A Gap Year is a year that you take away from regular school or work to explore the world.
The idea of taking a gap year is becoming an increasingly popular notion in today's society. More and more young people are realizing the benefits a gap year can offer and opting to step out of the education system for a while.
Why take a gap year?
The real beauty of gap years, is that universities and employers alike genuinely appreciate candidates who have stepped out of their comfort zone and worked and traveled abroad. Indeed, universities positively encourage taking a gap year these days, offering deferrals to gap year candidates. Returning gap year students are generally more enthusiastic about returning to study and feel re-invigorated by all their new experiences.
In short - a gap year gives you the opportunity to have the time of your life, see some amazing places and enhance your career prospects in the process!
What type of person takes a gap year?
The average stereotypical person taking gap year travel is either someone who has just finished high school and wants some time-out before starting university or, similarly, someone who has just finished university and wants to do the same before starting their full-time working career. Alternatively, a gap between jobs is a great time to take the opportunity to study or travel abroad.
Some people on a gap year travel on their own, some as a couple and some with a group. Traveling solo on your gap year can seem a daunting prospect but, in reality, it's actually usually easier to relate to people if you're on your own. It's also a lot more flexible when it comes to your gap year decision-making, both before you go and when you're away - you've no one else to answer to but yourself!
Does a gap year have to be that long?
Despite the name, gap ‘years' can be as long or short as you wish them to be. If you're not comfortable going away for a whole twelve months on your gap year then it's fine to go away for as little as one or two months if that's what you prefer. You can still do or achieve quite a bit on a gap year even in a relatively short space of time. The main thing is that you're still taking a gap ‘year', taking some time out and experiencing a different way of life. You're almost certain to return from your gap year refreshed, with a new perspective on things and most probably with some newly acquired skills to add to your CV as well.
Where can I go and what can I do on a gap year?
Where you go and what you do on a gap year depends where in the world you're interested in visiting and what you want out of your gap year. The only limit with a gap year is your imagination. You may want to backpack round the world, visit one particular country or do something really rewarding like helping out on a volunteer project in the Third World. It really is up to you.
