Gap years are great opportunities for high school students going onto college or university. There are many potentials, including back-packing around Europe or working to save money. It is up to you what you do, but there are benefits either way. Here are six reasons to opt for a gap year.
Gain Some Life Experience
At 18-years-old, you will not have that much life experience. There is nothing wrong with that considering your age and the schooling you have been though, but you could do with gaining some before you go to university.
Life experience is more than dealing with difficult situations. You learn more about money, handling the stresses of university life and even find out more about what you want to do.
Think About Your Courses More
When you take a year out, you can really think about what you want to do. Some students find it possible to work within the field they believe they want to go into.
This is your chance to take the fantasy you made up and make it a reality. You get to see just how much work you need to do as a student and what you will really do after your studies. If you don’t enjoy it, this is the perfect time to rethink your plans.
Save Money for the Future
College and university are expensive. While your parents may have saved for you, saving your own money is a great option.
You can then spend it on the things you want, without worrying about your parents’ view. You can use your parents’ money for the tuition costs, and your own savings for living costs. The gap year gives you time to save up before you have to think about the expenses of living away from home.
See the World
The chance to see the world is not going to come that often. Now could be the perfect time to pack a bag and jump on a plane.
If you’re not too certain about exploring, you could volunteer for a charity and have a chance to go on missions across the world. It’s not backpacking, but it is certainly a fun adventure.
The Chance to Relax
Schooling is difficult. You spend all these years learning so much and taking exams. You just want to sit back and enjoy the freedom.
If you go straight into college, you have another four years to think about the stress of studying. Taking a gap year just gives you that time to relax after school and get ready for university or college.
Enjoy a Passion
With all that studying, you haven’t had the chance to indulge in your passions. You may have loved making your own jewellery or wanted to start on an invention. You never know.
This new passion you’re enjoying could become something you want to do for the rest of your life. You have the chance to give your life a new direction.