, blissfully VAT-free piece of England. With a population of almost 30,000 (somewhere between the sizes of Bangor and Canterbury), Gibraltar is a lively, friendly, business-orientated destination. With fine Spanish beaches and ski resorts within easy reach, it’s a great place to stop and earn enough cash to continue your travels.
Gap Year Opportunities
You won’t need a visa or permit to work in Gibraltar – your British passport will suffice. There are plenty of temporary work opportunities and your British experience or education will be ideally suited. There are also occasional conservation projects seeking volunteers – you could be working with the Barbary Macaques, or assisting on a marine conservation project.
| There are currently no vacancies available. |
Getting Around
It’s easier to get in to Gibraltar these days, as border controls have relaxed – and it’s easy to get out, too, whether you want to go skiing (3 hours away) or continue your travels with Madrid (7 hours by car or 8 by bus). From London, you can fly directly into Gibraltar’s tiny airport. If you’re coming from mainland Spain, get a train or bus to La Linea and then walk into Gibraltar – it’s only about 15 minutes! Once in Gibraltar, it’s best to walk; unless you want to visit the monkeys living at the top of the Rock – if you don’t fancy the exercise, catch a cable car.
About Gibraltar
Situated between Spain and Africa, with the Strait of Gibraltar separating the country from Morocco, Gibraltar is unique. Since 1713 it’s been British territory, which means it feels a bit like the UK – sterling currency, English speaking hotel staff, British marriage registries, and even British-style fusion cuisine. The weather? That almost feels British too, with sea winds keeping summer averages to 30 degrees C (lower than neighbouring parts of Spain).
Like the Falkland Islands and Turks & Caicos, Gibraltar is one of several British Overseas Territories. This means that although they are officially headed by the British monarch, in practice they’re self-governed – with a Governor or Commissioner. These territories will have their own legal system, which is usually based on British law. The British government provides financial assistance to help governors develop their economy.
How did Gibraltar come to be a part of the UK in the first place? Under Spanish rule from 1501, Gibraltar was the scene of two infamous battles –the Battle of Gibraltar and the War of Spanish Succession, both of which were fought by Dutch, British and Spanish troops. In the early eighteenth century, British and Dutch troops – allied with a Duke who was contesting the Spanish throne – conquered Gibraltar. For the next few years, they maintained control, despite several Spanish sieges. As part of the Treaty signed by the allied troops, it was the British who obtained sovereignty over the state – and in 1713 this was finally made official.
Today, Spanish leaders contest the UK’s claim on Gibraltar. However, they have been relatively quiet in recent years, as relations between the two countries improved. In 2006 all three countries signed a series of agreements to improve the communication and tourist links between Spain and Gibraltar – designed to enhance Gibraltar’s living conditions and economic opportunities. The UK continues to insist that sovereignty “is not open for discussion”.
Visit Gibraltar
Most people visit Gibraltar for the shopping. Because it’s VAT-free, things like alcohol, tobacco and even cigarettes are cheaper than in Spain. Visit the Main Street for great-value liqueur and gifts, and make your pound go further.
Apart from the shopping, Gibraltar’s main attraction is the Upper Rock. It’s home to the Barbary Macaques, as well as emigrating flocks of sea birds including eagles, storks and ospreys. There are several ancient structures worth seeing – St Michael’s Cave and the Moorish Castle being just two. Beneath the rock is a network of underground tunnels, first dug during the the Great Siege and expanded in the Second World War. It was at this time that Gibraltar began to get its reputation for indestructibility!