Some people chose to finish school and never go back to formal education. They find a job, learn as required, and get on with life accordingly. Others finish high school and although they want to continue with formal education, they want to do something “different” and gain more life experiences before continuing traditional schooling.
Many students (and parents) have the mindset that to be successful in life they have to follow a traditional educational path, whereby once they finished high school they head straight to college and then upon graduation step directly into the world of work. Although a successful path for many, this linear path definitely is not for everyone.
Recent times have highlighted the notion that “education” can take many forms and learning can happen in so many ways aside from book learning and engaging in the experiences found in institutions of higher learning. I am not suggesting that qualifications such as certificates, diplomas or degrees are not valuable nor useful, far from it, but they’re also wonderful experiences that can teach so much about life, the community, the world at large and indeed ourselves than can be found in more traditional modes of learning.
Taking a year (or more) out of formal studies, before heading to institutions of higher learning, has been a popular option with high school graduates in many parts of the globe for many years. This popularity is only beginning to take hold, however, in countries such as India and others in Asia, where students face pressure to follow their parents’ more traditional views and attitudes towards educational pathways.
By the time many students graduate from high school, they will have spent 12 years following a traditional and often quite restrictive learning model and the idea of having a gap between high school and further studies can make great sense. Having time to reflect upon interests, skills and desires can help a student to decide upon what they truly want to pursue and provide the motivation to move ahead with one’s formal education.
A Gap year can be a time for:
- learning new skills
- establishing new perspectives
- gaining work experience
- developing independence
- understanding diverse cultures
- meeting new people
- learning where it is that they want to head in the future
Additionally, travelling to learn about a new culture or immerse one’s self in a home culture (after being an ex-pat), community service or volunteer work, additional language training and culture immersion, and full-time work are all seen as positive experiences by university admissions officers.
The decision to take a gap in a formal educational journey is an exciting one and it must be noted that many students who choose this option might also apply to a university during their final year of high school. Once they gain acceptance to the university of their choice, they then seek a “Deferment” for one year while they work, study, or travel. This can be a great option as students can have the wonderful support and guidance of school counsellors during their college admission journey while they are still at school. But they need to keep in mind that not all universities have a “Deferral” option (See deferral policies) and more importantly after a Gap year, attitudes, perspectives and what an individual considers the perfect “fit” college may have changed dramatically.
If having a gap experience between high school and further studies is an attractive option for an individual, I would urge them to devise a plan with clearly set goals that they want to achieve in mind. Drifting aimlessly, sleeping on the couch, watching movies and hanging out with friends is a just “year off” and not what a Gap year is all about, quite the opposite. A Gap year is about development and growth and is therefore a well-planned independent learning experience after which a participant needs to be able to articulate their goals and what they accomplished during their break in their formal schooling.
A Gap year takes planning and with a world of possibilities available, this planning can be overwhelming but help is available. Listed below are some possibilities that I have used or others have recommended, that may help those interested in undertaking a Gap year to explore options, review alternatives and develop their focused Gap year plan.
Some Gap Year ideas to explore!
- Find out what opportunities await those planning to take a gap year between high school and university at Gap Year Association
- Gap Year Solutions is a wonderful resource to explore and to find ideas and resources
- Semester at Sea provides opportunities for the exploration and study of many people, places and cultures around the world
- Internships is a database of over 2,800 programs and 200,000 positions where students can locate internships and employers can list internship opportunities
- Amigos de las Americas creates opportunities for young people to excel in leadership roles promoting public health, education and community development. AMIGOS is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership training and volunteer opportunities in the U.S. and Latin America.
- The Experiment in International Living – An international nonprofit organization promoting intercultural learning through home stays, educational group travel, study abroad, language training, work exchange, and other cultural immersion programs.
- Outward Bound – Through its 5 wilderness schools, 2 urban centres and whole-school learning model and expeditionary learning, Outward Bound programs emphasize personal growth through experience and challenge. In all programs, students develop self-reliance, responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion and environmental and community stewardship.
- Disney World College Program – If you wish to work/intern at Disney World you may be interested in exploring this work/internship program for college students.
- City Year is a national youth service organization that unites diverse young people ages 17-24 for a demanding year of full-time community service, civic engagement and leadership. Corp members receive a weekly stipend and upon graduation are eligible for a post-service award for educational pursuits.
- Bridges Across Border Southeast Asia, Thailand – Formed to address the root causes of violence and hatred in the world.
- Leap Now Lifetime Education Alternatives – Internships, volunteer experiences, work exchanges, experiential academic programs. Many possibilities across the globe to explore and let your imagination go wild!
- National Outdoor Leadership School – Learn outdoor skills and leadership; offers courses 10 days to full semesters in the most spectacular wilderness classrooms.
- Gap Year Ideas – A range of programs and ideas for those who are taking time off from a traditional classroom setting either before, during or after university.
Note: If using any of the services listed, I take no responsibility for any issues you might face if you sign up for something that does not meet your expectations. As always, caveat emptor!
