Most people would agree with me when I say that your high school years are a period where you do a lot of self-discovery, figuring out what you really like and would like to pursue as a career. All that with the pressure that at the end of your last year, you would have known for sure what you want to study in varsity.
For some, this comes very easily as they grow up to know exactly what they want and how to get it, however, for a few others, they would still need more time to think and reconsider even after high school. This is where the student gap year concept erupts.
What you do to make the most of that year is up to you, there are benefits and disadvantages to it. This is what some of the relevant publications believe are the pros to taking this decision:
Rest: The Go Abroad publication states that a gap year can help heal burnout by providing a break from academic responsibilities, preventing mental and emotional breakdowns, and enhancing performance upon return. “If you’ve had a tough academic year, jumping straight into the rigours of life may actually set you up for more hardships.”
Explore your interests: During a gap year, you can explore your interests and discover new options for a career or hobby, states the source above. It is stated that programs with specialised interests, like environmental sustainability or cultural preservation, offer a chance to challenge yourself and discover new interests outside your comfort zone.
Increase social network: According to Semester At Sea, during your gap year, depending on how you utilise it, you’re likely to meet diverse individuals from various backgrounds, potentially broadening your professional network and fostering future opportunities.
Travel: “Whether you travel overland through Africa, teach English in Japan, or spend six months in South America, you’ll gain cultural exposure that would be impossible to experience in your home country,” states the Nonstop Snow publication. Additionally, the source mentions that understanding the many possibilities, problems, lifestyles, and characteristics of other cultures may help you become a more well-rounded and compassionate individual and that this open-mindedness may even influence how you approach life and other people, which might have a positive effect on your career and relationships.
Also see: Netflix collaborates with Wits University to support film and TV students
