What is a Gap Year?
By definition, a gap year is a break typically taken between high school and college that might include travel, work, study, volunteering, or research.
In practice, a gap year is much more. It’s a time for students to explore the world and gain valuable life skills and experience while transitioning into independence.
With the demands of AP courses, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, sports, and more, it’s not uncommon for students to experience a sense of burnout after graduating high school. A gap year—whether spent studying Spanish in Chile, or volunteering for a worthy nonprofit in China—can provide a break in routine and the perspective a student may need to refocus and succeed in college and beyond. What’s more, proficiency in a foreign language may help students place out of introductory college courses and enroll in more accelerated ones.
Taking a gap year is a big step. While it’s a decision that requires a willingness to challenge oneself and step outside comfort zones, it can provide your child with an amazing opportunity to experience another culture, build confidence, and grow before he or she enters the next stage of his or her life.
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