Gap Year

WHAT IS A GAP YEAR?

A gap year is exactly as it sounds – it's postponing university or college for a year and spending that time doing something else. Some students simply live at home and work during the year, but others use the time for all kinds of adventures at home and abroad – teaching, volunteer work, outdoor adventures, ecotravel, missionary work – you name it. In fact, a whole cottage industry of organizations have sprouted up to help students plan elaborate adventures during their year off. 

But, is taking a gap year the right choice for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to help you decide what is best for you in terms of postponing university and taking a year off.

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THE PROS

Besides the obvious attraction of an incredible and independent travel experience, there are many other reasons why a gap year can be a life-changing experience unlike anything else you've ever done.

• It'll make your resume look pretty snazzy: A gap year can provide a person with valuable new skills that any employer will be impressed by. Cultural awareness, organization, and an ability to work independently are just some of the skills that are gained by taking a year out.
• You'll meet new people: On a gap year it's impossible not to meet new people. Throughout school and college we are surrounded by the same folks but taking a gap year allows us to discover others, make new friends, and interact with people from all walks of life.
• You'll have tons of stories: After spending a year away the stories will mount up; these can be great conversation starters in the interview room, at parties, or simply just to look back on and remember.
• It's a very long holiday: A gap year, for most people, is the longest holiday they will ever have. It is often a once in a lifetime experience and the chance to escape the daily grind.
• It's a great way to learn: A gap year will provide you with much more than any classroom setting ever can. We can learn a lot in the classroom, but it isn't until we put it into practice in the real world that we really understand what's going on. A gap year lets us learn as we go and there's much more room for new experiences to enter our lives. We will also learn a lot more about ourselves and who we are as people; sometimes an experience during a gap year can knock you a bit but you'll learn just how much you can deal with when you really have to. Whether volunteering, studying, or just traveling, you're bound to learn a ton.
• You'll look after yourself: Some people might put this in the cons list; who wants to look after themselves if they can rely on Mom and Dad to help them out? But the truth is we've all got to stand on our own two feet at some point and the sooner we can learn how to do this the better. Going on a gap year can also help us get used to life on a budget, which is great preparation for college.
• It's a break from traditional education: Many people who enter college straight from school regret their choice of course or major within the first two years. Taking a break from education and going away for a while gives us the chance to really consider what the right course is. Not only this, but a gap year can provide a renewed vigor for study and a more focused approach to learning.
• You'll learn a new language: There's no better way to learn a new language than to live in a country that speaks it. Being immersed in a foreign language means that all of the new words that you learned can get put into practice straight away. People who live in native speaking countries of their target language are able to pick up the basics much faster than people who stay at home. You'll be a foreign language pro in no time!
• It doesn't have to be a year: A gap year can be as short or as long as people want them to be. Some choose to take some time out, get a job and save some cash before heading off, this way they can have a great experience without worrying too much about their funds. Others want a longer time away and leave as soon as they have a feasible amount - this means they're always watching what they spend but they're able to travel longer and fit more in. Most people who travel this way will find work abroad to fund their trip.
• You'll become more mature: People who take gap years often report that their family and friends say 'you've changed' when they return home, but it's never in a bad way. A gap year introduces a person to so many new ideas and experiences it's probably impossible not to change in some ways. Taking a gap year can put you in situations that many people (who never leave their own country) will never face.

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THE CONS

Before you get so excited you book your plane tickets, remember a gap year may not be a great choice for you. Reflecting on these points will make your gap year travels even more productive.

• You'll be a year behind: This can be a tough one for many people. They wave as their friends all trek to college and start their new lives and they are left behind. They can't start their new adventure yet because they don't have the cash. This is easily offset by working hard and saving cash quickly in order to jet off as soon as possible.
• You'll be homesick: It's something that hits most of us at some point. Whether you're missing family, friends or simply home comforts, you may find yourself wondering why you chose a life on the road. But fear not! The joy of travel is that there is always somebody to meet and something to do. Power through and you'll be glad you did.
• It's a risk: Sure it is! But where do we get in life if we aren't willing to take risks? This is what makes a gap year so exciting; not knowing what to expect is all part of the adventure. The key is to take care and travel with common sense. Fun fact: I've yet to meet a gap year traveler or career breaker who "regretted" their decision to hit the road.
• It can be expensive: This depends on the destination and the duration of the trip but, chances are, when taking a gap year you're going to spend quite a bit of cash. The best way to fund a gap year is to work and travel at the same time. It's also a good idea to plan trips independently as this will cut costs dramatically - for the first time traveler this may be a little difficult and paying extra for the help of someone to do it for you might be a good idea.
• It can be stressful: Booking vaccinations, getting tickets and insurance, visas and accommodation sorted; all this and the adventure hasn't even begun. It does get easier as you get used to life on the road but there will always be situations that will test your stress levels to the max. Planning independently can be tough, whether it's language barriers, currency, or trying to work out the public transport systems, so sometimes it's good to kick back, spend a little more and let someone else do the hard work. Doing formalized programs are a great way to get situated and meet likeminded folks. Just be sure read reviews first!
• There's the potential to waste a lot of time:Many people think their trip will begin as soon as they finish school and kind of just wait for things to happen. This is not the case - as soon as the decision to have a gap year is made, the planning and saving needs to begin. If this is done then the gap year really can begin as soon as the school year is finished. However, by not planning carefully many people find weeks and months passing by before they can even step onto that first plane.
• You're no longer a student: It's a pretty big deal, going from school into the real world. It can be a big shock getting used to this new way of life. Many people prefer to take this transition a little more slowly by studying or doing an internship abroad.

**Information from http://www.gooverseas.com/blog/gap-year-advantages-disadvantages.