Whilst the ‘gap yah’ clichés are all about spontaneity, deferring your university place just to wind up binge-watching Netflix can’t be the rewarding experience you were imagining. Planning is key, people.
Take the time to think about what you want to get out of the 12-month break and if the answer is opportunities to build your CV, gain life skills or meet new people, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are three ideas to ensure your time away is as academically rewarding as it is #gridgoals. Elephant pants optional...
See the world
Island hopping, interrailing, digital nomadism… With so many options to choose from, it’s no surprise traveling is the most popular choice for a gap year.
Whether you follow your own itinerary or opt for a structured program like Gap 360, traveling offers a chance to discover new cultures, live independently and make new friends. It also goes hand-in-hand with another important focus for many gap year students: language studies.
Better yet, companies like Letz Live and Workaway offer paid experiences in places like New Zealand, Australia, Thailand and Costa Rica, so you don’t have to have loads of money saved to make it happen.
Give back to the community
A gap year dedicated to supporting a worthwhile cause is good for both the soul and CV. As well as providing hands-on experience in a new field, volunteering allows you to explore an interest or try out a career before making a long-term commitment.
You could take part in a wildlife conservation project with International Volunteer HQ, teach English as a foreign language by obtaining a TEFL qualification, or help Habitat for Humanity build homes for those in need.
Discover your passion
Have a stellar idea for a book? Always wanted to shoot and edit a film? Desperate to implement a community initiative? A gap year provides the perfect chance to complete the passion project you could never fit in around school work.
The benefits of such an endeavour include honing your skills, demonstrating your commitment to future employers, building a portfolio and exploring interests.
