A ‘gap year’ is when you take time off from work or conventional academics and pursue a new part-time job, upskilling yourself, doing internships, teaching, traveling, etc. A gap year might not always be a ‘year’; it might be some months or a semester off. Taking a gap year after finishing high school is becoming increasingly popular nowadays. You can also pursue study abroad programs in your gap year. Study abroad programs are related to academics that allow students to live and study in a foreign country while earning academic credits toward their original degree. Universities and educational institutions usually offer these programs, and can last a few weeks to a full academic year.
Benefits of taking a Gap Year or a Study Abroad Program
It has been observed that about 90% of students who have taken a gap year at some point of time in their lives have stated that it helped them develop as a person. They may have also learned a new skill or gained an experience that significantly impacted their career. Taking a gap year has many such benefits, like –
- Personal growth: A gap year or study abroad experience helps students massively in their personal growth and self-discovery. It allows students to step out of their comfort zone, gain independence, and develop valuable skills in life, such as adaptability, resilience, and self-belief.
- Cultural Makeup: Studying abroad exposes students to different cultures, languages, and customs. Students get a unique opportunity to interact and mix up with locals, make international friends, and develop an entirely new perspective on the world. When a student is exposed to a different culture, it can foster empathy, broaden his horizons, and enhance his intercultural communication skills.
- Growth in Academics: For students, taking a gap year before starting college or university may cause improvement in academic performance. This break from traditional education can offer them a fresh perspective, reduce their ongoing burnout, and increase motivation when they return to their studies.
- Career prospects: Employers usually value candidates who have international experience. A gap year or study abroad program demonstrates a student’s adaptability, cultural makeup, and global outlook, which can make him more attractive to employers. It can also provide them with opportunities to develop valuable international contacts.
The bottom line
The bottom line is that the benefits of a gap year can vary for each student based on their goals, experiences, and how they spend their gap year. Overall, a well-planned gap year can offer students valuable personal, cultural, and professional development opportunities. If you are a student or a parent thinking about whether to take a gap year, you should go for it. You can find great options on what to do in your gap year. You can go for a study abroad program before your high school admission, or there are numerous international preschools in Singapore where you can work in your gap year and gain valuable experience, which will help you.