What is a Gap Year?

by Tyler P. A Passionate Blogger - Entertainment

A gap year is gaining popularity all over the world. It is a kind of sabbatical year that is taken after high school graduation and before joining a college. It is an opportunity for students to travel, volunteer, work and explore themselves. All those who take a gap year before starting college and entering their career lives have a different perspective and are much smarter.

A gap year could be a semester or a full academic year where you take a break from your formal education. You travel abroad for your gap year and develop emotional intelligence, become more empathetic towards other cultures and discover your strengths and weaknesses. During a gap year, you will get an opportunity to stay with a host family and learn their local culture and traditions. It is the most efficient way to learn about the outside world and become more tolerant of other cultures and backgrounds. If you directly jump from your high school to a college in the same place, there will be no scope for exploring the world. You will be confined to your comfort zone, and there will be lesser chances of you discovering your inner self.

What are the key advantages of taking a gap year?

1. You Become Independent

You have stayed with your family for almost 17 years, and it becomes a part of your life. But, when you leave the four walls of your house and go abroad to take that break, you will learn to be independent. You will cook, save money, earn money and meet people from different backgrounds during your gap year. You will follow your own instincts and develop maturity before entering your college life.

2. Gives you a Kickstart for your Career Ahead

When you choose to do gap year programs abroad, it gives you an edge over other students. It develops your skills and is very impressive on your resume. You could impress your university and future employers by taking a gap year. Employers are always on the lookout for students who have more than just academic qualifications to bring to the table.

3. You Learn about Different Cultures

After you find the best student exchange program, you are most likely to develop tolerance towards other cultures and traditions. If you choose to do your gap year in a third world country, the chances are that it will make you mature and smarter. After you learn about the discomforts of other’s lives, you will feel a sense of gratitude towards your own life.

4. You Discover your Interests

Whether it is outdoor sports or volunteering on a vegetable farm, you will have to choose your interest during the gap year. If you sign up to volunteer for a nature conservation program, you may have a liking towards nature and environment. These likings are impossible to develop back at home where your busy schedule demands you to only focus on your assignments and papers. When you opt for a student exchange program abroad, you will actually discover your inner passion. Whatever you choose, it will be a boost to your college life.