A gap year is a year taken out of full-time education. Young people most typically take gap years between sitting their A-Levels/Level 3 Qualifications and starting university. Gap years are an excellent way to get some work experience, explore the world and learn new skills. It’s also a chance to take a break from the routines of education.
However, you don’t have to take your gap year just before starting university. Gap years are also accessible at other life and education stages as well. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment estimates that anywhere between 200,000 and 250,000 young people aged between 18 and 25 take gap years every year.
It can sometimes feel like you are on a continuous path from GCSEs, to A-Levels, to university. After that, you go straight into the world of work without stopping to take a breath. More and more young people want a break from this trajectory, This will allow them to be more creative about how they want to spend their time.
Gap Year Options
There are many different gap year options, and the way you spend your year is entirely up to you. The most popular ways to spend a gap year include:
- travelling and backpacking
- working to earn money for your next step
- volunteering
- taking shorter courses
- gaining work experience in a particular career
Finishing school is a huge step. In this new unexplored territory, it can be hard to know if taking a gap year is right for you. For some, it’s a life-changing experience that sets them up for the real world. But for others, it’s simply not the right time to be taking a break from education.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of questions you may ask yourself before considering embarking on a gap year.
Key Takeaways
Your gap year can potentially be the most unforgettable year of your life. However, it’s important to ask yourself some important questions before making any big decisions. Consider all your options and remember that you can take your gap year when it makes sense for you.
For more information, check out our dedicated pages on travelling during your gap year, working full-time and working part-time.
We’ve also got help and advice if you’re thinking about studying abroad, summer jobs, work experience and much more. Our live jobs board can help you land a job if you’re funding a big trip or simply covering your weekend plans.
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