A gap year is a period during which a person takes a break from their academic or professional path, usually to travel, volunteer, or pursue personal development. They are most common during transitional periods in life, typically after high school or before university, between university semesters, after graduation, before graduate school, etc. A gap year can also take place during a career transition.
This brings up an important question: what to do during a gap year?
This is the perfect time to pursue a passion or a project that wouldn't be possible without the time and freedom a gap year offers.
Traveling and volunteering are among the most popular options people consider. Others choose to work or do an internship somewhere. Some opt for a combination of all these! You can choose between an adventure trip, a job or internship abroad, a language immersion, teaching children, saving sea turtles, and much more! Not only will a gap year be an incredible experience, but it can also provide you with skills and experience that will be extremely valuable later in life.
We also organize a Gap Year Fair to showcase all the possibilities available to you during your gap year.
According to the Gap Year Association, studies have shown that students who take a gap year significantly outperform their peers at university through to graduation.
The 2020 survey report by the Gap Year Association, conducted among gap year students in North America, revealed that 95% of participants said their gap year experience prepared them for success in their next step, whether at university or in the workplace.
Gap years can take many shapes and sizes. Two-thirds of survey respondents said their gap year lasted between 7 and 12 months, while 21% reported shorter gap years (between 2 and 6 months).
While gap years can happen at any point in life, they are most common right after high school or university graduation. In fact, 80% of respondents took a gap year between the ages of 18 and 21.
Over 75% of respondents who traveled abroad for their gap year participated in a structured program. The majority of these participants chose to volunteer or do service work (79%) while learning a language.
Choosing a destination for your gap year can be overwhelming, although you don't necessarily need to choose just one place. 34% of survey participants said they spent most of their gap year in one country, while 21% reported visiting two countries, and 46% spent their gap year in at least three countries!
Gap years are not just a time to relax, travel, and unwind – as nice as that sounds. They are also a time for personal growth. The top three skills respondents said they developed were increased cultural awareness, improved communication skills, and greater self-reliance. An overwhelming 95% of survey participants said their gap year prepared them well for their next stage in life. While planning a gap year can seem daunting, it can be extremely rewarding when done well.
When students take a gap year after high school, they have a lot of freedom. After high school and before university, you can be very flexible – which is a huge plus for a gap year! Some of the most popular options for high school graduates taking a gap year are volunteering, working, or doing an internship abroad. Combining travel with purpose leads to a truly enriching experience – and something to add to your CV!
Taking a gap year after high school is an ideal time to travel and have incredible experiences, as it’s a time with few responsibilities and a natural transition point in life. Taking this break later in life could interrupt your studies or disrupt your career.
Many people hesitate to take a gap year because of how it might be perceived. They worry that universities will see it as a red flag. But actually, the opposite is true!
Gap years produce much more mature individuals, and universities know this. A gap year also gives you the time to step back and pursue what truly interests you, better preparing you for university. Many students choose a major while they’re still young and inexperienced. Taking some time off from school can help students identify what they really love and choose a course/field better suited to them! As gap years become more popular, some universities actively encourage them!
Gap years also have no significant impact on scholarship opportunities. Some students work during their gap year to fund their university tuition. While a gap year can be expensive, working while traveling can certainly help ease the burden. For example, you could work in Japan, experiencing cultural immersion while earning an income!
While many people choose to take a gap year before university, taking one after can also be extremely beneficial. Whether between semesters, before graduate school, or before a full-time job, a gap year can offer university students and graduates an incredible and enriching experience in which they can see the world and put their new skills to use.
Having recently graduated, it might be a great time to gain professional experience with your new degree! There are plenty of jobs and internships you can do while traveling the world. For example, you could do a language immersion internship abroad, gaining work experience while learning a new language and exploring the world!
Additionally, volunteering abroad can be a very valuable experience. Traveling and taking a gap year is much easier when you’re young and flexible, before having a full-time job and larger responsibilities. Graduation is always a turning point in life and gives you the perfect opportunity to step off the beaten path and follow your passion while exploring the world.
- Gain new perspectives: When you take a gap year, you're introduced to a different way of living, a different culture, and different challenges... This will broaden your perspective and give you a global outlook on life.
