Is a Gap Year right for you?
I am currently engaged in high level negotiations with my son, who is entering his last year of university this fall. I would like him to go straight into a Masters program or college program that I believe will give him an edge in the job market. He wants to take a year off to work and travel.
What my son is proposing is well known to Brits as a "gap year". A gap year is defined as "a period of time when students take a break from formal education to travel, volunteer, study, intern or work". A gap "year" can last for several weeks, a semester or up to a year or more. The concept has its origins in the UK and has grown in popularity since the 1990's.
What is the advantage of taking a year off? Studies have shown that students who take a break in their education return more motivated and focused. Most universities now offer the option of deferring enrollment to accepted students for a year. Most importantly, it has gained acceptance with many paren'ts as a worthwhile endeavour for their children.
What do you do during a gap year? For most students it is a time of personal reflection, time to mature and experience life. You could use the time to learn a language, travel, work abroad to earn money for your education.
How do you know if a gap year is right for you? MyGlobalEducation.com gives a number of good questions to ask yourself, including: What's my motivation? Do I have a plan? Have I done my homework? Do I have the support of my family?
For more information on gap years, check out some websites including PlanetGapYear.com, RealGapExperience.com (for ideas for a gap year), Gapyear.com, among others.
And check out some books at TPL on this topic:
Good luck with whatever you decide to do with your year!
One thought on “Is a Gap Year right for you?”
I took a “gap year” between high school and university and it was the best decision I have ever made. I just finished my second year at York doing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Education. I don’t think I would be able to cope with the stress of doing two degrees at once had I not taken a gap year. I spent my year working full time and was able to save three years of tuition. I recommend the experience to anyone considering it.