What is a Gap year?

Today, when borders are partially closed and entry to any country is restricted, when some scholarships, grants and international internships have been suspended, when anxiety is felt more acutely than ever, and, if you have not passed IELTS on the necessary passing score, if you have already missed the deadline for applying to your desired university, you should think – maybe take a Gap year?

What does the term “Gap year” mean?

Traditionally, the term “Gap year” meant spending a year abroad in a particular program during a study break, with that period usually being for high school graduates before going to university. Now, however, the notion of Gap year has expanded, and such a break can be taken whenever and for any period. The Gap year is great for undergraduate and graduate students, but it's also great for students who just want to take a break and figure things out for themselves. Many studies and surveys show that Gap year has a positive impact on future students, and even university professors see it as a plus: after this period students are more consciously choosing the trajectory of their future development and come to university with coordinated thoughts. This is due to the fact that young people during this period are engaged in their interests and develop as a person, becoming more confident in their future choices.

If you do decide to take Gap year, where do you start?

It's important to understand what you want to do during Gap year. Ask yourself - What are your intentions? What do you want to get at the end of it? Why exactly do you want it and why now? Answer these questions honestly so you have a clear understanding of your Gap year;. . For every month (or every two months if possible), write down what you've accomplished during that time, what skills you've gained and/or improved, how your views have changed, etc.. And hit the road. .

Now, how do you explain to parents that Gap year – is not a bummer? (bonus for high school graduates)

It's important to understand for yourself that Gap year – is not a bummer, it's meant to understand your future developmental trajectory. If even after the Gap year you won't have a clear vision of your career, at least you will have an idea of what area you don't want to develop in (and this is very important!). Read feedback from those who have already taken the Gap year. Show your parents the plan you made comparing yourself now and after the Gap year, talk about what experience you will have during this time. If you explain everything clearly and in a structured way, they will support you!

What's a Gap year to do?

Of course, you can't exactly backpack for months at a time, but there are plenty of ways to have an even more fun gap year! Read on. Here you go.

Volunteering

If you've wanted to travel during Gap year and the pandemic and finances don't allow it, check out volunteer programs. There are many of them! For example, there are European Solidarity Corps, which often covers all expenses and in addition gives «pocket money». Right now there are cool projects in Denmark and Sweden!

Work/Internship

Work – this is a great way to save money for future studies and moving to another country. It's not critical if the job or internship is not in your desired field, it's important to develop your soft skills. Working with colleagues who are likely to be older and more experienced in many areas of life will shape your desire to develop, and prepare you for adult life.

Hobbies

This is a great time to focus and finally improve your skills by interest! Read the books you've been putting off for later, take up that sport you've been wanting to try for so long, and learn languages! By the way, learning languages will help you well in the future, because all the programs abroad require a minimum of B2 English, and if your dream & ndash; study in France or Italy, the knowledge of French or Italian (even if not required), it will help you to adapt faster in the country. There are many resources for learning foreign languages: the popular Duolingo, YouTube channels, online courses and of course the traditional courses in language schools. The main thing is the desire to learn!

Learning courses

Study courses on Coursera, EdX, Alison, Open Education, and more to help you develop academic skills and understand what courses you'd like to take in the future. It's also a great way to prepare for a specific program in advance! You can also enroll in semester-long specialization courses and various intensives.

Whichever class or combination of classes you liked, add document preparation to each item. Why? Because most likely you intend to take Gap year in order to prepare for admission, and without adhering to a predetermined goal, it's very easy to «spread yourself across several hobbies, and never get what you want. But with a clear plan of action, you can conquer Mount Everest!

In summary, it should be emphasized that the Gap year experience is different for everyone; it affects young people differently. The term “Gap year” wears itself out over time because it translates as an interim year, giving the impression that it is a pit year or a lost and missed year. Instead, some people prefer to use “Bridge year” which means a bridge between different periods of life in students, or “Transition year” a transitional year of growing up. It all depends on how you interpret the concept of Gap year for yourself, on your plans and their implementation. Good luck, it will all work out for you!