What is a gap year?
A gap year refers to taking a year off, typically with the goal of pursuing an interest or figuring out what to do next in life. Most people who take a gap year (a.k.a. “gappers”) do so after they graduate high schoolbut others do it in the middle of their college or university program. While each person’s approach to a gap year is unique, common themes include stepping outside of your comfort zone, travelling solo or with friends, learning about new cultures, and self-reflecting on new experiences.
Should I take a gap year?
Before I get into the numerous benefits of taking a gap year, first consider whether it’s the right choice for you. Making a plan avoids feeling stuck and like you’re wasting valuable time. Without structure, you might feel like you’re in a rut.
Also, consider the potential for feeling disconnected from your friends, family and classmates. If you take a gap year, you’ll be a year older than your peers when you enroll in a program, if you’re still in school. This could make you feel out of sync with your classmates. Or it may not.
You may also feel a sense of FOMO (the fear of missing out) when you see friends attending college or university. While they enjoy new experiences on campus (such as Frosh Week or having dorm parties) or having their graduation ceremony before yours, it may leave you feeling like you’re falling behind. So, you need to be mentally prepared to face those situations.
From a financial standpoint, you’ll want to budget for your gap year. For example, travelling to Costa Rica for a few months could cost you several thousand dollars, whereas an all-inclusive trip to visit multiple countries for 12 months could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.
Also, you can earn some money during your gap year. It may help to pay for your school. People may overlook the fact that tuition and rent will most likely increase year over year. Moreover, since you’re graduating a year later, you’re delaying entering the workforce. This means your earning potential is also being pushed back by one year. Essentially, taking a gap year isn’t for everyone. There are social, emotional and financial aspects to take into consideration before you make this big decision.
Benefits of travelling during a gap year
It’s true, taking time off to travel as a young person can be expensive and nerve-wracking. However, there are plenty of advantages that come with travelling before you start a new school year or your career. It can allow you to:
Expose yourself to different cultures and be in a new environment
Discover new things that you can’t learn from a textbook
Add global experience on your resume
Be adventurous
Get hands-on training
Learn about yourself and become more self-aware
Manage your own budget
Meet new people and make new friends
Create everlasting memories
A gap year can make financial sense
Taking a gap year can be the best thing for you financially as well. If you’re uncertain about your academic interests, for example, a gap year gives you more time to decide; it can confirm your previous choices or open your eyes to different possibilities. Think of it this way: Switching programs part-way through your education costs time and money. So, it could be advantageous to figure out what you want to do first. Plus, a gap year could provide you with more time to work and save money for your post-secondary studies, while allowing yourself to recharge between academic years.
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