Gap Years: Myths & Tips
By Jenny Early
Taking a – which is typically a year off from education, is an increasingly popular way of gaining experience and seeing the world. From voluntary work to backpacking, there are so many options these days. There are numerous companies catering specifically for each type of Gap Year student. There are adventure holidays tailored for the daring, volunteer projects in all corners of the globe for those dedicated to helping others, and there are internships for those who want to gain a little work experience before they start their higher education. Of course, it is possible (and likely) to mix all of this and more, and it is definite (and necessary) that each experience brings about its own benefits, rewards and lessons. Depending what it is you are looking for in this blank canvas of a year, there is, without a doubt, something to suit.
Myth 1: You Are Making A Mistake
Gap Years seem to be like Marmite and world wars: They divide people into two groups - those who believe and those who do not. They may be a mistake for some, but for the majority, I am sure they are not. Truth be told, it is possible that down the track, you might see your Gap Year as a mistake. You will not know that though until you’ve tried it. Alternatively, you might look back on your Gap Year as the best life experience you could have ever imagined – and the equivalent of five years of university education in one single year.
Myth 2: You Will Never Return
I cannot count how many times that I was told that I would not come back. People were convinced that I would leave education forever to lead a life of wandering and eternal backpacking. Whilst this actually sounds delightful, I have reason to believe that it is also dreadfully untrue. Most Gap Year students I have met are well aware that they are soon to be thrown back into the grind of daily lectures and essay writing. Far from giving them the urge to stay put, it makes them simply enjoy and appreciate the time they have abroad – carefree and worry-free, even more than they would otherwise.
Myth 3: You Won’t Be Able To Manage Your Money
At the beginning, this is typically true, but once reality hits, Gap Year students quickly learn to tailor their year to their financial capabilities. The beauty of a Gap Year is that it teaches, through necessity, the art of managing money. A friend of mine spent all the money given to her by darling daddy in the first week of arrival. Safe to say, she spent the next few weeks eating nothing but toast and staying indoors. When something like this happens, the only thing you can do is get back up off the floor and make a conscious effort to curtail your spending. Your mindset changes and you become – all of a sudden – very good at saving money.
Myth 4: You Cannot Do It Alone
Whether you can or you cannot, all depends on what you believe you can achieve yourself. If you feel you need someone else, there are many Gap Year organizations are set up specifically for independent travelers, and when volunteering, backpacking or interning. A close friend flew out to New Zealand on her own. On the plane over she met a group of like-minded backpackers, joined their group, rented a van and never looked back. I found myself a room in a house with seven American interns, who all became my best friends. Like-minds attract and when traveling on a Gap Year it is, clichéd as it may sound, very easy to meet other people.
Gap Year Tips:
There are, I have found, very few rights and wrongs when it comes to Gap Years. They are highly personal, tailored to the traveler and custom-built to suit only them. However, from my experience, here are a few pointers that should be taken into account when planning a Gap Year abroad:
- Firstly, do something you love. It is pointless paying the money and going abroad to do something you can’t get excited about. If, when you think of what you shall be doing, your heart gives that little thump, you have got it right.
- Do something that scares you. Travel alone, leave your favorite boots at home, go somewhere you’ve never heard of. For every one thing you do that reaches beyond your comfort zone, you will learn at least ten do’s and don’ts. This kind of experience does not come easy, so it is best to get it in while you have the chance.
- Do something you might never do again. Jump of a bridge, out of a plane, off a cliff. Roll down the hill in an inflatable ball. Climb Kilimanjaro. Swim with sharks. All the things that you never could do before and might never get the chance to do again; this is your chance to do them.
- Do something that will help you. Whether you need to grow as a person, develop independence or simply get work experience, a Gap Year is the time to do it. You have the time and the lack of responsibility to pick something that will be really beneficial. If you want to speak Spanish in later life, go somewhere that speaks only Spanish. If you have a passion for marine animals, go on a diving course.
- Most importantly – do enjoy yourself. For most people, this is one of their few chances to get out there and see the world, free of any real hassle or worry. Make the most of this time and drink in every moment. You want to be able to say you did it the best you could do it.
Best wishes,
Jenny (British)
Read Jenny’s previous article for ExpatWomen.com, .
Read more about Gap Years on Wikipedia .
