Gap year students visit some beautiful places but also run risks

During one-day courses costing �150 they are learning about the risks of kidnap, disease, robbery, terrorist attacks, road accidents and other horror scenarios.

Before any parents suffer a heart attack worrying, former army officer Charlie McGrath, who runs the "hostile training" company Objective, says most of what teenagers need to know to survive is "common sense" - even in the most inhospitable locations.

He said: "We're not teaching armed combat and we aren't getting teenagers running up and down hills to train them.

Health and security

"The key is knowing what to do to get by in different cultures.

"The best thing to do is walk away from trouble. The next most important skills is to learn how to defuse it."

Every year, thousands of UK students spend several months travelling around the world before returning to start a degree.

Most return safely from locations such as Australia, India, New Zealand and the US.

You wouldn't just get a camera out in some parts of Africa and start taking snaps of someone. They might think you are trying to take their soul Charles McGrath, safety trainer

But more than 1,300 UK citizens die abroad every year and gap-year travellers, especially those who visit more exotic locations, are among those most at risk.

Mr McGrath said: "There are two main risks while away. The first is health, and not just the problems associated with food and drinking water.

"Most people get a gippy tummy while away, but others suffer more seriously.

"For instance, it's wise to wear long-sleeved shirts in areas with malaria.

"The second major worry is security. There is the risk of theft, robbery, muggings and even kidnap in some places, like Mexico and Colombia."

Students on the course learn what equipment to take on their travels, such as mosquito nets and devices which allow them to lock hotel rooms from the inside.

'Girls know better'

They are also encouraged to assess the risks associated with their destinations and told how to keep up with Foreign Office information.

Mr McGrath said: "We are trying to open people's eyes. It's important they don't offend people overseas.

"For example, you wouldn't just get a camera out in some parts of Africa and start taking snaps of someone. They might think you are trying to take their soul.

"Another tip would be to pay two dollars more for a safe bus journey, instead of increasing risk.

"The average 18 year old would not know that sort of thing, so we try to give them the relevant skills.

"We find the girls are usually more sensible than the boys at 18, even though most of the boys think they know better.