After high school, you have an important decision to make: gap year or university — which is better? A gap year is a period during which someone opts to take time off from traditional education to travel, work, volunteer, or other recreational activities. The choice you make can leave an everlasting mark on your personal development, academic achievements, and career trajectory. You’ll hear many opinions on why a gap year is good or bad, making the decision more difficult.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has revealed that a gap year may vary in its duration, it can be shorter or longer than 12 months to accommodate student’s needs and goals. Despite the gap year length, what makes the biggest difference is the chance for self-thoughtfulness, acquiring experience of life, and investigating the targets of life ahead.
So, is enjoying some time off between high school and college to travel cross country and gain real-world experience worth the effort? To assist you with settling on an educated choice, we’ve assembled a rundown of the main advantages and challenges of taking a gap year. Peruse on to gauge the potential outcomes and suggestions as you plan your subsequent stage.
Benefits of taking a gap year
Taking a gap year might be especially helpful for those students who are unsure about their professional course. Besides, students who need confidence or have a confined social knowledge can use the upside of a gap year in one of the affordable places in the US, to improve their lifestyle. To know how a gap year can enhance your life, here are a portion of the top benefits you can hope to acquire:
1. It’s an opportunity to pursue other passions
A gap year is a chance to pursue a hobby, learn a new language, volunteer, and travel to new places. With a little creativity, you can turn your travels into a profitable adventure that supports your academic development such as with the help of a professional writing service. Assignment writing service is a time-tested website that you can enlist to complete academic tasks efficiently so you can have a much-needed breather in your travels.
2. You’ll earn extra money
If you’ve limited financial options as a college student, exploring the world on a budget and taking part-time work during a gap year can help you save money.
3. You’ll gain new skills and work insight to help your resume stand out
If you spend your gap year traveling, gaining new work experiences, or even volunteering, it will make your resume stand out to future employers. Cultural awareness gives you a profound ability to live and work independently.
4. You’ll gain a more extensive perspective
Taking a gap year to travel and gain real-world experiences will push you out of your comfort zone and help you meet new people. New experiences and meeting new people will broaden your perspective about humanity and yourself.
5. It can help you avoid burnout
You’re in complete control of your schedule during a gap year. With most students juggling school and work, an intentional break can prevent burnout and reinvigorate your motivation to achieve your goals.
6. It can prompt increased independence and flexibility
Stepping away from university life and traveling to unfamiliar places is a chance for personal growth. You learn to adapt to new environments, navigate unfamiliar situations, and make independent decisions.
7. You’ll expand your network
You’ll likely meet all kinds of people on your travels during a gap year. It’s a great chance to broaden your professional network, which could open doors for the future.
8. You’ll gain real-world understanding
Traveling to new places and gaining real-world experiences can help you later. You can draw upon your prior knowledge in the real world to boost class-based learning and enrich practical applications in the workplace.
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9. You can prioritize your personal growth
Gap years urge you to prioritize your personal growth and prosperity as opposed to simply focusing on scholars or professional development. You can utilize this chance to visit the best places in the US to sustain your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Thus, you put yourself in a position for long-haul achievement and joy.
10. You will get re-energized after a break
Following quite a while of extreme learning in school, a gap year assists you with building energy and devotion through travel and hands-on experience. You gain a more profound knowledge of yourself and your surroundings. This break can be quite refreshing before pursuing higher education or career opportunities.
Challenges of taking a gap year
Taking a gap year can be a life-changing experience, with opportunities to explore new horizons, identify hidden talents, and attain precious knowledge. However, besides the thrill and enthusiasm, an intricate network of challenges can make this journey frightening for you.
1. It can stall your academic momentum
One of the biggest cons of taking a gap year is that it can make transitioning back into your academic life very difficult. Making up for time lost can be difficult when you’re a year behind your friends.
2. You might be homesick
This is a feeling that most travelers experience at some point, the emotional pain of being away from your family, pets, and friends. That’s why it’s important to prioritize your mental health and make the most of the time away.
3. It can be very expensive
Traveling and gaining real-life experiences comes at a high cost, especially if traveling abroad or for extended periods. Without proper planning, a gap year of traveling can take a huge financial toll on you.
4. You’ll be a year behind
This is a tough reality for many students. You must consider that most of your friends will be settled in university by the time you get there. Also, a gap year delays the start of your career.
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5. Travel preparation can be stressful
Travel preparation involves scheduling vaccinations, sorting visas and accommodation, getting tickets and insurance. Planning can be overwhelming for first-time solo travelers.
6. People might not understand your decision
The decision to take a gap year can leave your parents and teachers worried that it means you’ll never go to college. In the face of opposition, weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
7. You struggle to stay in touch with people at home
Despite the technological era, sometimes it becomes difficult to stay connected with your loved ones back home. There may be differences in time zones or you could be traveling to remote areas with poor mobile phone service. This leads you to feelings of loneliness and out of the loop.
8. It can be challenging to embrace new cultures
As you get ready to discover new places during a gap year, you may face hurdles to adopt a new culture. Plunging into an unfamiliar situation without proper groundwork can be overwhelming.
You might not like or comprehend new customs that make you freak out and feel isolated. This can hinder your ability to enjoy and admire local culture.
Taking a gap year is a strategic decision that requires careful consideration
Taking a gap year presents unique benefits and challenges, but there’s no denying that the benefits outweigh the challenges. Still, a gap year is not for everyone, especially for people who don’t want to lose their academic momentum. If you still want to travel and gain real-world experiences without taking a gap year, explore other options like studying abroad.