Gap Year : What to do during a Gap Year

What is a gap year?

You’ve probably heard the term gap year for recent highschool graduates wanting to take a break before college. Although this is true, a gap can be so much more than that. 

A gap year is a period of time in which a person takes a break from formal education or employment, usually to travel, volunteer or achieve personal development. They are most common during transitional periods in someone’s life, generally after highschool or before university, between semesters during university, after graduation, before graduate school, etc. A gap year could also take place during an occupational transition.

When making the decision of what to do during a gap year, the sky's the limit! 

This is the time to pursue a passion or project that wouldn’t be possible without the time and freedom of a gap year. 

Travelling and volunteering are some of the most popular options that people consider. Others decide to work or intern somewhere. Some decide on a combination of all these options! You could choose between adventure travel, a job or internship abroad, a language immersion, teaching children, rescuing sea turtles and so much more! Not only will a gap year be an incredible experience, it can also give you skills and experience that will be extremely beneficial later in life. 

 

Gap year statistics

According to The Gap Year Association, studies found that gap year students significantly outperform their peers in university all the way until graduation.

The 2020 Gap Year Association Survey Report conducted amongst gap year students in North America found that 95% of participants stated that their gap year experience prepared them for success in their next step, regardless of whether that was university or a job.

Gap year length

Gap years can come in all shapes and sizes. Two-thirds of all the survey respondents reported that their gap year lasted between 7-12 months, while 21% reported shorter gap years (between 2-6 months). 

Gap year age

Although gap years can come at any point in your life, they are most common after graduating from highschool or university. 80% of respondents participated in a gap year when they were between 18-21 years. 

Gap year abroad

Over 75% of respondents who travelled abroad for their gap year participated in a structured program. The majority of these participants chose to volunteer or do service work (79%), while also learning a language. 

Gap year destinations

Choosing a destination for a gap year can be a stressful task, though you don’t necessarily need to choose just one. 34% of survey participants reported that they spent most of their gap year in 1 country, while 21% reported 2 countries, and 46% of participants reported that they spent their gap year in at least 3 countries!

Personal development

Gap years are not just a time to unwind, travel and relax, as lovely as that sounds. They are also a time to achieve some personal growth. The top three skills survey respondents reported developing were an improved cultural awareness, better communication skills and improvement in self-direction. An overwhelming 95% of survey participants said their gap year prepared them well for their next step in life. Although planning a gap year might seem like a daunting task, it can be very rewarding if you do it right!

 

What to do during a gap year before college

When students take a gap year after high school they have a lot of freedom. After high school and before university, you are able to be very flexible, which is  a huge asset on a gap year! Some of the most popular choices for gap year students after high school are volunteering, working or interning abroad. Pairing travel with a purpose will result in a very fulfilling experience and something to put on your resume!

After highschool is an ideal time to take a year to travel and have some incredible experiences because it is a time with few responsibilities and is a natural transition point in life. Taking a break to travel, volunteer, etc. later in life could mean interrupting studies or disrupting your career. 

Many people have doubts about going on a gap year because of how it will be perceived. They are afraid universities will view a gap year as a bad sign. However, this is actually the opposite! 

Gap years result in much more mature individuals and universities know this. A gap year also allows you to step back and pursue what really interests you, making you better prepared for college. Many students make a decision regarding what they want to study when they are quite young and inexperienced. Taking some time to live life away from school can help students to identify what they actually enjoy and choose a course/degree better suited for them! As gap years become increasingly popular, some universities are actively encouraging them!

Gap years also have no significant effect on scholarship chances. Some students work during their gap years in order to fund their college tuition as well. Although taking a gap year can be expensive, working while traveling can definitely help ease this burden. For example, you could work in Japan, thereby experiencing cultural immersion while also having an income! 

Though many choose to take a gap year before university, taking a gap year afterwards can also be extremely beneficial. Whether it is in between semesters, before graduate school or before a full-time job, a gap year can offer college students and graduates an amazing and worthwhile experience in which they can see the world and use some of their new skills. 

 

What to do during a gap year after college

Having recently graduated, it could be beneficial to get some work experience with your new degree! There are many jobs and internships that can be done while travelling the world. For example, you could do a language immersion internship abroad, acquiring some work experience while also learning a new language and seeing the world!

In addition, volunteering abroad can be a very valuable experience and a chance to give back to the community. Travelling and taking a gap year is much easier when you are young and can be flexible before you have a full-time job and bigger responsibilities. Graduation is always a point of change in your life and offers you the perfect opportunity to step off the beaten track and pursue your passion while seeing the world.

 

Pros of taking a gap year

• Gain new perspectives: When you take a gap year, you are introduced to a different way of life, a different culture, different issues, etc. This will broaden your perspective and give you a new, global outlook on the world and life in general.

 

• Better resume: Gap years give you time to gain some real-world experience. The soft skills gained from volunteering, interning, travelling, etc are very valuable to employers.  

 

• Clarity in future career interests: Many people are quite young when they take a gap year and are not yet sure what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Experiencing new things can help you identify what it is you are really passionate about, allowing you to pursue that further. 

