What is a Gap Year?

what-is-a-gap-yearA gap year is a unique opportunity for post-high school or pre-college individuals. As illustrated below, gap years provide social, personal and academic opportunities.

How Did Gap Years Originate?

According to the American Gap Association (AGA), a gap year is an experimental period between high school and college for students to develop personal and professional awareness. In the 1970’s, gap years started in the United Kingdom as a way to keep students busy after high school final exams and before university. In the 1980’s, the concept of gap years came to the U.S. and has grown to become a standard part of the American higher education experience. The American Gap Association is a non-profit accreditation organization that sets standards for educational institutions. The AGA is recognized by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

What Does Research Show about Gap Years?

Research by the American Gap Association (AGA) shows that approximately 90 percent of students who take a gap break will return to college within a year. The rate of students taking gap years has increased by almost 300 percent since 2010. Research also reveals students who take time off before college academically outperform non-gap year students. In fact, researchers have found that students who take off time before college to explore the world report being less selfish at work and more satisfied with their careers. However, gap years have both advantages and disadvantages.

What are the Pros and Cons of Gap Years?

Gap years are very enticing advantages for students. First, it looks great on a resume or job application, which is important for college students with limited work experience. Having language skills and cross-culture business acumen is extremely important for any student wishing to pursue a business degree.

Second, it challenges students to explore themselves while they explore the world. As a result, the student will be more self-reliant and self-assured.

In contrast, there are potential disadvantages to gap years. First, taking a year off of school may result in the student falling behind their peers. Second, living abroad can be stressful and even sometimes risky. For example, a visa or health related emergency can be very difficult to manage for students on their own. Depending on the destination and nature of the program, gap years may be very expensive.

Why Gap Years are Popular

The most prevalent reason for students is that they want to grow personally and experience life. Gap years are excellent opportunities for students to increase their maturity, self-confidence and communication skills. These challenges are best overcome through traveling, learning languages and experiencing different cultures. However, taking a break from school and avoiding academic burnout are also very important. Other students want to explore their academic or career options. Still, some students simply want to volunteer or gain valuable work experience.

What are Popular Programs?

First, there are academic programs that integrate into the students’ degree program. For instance, an international business major may intern abroad and take university language and business classes at a local college.

Second, there are volunteer opportunities for students to travel to almost every country and teach English, support community programs or provide basic health care services.

Third, there are academic programs that allow students to take courses related to their major in a foreign university.

Fourth, there are adventure programs that simply focus on traveling and having fun.

To finish, gap years are a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to travel the world, meet people and explore potential academic and career choices. A gap year will help the student become more successful at school, work and home.