Some students need a break from their studies or spend a ‘gap year’ to help them know what they really want to achieve. Whether deciding to pursue higher education or taking on a new role, students prefer to spend at least a year to weigh things and reflect, in order to make a valuable decision.
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“Gap time” or gap year is a year before enrolling in college, which can be taken off by some students. It usually takes 12-months and is meant to help students take a break from study or work, and reflect on his or her career goals.
Here’s a list of all the things you must consider before taking a break:
Use this time to invigorate your mind amid all the coursework. After spending your gap year abroad, you will come back to school with a refreshed mind and perspective.
Some of the benefits of taking a gap year:
There are endless possibilities when it comes to spending your gap year. You can either choose to travel, do an activity, or volunteer for charity. You can choose to spend your gap year anywhere in the world.
Most students who take a gap year prefer to go away from their normal coursework or field of interest. You can explore the jungle, climb a mountain, volunteer in a developing country, enroll for a special course, or go scuba diving, skiing or snowboarding. There’s no limit as to what you can do!
Whether you want to take a break for a year, a month, or a week to discover new activities and places to see, you will find the perfect activity and programs you can enter into during your gap year.
Some people also take a gap year while in college. However, like any other decision, there are advantages and disadvantages. Here are just some of the reasons why taking a gap year during your college year can be a good idea:
Advantages
Positive Effect in School
Some students may find themselves struggling with their academics. Get back on track with a gap year. Sometimes, all people need is a break from things.
Decision-making
Students will have more time to think about the things they want to achieve in their career. A gap year can be a great opportunity to experience the world and all the things it has to offer.
Improve your career prospects
Taking a gap year can also strengthen your CV and makes you a strong candidate. You can use the gap year to highlight new skills that you’ve learned.
Opportunity to Travel
Who doesn’t like to travel? A gap year can be your chance to discover the world and take some time off.
Disadvantages
Deciding to take a gap year is no small decision. You shouldn’t take it lightly.
Lose focus in school
Some students also lose focus when they come back from taking a gap year. Students must be prepared for readjustment period as they try to balance university life.
Delayed graduation
Taking a gap year means you need to take extra time to graduate.
Financial Load
Spending a gap year will always require you to spend. You may have to spend at least $20,000. Try weighing in the advantages and disadvantages of such an experience and work on your budget.
More Effort
Of course, you will need to invest time and energy into researching the best options where you will take a break from your study.
After you’ve finished considering the pros and cons, then you can take a gap year while in college. Here are a few tips to get started with your gap year experience:
Think
Think about the strategy or reason of your travel. Ask yourself: How can it help you succeed in the future?
Going back to school
Yes, you have formulated a good and valid reason. But what about coming back to school?
Comply with requirements
Make sure that you have complied with all your university requirements before you take a break.
It’s a common misconception that people who take a gap year after college damage their career. In fact, taking a break can add value to your career because of the many career-related skills you can acquire.
Travelling is an important learning experience than spending your time inside the four walls of a classroom. Most employers prefer to choose employees with experience beyond the office culture.
Internship
Internships, teaching English abroad, and aupairing are paid work which can fund your travel.
Volunteer
Get immersed in the culture of one country through volunteering. Not only that, you can also make a difference in the world. Try volunteering and develop your professional skills.
Study Abroad
You can also take some classes while on your gap year. Taking language classes can be useful for students, as they carry on the knowledge they learn in their work and studies. Learning a new language also helps you advance your skills.
Once you’re done with your gap year after college, you can opt to apply for a job and further your career using the new skills you’ve acquired.
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