- Improve your CV: Gap years give you time to gain real-world experience. Soft skills gained through volunteering, internships, and travel are extremely valuable to employers.
- Clarity on future career interests: Many people take a gap year while still young and unsure of what they want to do long-term. Experiencing new things can help you discover what you're truly passionate about, allowing you to pursue it further.
- Better performance after a gap year: Studies have shown that students who take a gap year perform better at university compared to those who didn’t. This is because gap years help students mature and develop essential skills for future success.
- Meet new people: A gap year pushes you to meet new people and immerse yourself in different cultures. You can learn a lot from others and form connections with people from all over the world!
-Learn new skills/languages: Many people choose to do a language immersion program along with volunteering, working, etc. Gaining new skills and learning a new language is always beneficial.
Cost: Gap years aren’t free. There's always a cost for travel, accommodation, food... This can be a challenge, as many students don’t earn money during this time. However, there are ways to fund your gap year such as scholarships, work exchanges, or fundraising.
Achievement gap: Although you gain valuable skills, memories, experiences, etc., you're also stepping away from the traditional path and might feel like you’re falling behind. Just remember – there’s no one right way to live!
Stress: Planning a gap year can be very stressful. Balancing logistics, expenses, and responsibilities isn’t easy. Fortunately, there are people ready to help guide you through it so you can make the most of your time.
Perception: In many parts of the world, a gap year isn’t the traditional path most people take. You might face negative opinions from family or friends if you choose to take one – especially if you don’t have an organized plan. What you gain from this time depends entirely on you!
There are many reasons to take a gap year. Some people want to travel and see the world. Others feel the need to rest after burnout from school or work. However, as tempting as a year spent relaxing on vacation may sound, it’s not the best approach to making the most of your gap year.
The best way to spend a gap year is to do something that will benefit you in the long run. While rest can be part of it, you should also have a goal. Whether that means traveling, volunteering, doing an internship, etc., it’s entirely up to you! There are so many directions to take – it’s just a matter of doing your research, planning, and then going for it!
Choosing to do an internship abroad is an excellent way to spend a gap year! Gaining professional experience abroad is a significant achievement for students and is appreciated by universities and employers who recognize the qualities and skills developed in an international environment. This opportunity not only helps you learn valuable skills but also allows you to apply your newly acquired knowledge and add something meaningful to your resume after your gap year.
This experience fosters initiative, adaptability, and versatility – highly useful skills in life. Beyond professional development, choosing to do an internship abroad will also improve your language fluency in everyday situations. Going abroad and living and working among locals exposes individuals to a new culture and way of life, enhancing autonomy, open-mindedness, and maturity.
There are also academic internships that combine theory and practical experience, laying the foundation for a promising career launch.
A gap year filled with professional and educational experiences is not only an opportunity to gain skills – it’s also a chance to explore and grow globally. The combination of study and work abroad results in a very rewarding gap year. This type of gap year is increasingly appealing in both professional and academic contexts.
Mixing different approaches means there’s a program for everyone! Studying while working abroad involves theoretical learning, language skill improvement, and combining hands-on experience with structured courses.
A gap year that combines work and study is the golden ticket to personal and professional growth abroad. It also allows you to choose a job that aligns with your passions. It’s not just a gap year – it’s an experience that prepares you for a future full of exciting opportunities!
Absolutely! Taking a gap year after high school is very common. It’s a great opportunity to travel, volunteer, work, or simply take time to reflect and decide what you want to study or do in the future.
Yes. Many universities allow students to take a break for a semester or a year. It's best to check with your university's administration to understand the specific procedures and whether this will impact your academic path.
That depends on your goals. You can volunteer, work, do an internship, take language courses, or travel. Many people choose to combine several of these options to make the most of their gap year.
It can be, depending on what you choose to do. However, there are affordable and even paid programs (internships, work exchanges, etc.). With good planning, your gap year can be both enriching and financially manageable.
Not necessarily, but having a plan (even a flexible one) is highly recommended. It will help you stay motivated and make the most of your time. Many people choose to plan a few months in advance and leave room for spontaneity.
On the contrary! If you use your time wisely, a gap year can boost your application. Universities and employers often value the skills and maturity gained during a well-planned gap year.
Share it on social media!
Contact us
Latest news, new programs, travel ideas… one news per month guaranteed without spam!
