The Gap Year

A year between high school and post secondary, or between post secondary years or degrees, to travel the world, work abroad or explore your home country. For many it is a dream come true but at what price? The cost of a gap year is significant in dollars and may be significant in terms of remaining competitive within your program of study.

Some American Universities have clear policies which allow students to defer admissions and thereby be free to take a year off to volunteer, travel or find oneself. But many others don’t. That means the acceptance letter you have for a university that is valid today may not be worth anything in a year. Students must weigh up whether the year off working, or abroad is desirable enough to warrant having to reapply to universities later on.

Other possible disadvantages are that you will be a year behind your former friends and classmates when you resume study. You may find it difficult to pick up certain subjects or return to the habits of school. You may also find that making money seems more compelling than returning to school and probable student debt.

But it’s not all bad, there is a lot to be said for taking a year to explore and discover. There probably won’t ever be a more perfect time when you are unattached, can leave study without jeopardizing future years and are able to live quite frugally. Other things to commend a year off are the work experience; increased maturity, independence and experience in decision-making, more certainty about what you want to do with your life and the experience of working with different people and cultures.

Gap years are relatively new phenomena in the United States but the concept is gaining popularity. Commonwealth countries have been doing it for years and many people will say it is the best thing they ever did. If you can manage the possible drawbacks and the expense, it may be worth looking into.