StThere are more and more students who, the day after their high school exams, decide to take a year off from their studies. A year in which to interrupt the most obvious path (towards University) to calmly look for the right one. And meanwhile travelling, perfecting a language or undertaking an internship or volunteering in a foreign country. The option is called a Gap Year, or sabbatical year: not a lost year, in most cases.
University? No, Gap Year: the post-maturity sabbatical year
First, some data. Only 1 out of 5 students reaches the graduation milestone: the traditional path that leads the majority of graduates to choose university is in reality, therefore, far from safe. The reason lies in the high dropout rate: according to Almalaurea, as many as 25% of students drop out of their university career after the first year precisely because they are dissatisfied.
A modern version of the Grand Tour, the year-long journey through the European cities of art that young aristocrats took in the 19th century, the sabbatical year is experiencing a moment of great popularity. With high profile institutions encouraging students to take a year off before starting classes. L‘Harvard University expressly applauds those who defer attendance for a year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way—provided they don’t enroll elsewhere, these students can keep their place without issue. But also Cambridge does not penalize, on the contrary, those who choose the gap year. Ditto Yale and Oxford.
Gap year, not a wasted year
According to the analyzes of EF Education Firsta leading organization in international training, the phenomenon is also experiencing growth of +55% in our country.
With benefits: 96% of graduates who have gone through this experience say that the gap year has made them much more confident. 77% of having approached the academic path in a more aware and mature way and with better results. Furthermore, 85% declare themselves satisfied with their post-graduate work, a higher percentage than those who have not followed this path.
Gap year, benefits…
However, a gap year may not be right for everyone. Before putting off enrolling in college, it’s worth taking the time to consider the pros and cons, as it helps to do Forbes.
On the personal growth front, it seems worthwhile: uA little time away from the inexorable forward march of school and career can help kids clarify their ideas about what matters to them.
A gap year can foster independence and a sense of purposeand improve academic performance. Not only that, many activities designed for gap years, such as travel and service work, encourage see the world in different ways. Gaining a new and broader perspective makes you more mature, empathetic and aware, while improving communication and interpersonal skills.
And have gap year experience in the resume can play in your favor when you present yourself on the job market (it is therefore suggested that you document any significant experience).
… and disadvantages
On the other hand: a sabbatical year can be expensive, certainly more than studying staying at home with mom and dad. Choosing a working holiday or applying for scholarships can help you not go overboard.
Secondly, to be one year behind peers it can be, or at least appear to be, a problem.
There are those who do not go back: in 2013, researchers Karl Haigler and Rae Nelson found that 90% of students returned to their studies after their gap year. That means one in 10 didn’t. In short, it is a possibility.
Fatigue. Like any big business, a gap year can be stressful—causing homesickness, loneliness, uncertainty, or culture shock. And yes, things can go wrong.
What to do during the gap year?
The possibilities are many.
Volunteering
From Volunteering: for example, with EU Aid Volunteers operating in disaster-affected communities around the world. Or with the European Solidarity Corps. Or with the International civil service oi United Nations Volunteers.
Room and board
To reduce your accommodation costs, you can apply for look after a house when a family goes abroad (with platforms Nomador, mindmyhouse, Trustedhousesitters). Or a take care of other people’s children in exchange for accommodation e of pocket moneywith au pair). Or ad help farmers and ranchers in exchange for room and board with WWOOF.
Language courses
To enhance the language, EF extension offers (on 50 international campuses and for 7 languages): Linguistic Semester or Year, with personalized study plans. Volunteer experience o internship in a company to complete the language improvement programme and discover the dynamics of the working environment of another country. Programs of university preparation to obtain admission to 1st or 2nd level degree courses in the most prestigious universities in the world. EF Advanced Diploma specialization courses, for perfecting English in the fields of Business, Media & Art, Fashion & Design (also for French), Hotel & Tourism, International Affairs.
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