Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
What is a gap year?
The terms gap year, gappers and gap year market are all on the increase in every sense of the word. More and more young people are choosing to take a year out before heading to university to start their undergraduate studies and many people also choose to take a year out after they have completed their degree. QS Top Universities gets to grips with the questions: what is a gap year and what are the types of gap year one can take?
When people talk of a gap year, they usually refer to a year taken out before commencing undergraduate studies at university. It is a break from school, studying and exams and often a first taste of independence. Quite often the range of activities and experiences available to those taking a gap year can seem limitless, and in many respects they are. Talk to anyone about their gap year and they will no doubt rave on about the things they have seen, worked on, accomplished and benefited from during their year out. For the most part, gap years fall into three main categories, or at least some variation there of.
Travelling
Many people choose to spend their gap year travelling the world and getting a feel for other countries and cultures. Where you go travelling and for how long are really down to personal preference. Whether it be the mystics of the far-east, the exotics of southeast Asia, the thrills of Australasia, the culture of Latin America, the fun of North America or the history of Europe that calls you there are loads of great things to see and do in every corner of the world.
It is not uncommon to combine your travels with language school (does the thought of learning Spanish in Central America appeal? Or maybe Portuguese in Brazil?) Often language classes can be bought relatively inexpensively and combined with a home-stay with a local family, you can acquire real insider knowledge of the country you are travelling in.
Volunteering
Another way many people choose to spend their gap years is on charity or volunteering projects both at home and abroad. Programs may range from digging wells in rural parts of Africa, helping out in orphanages in South America, building schools and hospitals in south east Asia or perhaps something much closer to home like helping out on a local environmental initiative or after school program.
Quite often overseas volunteering programs are designed to fit in with people’s desires to travel and see the countries they are helping out in, combining the best of both worlds. Local charity projects, on the other hand can give a real sense of achievement and pride in your home country.
Working
A gap year can also be a good time to get a foot on the ladder of your future career path. Depending on what industry or sector you wish to work in there are very well established internship programs for young people that can give you a taste of working in that sector. QS Top Universities’ profile of Michelle Kelly highlights just how beneficial a year working can be. Not only can a year working help you discern exactly what types of work you do and don’t like, but often it can expose you to a whole range of career options you never even knew existed!
As university admission places and employment becomes increasingly competitive having a productively spent gap year on your personal statement or CV can be a great way of distinguishing yourself from the crowd. Not to mention the personal enjoyment and experiences that will stick with you for the rest of your life.
Add comment