 

• Improved performance after taking a gap year: Studies have shown that gap year students actually perform better in university, compared to those who did not take a gap year. This is because gap years allow time for students to mature and develop various skills that are essential to future success. 

 

• Meet new people: Going on a gap year will force you to meet new people and be surrounded by different cultures. You can learn so much from others and make connections with people all around the world!

 

• Learn new skills/languages: Many people choose to do a language immersion program as well as volunteer, work, etc. Developing new skills as well as learning a new language is always beneficial.

 

Cons of taking a gap year 

• Expenses: Gap years are not free. There is always a cost to travel, be accommodated, eat, etc, on your gap year. This can be a problem as many students are not earning any money during this time either. Nevertheless, there are methods to help you fund your gap year such as scholarships, work exchanges, raising funds, etc.

 

• Achievement gap: Although you will gain invaluable skills, memories, experiences, etc., you are also taking some time away from the traditional path and may feel that you are falling behind. Just remember that there is no one right way to live!

 

• Stress: Planning a gap year can be very stressful. Balancing logistics, expenses, responsibilities, etc. is not easy. However, there are people happy to help you through this so you can get the most out of this time.

 

• Perception: In much of the world, a gap year is not the traditional path most people take. You may face some negative perception from family or friends if you decide to take a gap year, particularly if you do not have an organised plan. What you gain from this time is entirely up to you! 

 

Best ways to spend a gap year 

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 experiencing burnout from school or work. However, as tempting as a year spent relaxing on vacation sounds, this is not conducive to a successful gap year.

The best way to spend a gap year is by doing something that will benefit you long-term. Although rest might be a part of that, you should also be working towards some goal. Whether that involves exploring, volunteering, interning, etc. is entirely up to you! There are so many directions you could go so it is just a matter of researching, planning and then executing!

Gap year internships  

Choosing to do an internship abroad is an excellent way to spend a gap year! Getting some professional experience abroad is a significant achievement for students and will earn admiration from both universities and employers who recognize the qualities and skills that are developed in an international environment. This opportunity not only opens doors to learn some valuable skills but also allows students to apply their newly acquired knowledge and have something to put on a resume after their gap year.

The experience encourages initiative, adaptability and versatility, all very useful skills to have in life. Beyond professional development, choosing to do an internship abroad would improve language proficiency on a daily basis. Going abroad and living and working among locals exposes individuals to a new culture and way of life, increasing a sense of autonomy, open-mindedness, and maturity.

There are also academic internships which blend theory with hands-on practical experience, laying the foundation for a promising career launch.

Gap year to study and work 

Going on a gap year filled with professional and educational experiences isn't just about gaining skills – it's a chance to explore and grow on a global level. The blend of studying and working while abroad, results in a very enriching gap year. This type of gap year is increasingly attractive in both a professional and academic context.

Mixing and matching different approaches means that there is a program for everyone! Studying while working abroad involves theoretical learning, strengthening language skills, and combining hand-on experiences with structured courses.

A gap year that combines work and studies is the golden ticket for 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 sets you up for a future full of exciting possibilities!

 

FAQs

How to spend a whole gap year? 

• There are lots of ways to spend a gap year including volunteering, working, interning, travelling, etc. The ‘best’ way to spend your gap year depends entirely on you! You can also mix and match different activities. For example, you could volunteer abroad or do a work/study program abroad! The possibilities are endless and it is truly up to you! You could spend the entire year focusing on one thing or you could try lots of things if that is your preference. However, no matter what you decide to do, it is always important to have a plan. While gap years do allow you to be spontaneous and flexible, the most successful gap years have some structure to ensure you achieve everything you want to during this time.

 

Do colleges accept gap year students? 

• YES absolutely! Some even prefer it! Don’t be afraid of not getting into university after taking a gap year. If anything, taking a gap year will help you be more successful in university!

 

What's the smartest thing to do during a gap year to help with college in the coming future?

• If you take a gap year, make sure it is productive and that you will come away from it more mature, strong, knowledgeable, capable, etc. You could get work experience through a job or internship, you could volunteer, etc. There is really no concrete limit to what you can achieve during your gap year so reach for the stars!

 

Is taking a gap year expensive? 

• Not necessarily. It can be expensive if you are just travelling the world and staying in hotels but if you think smart, plan ahead, consider working/volunteering/interning alongside your travels this will definitely help lower the cost! A gap year is only as expensive as you make it. 

 

Summary

So, is a gap year a good idea for you? A gap year is not easy but it can be immensely rewarding. There is no one correct way to do a gap year. This is time for you to pursue a passion, travel, work, volunteer, intern or anything else you can dream of! Although there are more common times in life to take a gap year, it can really come at any time.

There are countless programs and opportunities to choose from so that you can achieve everything you want. Gap years definitely require planning and preparation but as long as you are willing to put in the work, you will most certainly reap the rewards!

No one can tell you whether a gap year is right for you except yourself. However, if you want to learn about new cultures, travel the world, develop new skills, meet different people and have the experience of a lifetime, a gap year might just be the thing for you!