Before starting high school or getting into the professional life, many students are taking a gap year.
It is this opportunity to travel around the word or to work in a local industry, even though some people consider that is a waste of time.
To begin with, such decision proves that the student is open-minded.
University studies are not only about diplomas and lectures, but also about being interested in what happens all around.
Therefore, traveling in a foreign country helps to improve language skills and to meet different people.
It may also strengthen the student’s ability to think about his/her professional plans.
At last, the advantages of a gap year on a C.V are important since firms remains very interested by an open-minded student.
However, spending some time abroad is not enough.
The student has to define the purpose of his travel by defining what is it necessary for him or her.
A gap year must be distinguished from holidays.
Humanitarian activities or students jobs are obviously goods plans.
Furthermore, it depends on the student’s will.
A gap year does not match with every student.
The student must adapt himself in a new environment, new culture or new work situation.
Thus, I believe that universities and families must encourage students to stop their studies in order to give their time to other people, not for themselves.
In this purpose, a student could achieve a specific goal such as helping people or learning particular skills rather than having some rest.
Thank you, I really appreciate your help!
January 2013
Stem nou! 