A rite of passage in countries like the U.K., the ‘gap year’- which usually takes place between graduating high school and starting college- is picking up steam in the U.S.

Sadly more prevalent than ever is the unintentional gap year, between students graduating from college, and the time it takes them to find a job in today’s economic climate. But that is a topic for another post- let’s keep this upbeat, shall we?

The gap year gives students the chance to get out of their comfort zone, the familiar setting under Mom and Dad’s roof, and indulge in some ‘me’ time and ideally some maturing. For those unsure about a major or career path, a gap year can be a time to reflect on what you really want to do, the future plans you want to make, and an opportunity to gain real life skills.

But who’s going to pay for this?

With the considerably higher costs of college education in the U.S., many students simply cannot afford to take a year off. Healthcare is another issue. If students are not enrolled in a full time education program upon graduating high school, they will no longer be covered by their parent’s health insurance.  

And can we really expect parents to foot the bill for a year of travelling when they’re already covering that sky-high tuition or cosigning that student loan?

But a gap year isn’t about spoilt rich kids travelling around the world on Daddy’s credit card and getting completely blitzed in the process. This is quite frivolous and huge waste if you ask me. With the almost blasphemous costs of college nowadays, coupled with the grim job prospects in the current economic climate, such spending is completely unrealistic.    

What’s a feasible option?

There are many options to pay your own way; of course getting a job and saving money would be the most obvious. But a structured gap year program can be a much more rewarding experience. Paid work experience during your gap year could improve your abilities and job prospects, and potentially earn you some money to put towards your studies or travel in the future.

There are also many opportunities to volunteer as well as to teach English as a foreign language. With a TEFL qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people and live in a foreign country, while paying your own way.

Funding your own year abroad would be a source of pride, confidence and your first lesson-  ‘Intro to Adulthood’, where no one’s paying for anything but yourself! You’ll be discovering things about yourself and other cultures, on a level that the classroom just cannot compete with.

Will you have another opportunity?

OK skeptic workaholics- so you think a gap year is a waste of time and money, all invested in drunken partying in exotic locales like a glorified spring break? Once enrolled in college, you’re going to be wrapped up in classes and afterwards, you’ll to struggle to find a job before those student loan collectors start calling. A full time job equals measly paid holidays. This gap year might be the only chance you have to bank some serious mileage before succumbing to the rat race.  

Plus, going straight from the intense and stressful senior year of high school into the intense and stressful freshmen year of college? You’ll be more emotionally and mentally prepared for your college experience after gaining a wider perspective in your gap year.  

But I won’t want to come back!

Is there the danger of returning to the old familiar setting, finding everything drab and boring, and feeling totally demotivated? Maybe? But more than likely you’ll be more focused and empowered than ever- and know exactly what you want. At the very least you’ll have had the experience of a life time, one to brag about at freshmen orientation.  

When all is said and done, a gap year is what you make of it; learn a foreign language, take up a hobby like skiing or scuba diving or immerse yourself in things you wouldn’t normally have the time or leisure to do.

But a gap year shouldn’t be taken up lightly. It should be decided upon after thoughtful and careful consideration, and responsible financial planning. A gap year is nothing if not a learning experience.

* PLEASE remember to check your school’s policy on deferring enrollment before you get all excited and plan a gap year. Don’t pack up and leave before knowing that your place, and any financial aid package, is guaranteed.

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