Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel and see taking a gap year as the perfect opportunity to do so. Or maybe, you’re just not ready to go to university. Whatever the reason, taking a gap year has never been easier or more acceptable than it is now.
Here are five reasons why you should seize the chance to take a year off:
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You’ll be able to decide what you really want to do.
While some people may know exactly which career they would like to pursue, other people have absolutely no idea. If you’re one of the people who are unsure, taking a gap year can expose you to ideas you never considered before and give you the real life experience you need to help you decide what you want to do for a living. This can also be helpful as you will be more likely to pick the right area of study the first time around.
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You’ll become more independent.
Going abroad for a week on holiday is different from going abroad for a number of months to do voluntary work, explore different cities or do seasonal work. Being away from home for a long time not only makes you more independent, but also more appreciative of home.
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You can make some money.
Whether you decide to make some money in your own country or whether you decide to get a job abroad, working during your gap year is a great idea. Not only can having some money aside before going back to school be very helpful financially, having spent some time working a job that doesn’t require a degree can give you some invaluable insight on entry level jobs and also make you more compassionate.
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You can take a break
Doing something for an extended period of time can become incredibly monotonous, and sometimes downright unbearable. You’ve been a full-time student since you were four years old and while some people don’t feel the need to stop, others might be desperate for a break. One of the advantages of taking a break is that, once you get back, you’re extremely likely to be more productive and motivated than ever.
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You’ll meet new people
If you come from a small town and have been surrounded by the same people all your life, you might be desperate for a change of scenery. Taking a year off and travelling to different places is not only an opportunity to make new friends, but also an opportunity to meet all sorts of different people you probably wouldn’t have come across in your hometown. Being exposed to people from different cultures can also make you more accepting and open-minded.
Author: Anna Wilken
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Once you’ve decided to start take a gap year, the best option is spending it taking an language course abroad. Discover the benefits of studying abroad and make your dreams come true with Ynsitu!