There are many reasons students opt for gap years. Whether you’re in need of a break, or you just don’t want to jump straight into a college program, there are many enriching alternative options available to you. Gap years can be highly beneficial for students, as they provide time for personal growth, self discovery, career exploration, and clarity.
We’ll take a look at some of the ways you can use these enriching opportunities to work toward your ideal future — all in an academic, a professional, and a personal sense.
What is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a planned break between academic pursuits (but it can refer to career-related endeavors as well). During a gap year, one will typically travel, work, volunteer, or perform other tasks that aid in personal growth. Often, these gap years give people the freedom to work and save money while gaining a better understanding of the direction they want to take in life.
Whatever one’s reason, gap years are typically taken with the intent to grow both in a personal and professional sense. Gap years might offer clarity on formal education endeavors as well as future career goals.
So, what are some options available to people who take a gap year?
Professional Development, Internships, and Work Experience
Many people will take gap years to save money and to gain work experience. Often, the opportunity to work without the pressure of keeping up with college classes can be incredibly valuable to young adults.
In many instances, these jobs can be related to the career path a student might want to take. For example, if you’re a student who’s interested in a future in business, but aren’t quite sure which specific career you’d like, you could use this opportunity to seek different business-related internships.
On the other hand, some people will elect to work a job that isn’t related to a specific future endeavor. These people might work certain jobs with a flexible schedule, or simply because they enjoy the work they do. The opportunity to build their savings before putting money toward tuition can be, quite literally, a valuable investment.
Traveling and Vacationing
Some will choose certain travel programs intended for personal development. Others will choose to find the same fulfillment by vacationing. Whichever best suits you, traveling during a gap year can be a thrilling, yet grounding experience.
Some people’s personal vacations can function similarly to a creative sabbatical. Especially for artistic, creative, or entrepreneurial people. If you decide to take vacations throughout your gap year, you may want to consider incorporating creativity into your work. You could be an artist who purchases paint and canvas overseas, or a poet drawing inspiration from new surroundings.
We simply encourage you to travel responsibly, within your budget to avoid putting yourself in debt. Also, do anything you possibly can to ensure that your travels are safe. Remain aware of your surroundings, check in with your family and friends, and share your location regularly. You can never be too careful.
If you’re seeking a travel program, there are organizations like the GYA (Gap Year Association), that offer both accredited and non-accredited travel programs. Some of these programs may actually count toward a semester’s worth of college credit — making for perfect options for people who are pursuing college later. These programs offer fun abroad experiences that have less of an academic focus, and more so an emphasis on learning through exploration of different cultures and personal development.
Volunteer Programs
There are also volunteer opportunities people taking gap years immerse themselves into. Some of these can be similar to travel programs, especially in the sense that they allow individuals to contribute to causes they care about while refining life skills. The difference is that these programs are likely to be more service-based.
There are many types of volunteer work that people find fulfilling. Some are smaller, and can be found online through organizations like United Planet. Whereas other opportunities can be found through the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps. The Peace Corps deploys volunteers globally to work on various development and cultural exchange projects. The AmeriCorps focuses on assigning volunteers throughout the U.S. to engage in various community service projects like disaster relief, or the improvement of public sectors.
Local Community Service
More localized community service projects are also excellent ways to spend your gap year, especially if you do not have the ability or finances to travel. Serving your local community can also help you develop personally and connect with local issues that matter most to you.
Community service also lets you develop skill sets that may be appealing to colleges and helpful in a professional setting. Consider the causes you care about the most. If you love connecting with people and helping others, volunteering at a soup kitchen could be an excellent way to serve your community. Or, if you’ve always held a passion for animal welfare, volunteering at your local animal shelter or humane society may be perfect for you.
Aside from being emotionally rewarding, community service can also help people stand out during their college admissions process. So, if you are someone who wants to pursue schooling after your gap year, community service can work to your benefit.
Academic Preparation
Many people who take gap years also benefit from earning certain certifications and refining their skills in ways that can help in an academic sense, as well as a professional one. Some people take gap years to prepare for certain standardized tests, or to improve their academic skill sets.
You may also take a gap year to earn a specific certification that can actually help you get ahead with different pursuits. For instance, if you’re interested in a future involving website development, you may enroll in an 8 month certification course.
Taking your time to prepare academically can help you be more marketable when you do apply to different schools — or even to any jobs.
Why Do People Take Gap Years?
There are many excellent reasons people decide to take gap years. Some people take them as students between years of schooling, while others might take a gap year between careers.
Whatever your reason, a gap year can give you valuable experiences, develop different skill sets, and reflect on what you want and need for your future goals. These breaks can enhance your readiness for future challenges, whether in an academic or professional setting, and assist your decision making when it comes time to take your next step.
What Do YOU Need to Succeed?
Over the years, it has become increasingly clear that there is no one correct or linear path to success. Gap years present excellent opportunities for individuals to succeed and plan for their future.
We’ve listed just some of the many ways students find personal purpose and fulfillment in taking a gap year. How ever you spend your time, gap years can give you the tools you need for the future you’ve dreamed of.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to enroll, we’re connected with many excellent schools across the country. Get started by searching colleges and universities near you, today!
