Traditionally, a gap year was an extended break taken just after finishing school, before starting university, or just after graduating. Nowadays, gap year travel covers a lot more than that!
Gap year travel can come in all shapes and sizes. Trips can be as long or as short as you like: anything from a few days, to a few months, to a few years! There’s also no limit to when you can take a gap year. If you have the time and the passion for seeing new things, just do it! A gap year can even take the form of a career break; a chance to get away from the world of work and then return to your career refreshed.
The most important thing is that this is more than just a holiday. Gap year travel is a chance to develop as a person, open yourself to new ideas, see new places, meet exciting people, and gain unique experiences that will boost you in the years to come!
The advantages of gap year travel
- See the World:There's nothing more rewarding and eye-opening than seeing new places and learning about different ways of life.
- Find Yourself:Discover passions and skills you didn't know you had!
- CV Boost:Add that extra sparkle to your CV or personal statement. A gap year shows that you're not afraid to try new things or work with new people, and that you can appreciate different cultures and languages!
- Have Fun:What is gap year travel? It's a chance to relax, have fun and focus on the important things in life. Brilliant!
Share this article:
Want more stories like this?
Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest advice, inspiration, and news.
')}})} scripts_loaded.nl_form_js = true; newsletter_init('article_newsletter_form'); } });
FAQs
year-long break before or after college/university during which students engage in various educational and developmental activities, such as travel or some type of regular work.
What does it mean to go on a gap year? ›
A gap year is not a year off. It's a way to develop yourself and your skills before taking the next step in your education or career. A gap year can make a big statement about you as a person and can help you get into certain careers.
What is an example of a gap year travel? ›
Gap year travel programs
Programs usually combine either intern or volunteer activities with adventure travel opportunities. GVI's gap year volunteering programs offer you the chance to discover locations such as Seychelles or Costa Rica while contributing to initiatives like conservation or community development.
How much does a travel gap year cost? ›
And the cost will vary widely depending on the destination, and what you choose to do while you stay there. Many gap year programs cost between $5,000-$12,000. Travel will likely make up a large portion of your costs — both to the destination and around the area during your stay.
How do I fund a gap year travel? ›
How to pay for a gap year
- Get a job. You may be able to work and pay for your gap year activities at the same time. ...
- Grants or scholarships. ...
- Financial aid. ...
- Personal loan. ...
- Fundraising. ...
- Importance of planning how to pay for your gap year experience.
Gap years also have drawbacks. Postponing school or work takes people off of a more traditional path, and it's sometimes challenging to get back on. If not well organized, a gap year might seem too unstructured, and people can become frustrated if they feel that they aren't putting their time to good use.
Is a gap year a red flag? ›
A big gap of several months to a year on your resume is a massive red flag to employers, even if you have a valid reason for taking that time off. More often than not, you'll have a good reason to avoid employment for a while, whether it's to look after your family or travel Europe.
Are gap years worth it? ›
Gap years can be especially valuable for: Recent high school graduates who are undecided about their college major or career path. A gap year allows young people to gain life experiences, explore different fields, and reflect on their interests and passions before committing to a specific academic or career track.
What not to do during a gap year? ›
Indulging as a Tourist
When you're in a gap year, it can be easy to fall into the trap of indulging as a tourist. You might take photos at every destination and spend all your time exploring tourist hotspots rather than immersing yourself in local culture.
How does a gap year work? ›
The Gap Year Association defines this educational interlude as "a semester or year of experiential learning, typically taken after high school and prior to career or postsecondary education, in order to deepen one's practical, professional and personal awareness." Some students elect to take a gap year in the middle of ...
In 1972, Gap Activity Projects (now Lattitude Global Volunteering) was started to send UK youth around the world on Gap Year experiences. Their participants, still called "Gappers", went a long way to branding the year between high school and university as a Gap Year.
Is a gap year a leave of absence? ›
A gap year is defined as taking a break before starting college, whereas a leave of absence is taking a break already in the middle of your college career. If you are an incoming freshman, you will consider taking a gap year. If you are an upperclassman, you will consider taking a leave of absence.
Is it a good idea to take a gap year to travel? ›
Taking a gap year allows you to travel the world during a time in your life where responsibilities are minimal—no mortgage, no bills, no children. This allows you to spend an extended period of time immersing yourself in another culture and unearthing the nuances of a culture you may be unfamiliar with.
What is the meaning of gap year trip? ›
A gap year is a chance for you, as a person longing for change (before, during, or after college), to take a year off school to pursue travel, work experience, and/or personal exploration before pursuing further, higher education or a new job/chapter in life.
How long does a gap year last? ›
It is important to note that a gap “year” can be as long or as short as you want it to be. Some people may take a gap year that is only 2-weeks-long, while other people may opt for a semester-long or year-long program. A gap year is completely customizable and unique to you.
What is the meaning of year gap? ›
The "gap year," also known as "time off after school," is becoming increasingly popular in many countries. It refers to the year between graduation from school and the start of a further educational path or professional career.
How to explain gap year in college application? ›
Admissions committees often view gap years as an opportunity for personal growth, skill development, and real-world experience. Make sure to plan your gap year with clear goals and explain how the experience contributed to your maturity and readiness for college in your application.
Can you take a gap year whenever? ›
Most also imagine a gap year as an adventure taken either immediately after high school before getting your degree, or before you jump into your first full-time job post-grad. But the truth is, a gap year is much more than a party and it can be taken anytime you want, for however long you want.
