Deciding what to do before and after college can lead an individual to a crossroad. For many individuals, a gap year is the ideal solution. A gap year is any duration of time that a student takes to travel, volunteer, or intern in another location. While called a gap year, the “gap year” can be anything from a few weeks to a few years. It depends on the individual’s interests. The gap year can occur before, after, or during college. It is a chance for students to experience the world and determine what they really want to do with their life.
There are endless benefits to taking a gap year. A gap year can help individuals determine their career interests and goals. Many students are unsure or undecided when they enter college; a gap year can be an opportunity to determine their career goals.
While on their own and experiencing the world around them, individuals build confidence and express their independence. They will no longer rely on their parents for everything, they will be mature adults in the real world.
Many gap year experiences allow students to see how much they appreciate their education. Individuals often renew their passion for learning and coursework. Gap years can help individuals gain organization skills and life lessons. They will have to survive on their own and make their own decisions.
Cultural experiences can open individual’s eyes to the rest of the world. Gap years can broaden a student’s horizons and viewpoints. They will meet new people with life stories and experiences. They will build friendships with individuals that will always remain as a place to visit. Gap years provide the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of life. New foods and habits will be introduced to the student. The cultural benefits will shape the person into a worldly, social individual.
Many colleges see the benefits of a prospective student taking a gap year. They recognize that a student with a year in the real world will enter college with more maturity, self-confidence, and knowledge to experience upcoming challenges than a student who came directly from high school.
Finances are a concern of many gap year students. Costs vary depending on what the individual decides to do for their gap year. A prospective gap year student should research where they want to go and look for a host family or program that can be a reliable source to them. Many individuals work while they are on a gap year, whether it is in a local coffee shop or at a local hostel. With determination and research, a student can use all resources to afford their gap year.
Some people prefer to take a gap year with a friend. Other people are content to making new friends and traveling on their own. The student should do what they think is best. However, it is important to discuss gap year plans with friends and family members.
While it may seem like an escape from the real world, taking a gap year will provide exponential benefits as the student experiences the real world outside of campus. For more information on getting the most out of the college experience and for guidance on all things college- related, continue reading the articles listed below.