A gap year offers you the opportunity to gain skills and experiences, while giving you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next.
A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV – many employers value the experiences students have gained if they’ve actively managed their time, set themselves goals, and stretched themselves.
A gap year can also enhance your higher education studies – if you decide to apply for university, you could tailor your gap year to relate it to the subject area you plan to study.
Admissions tutors know that some students may take a little time to adjust to studying again, but many former gap year students are generally more focused and responsible.
Possible reasons to take a gap year
have a break from study
gain new skills/experiences
earn money
spend time deciding what you want to do
do a combination of the above
Some aspects you should analyse when considering a gap year. Taking a year is not always suitable, and for some students it might be advisable not to take a break between studies. The following chart will show advantages and disadvantages of taking gap years.
* An opportunity to have a break from studying and return refreshed. You can volunteer, get valuable work experience, and travel the world.
* A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV.
* You could relate the experience and activities to the subject area you plan to study.
* You can earn and save money towards your higher education costs or future plans.
* You will develop maturity if you don’t yet feel ready for higher education or work life. For some careers, it can be an advantage to be slightly older and have some life experience.
* Some people find a year out becomes a distraction from their longer term plans.
* An unstructured year out may not add much value to your future – careful thought and planning is essential.
* It can be harder to return to study or work after a year-long break.
* It can be expensive and you could find yourself in a worse financial position at the end.
* If you don’t get organised, you may end up spending your gap year just ‘thinking about it’.
Gap year ideas: Possible options
Volunteering – support a worthwhile cause and gain valuable experience. You could take part in a wildlife conservation project, teach children, or help build a school in a developing country.
Travel – explore the world, discover new cultures, and develop your independent living skills at the same time! You could go backpacking across South East Asia, InterRail through Europe, or buy a round the world plane ticket!
Paid employment – earn money and gain new skills at home or aboard. You could work on an outback farm in Australia, as a ski lift operator in Canada, or at a backpacker hostel in New Zealand.
Work experience – if you want to gain relevant experience and skills for a particular career or subject you plan to study, you could consider a work placement or internship. These can last from a few weeks to a year. Depending on the type of contract on offer, you may or may not receive a salary. These are very popular and competition for places is high, so you will need to apply early.
Part-time courses – why not take the opportunity to try something new? You could take up a new language, learn how to programme, try a new sport or music instrument, or learn a new practical skill, such as mechanics, carpentry, or cookery.
Gap year tips
What do you want to achieve from a gap year? New skills, experience, or do you want more time to consider your future? Set goals to make your time productive – think about getting the right balance between time spent and benefits gained.
How much time can you be away and when? What do you want to spend your time doing and where? Are you going to work, are there interests or hobbies you can take further, or do you want to help others by volunteering? What value will it add to your study, your CV, or career?
What is available? Research the wide range of gap year and volunteering schemes available, or look into organising it yourself. If you’re using an agency or scheme, check out how long they have been running, if they are financially sound, and are members of a reputable organisation, where they agree to follow a code of conduct. Look at the reviews, articles, and advice from people who’ve ’been there and done’ the sort of gap year you’re considering.
How much money will you need? Unless you’re planning to work or have some financial help, you are going to need money. Set yourself a realistic budget that you can afford to stick to. Costs vary considerably, so research carefully and don’t forget to add things like flights, visas, accommodation, insurance, and vaccinations.
Source:
www.ucas.com/alternatives/gap-year/gap-years-ideas-and-things-think-about (accessed on 7 June, 2021)
University / College deferred entry
It may be possible to defer your acceptance of a place on a higher education course for a year – however, you may need to make your case directly to the university or college concerned for why this would be beneficial (some universities will ask you to apply with deferred entry, some others will allow you to defer after being admitted and some won't accept a deferred entry - research is required). You can read more about defered entry by clicking on the button below: