disadvantages of gap year essay

Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages IELTS Essay

Gap year advantages disadvantages ielts writing task 2.

You should spend around 40 minutes on this task.

Many students choose to take a gap year before starting university, to travel or gain work experience.  Do you think this is a good idea or a waste of time? You should write at least 250 words.

Many students choose to take a gap year IELTS Essay

Model Answers 1:

The majority of students start their degree in the same year as finishing school or college. Some students, however, choose to take a year out before starting university. In my opinion, this is a very good idea if the time is used wisely in order to gain new skills or knowledge. In the following essay, I will discuss this idea further.

It is very important that, when a gap year is taken, the time is not wasted but used productively. It would not look very impressive to a future employer if the time was simply used to take a break. This does not mean to say that a gap year should not be enjoyed.

Many people choose to go traveling during their gap year. This can be very beneficial to the individual as it exposes them to new ideas and cultures. It can also mean that they are able to learn a new language. Other students decide to gain work experience during this year. This can be particularly useful, especially if connected to their chosen area of study. Often, students who have worked before attending university appreciate their course more, as they are able to understand the relevance of what is being taught.

Overall, therefore, as discussed in this essay, there can be several benefits to taking a gap year. It is very important, however, that this time is used wisely and not wasted. This means that the year needs to be planned carefully in advance to get the most from the experience.

[253 words]

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

You should write at least 250 words.

Gap Year Advantages Disadvantages

In many countries, youngsters are often encouraged to take an year off, to work or travel across the world, before embarking on their formal university education. This recent trend, also known as “gap – year”, has numerous merits and a few demerits, which will be discussed in this essay.

To begin with, the biggest advantage of taking sabbatical to explore the world is that it gives them an opportunity to discover their career interest. Such trips are not only fun , but also gives them a chance to socialise , engage in volunteering, and understand global issues and global culture . This helps them to discover their real passion which is the foundation stone for a fulfilling career. For instance, data from Harvard University, 2010, pointed out that drop-out rate from university courses is around 10 percent less in those children who chose the course after taking a “gap year” in comparison to those who headed straight to university after the high school.

In addition to this, working for a year before starting university reduces the financial burden of higher education to an extent. As the advanced studies are costly in most countries, working for a year helps them in saving money so they have to borrow less money and are under less financial debt, when they start higher studies.

In contrast to above viewpoints, the most significant disadvantage of such a break is that it can be a distraction from further studies. Some students find such breaks so relaxing and enjoyable that they decide to shun further studies permanently.

Although the incidences of such cases are few, the effects can be disastrous for their further career. For instance, a 2010 report from Florida University revealed that 1 in 100 students, who take “Gap-year” never go for advanced studies and struggle throughout their life to make the ends meet because of being unskilled.

To conclude, the break of a year taken before pursuing university studies helps students to discover their career interest and also allows them to consolidate financially. However, for a minority of high school graduates it can lead to an end of an academic career .

[357 words]

Gap Year in Students Advantages Disadvantages

Taking a “gap year” off between high school and university has become a popular option among many young people. This time off provides a break after many years of formal study. Some students use this time to travel around the world, others volunteer and still others begin working. The idea behind each of these activities is to do something hands-on and refreshing, which enables young people to learn more about themselves and their place in the world around them.

The benefits of taking a year off are plentiful. On a personal level, students who travel away from home develop their independence and self-confidence. On a cultural level, they learn about viewpoints, traditions and perspectives different from their own. Professionally, students get a taste of diverse workplaces, which might inspire a possible career interest. Intellectually, they examine their own beliefs and ideas in relation to those of others in a new environment. All these advantages combine to make a strong case for taking the one-year break.

Nevertheless, there are also dangers involved in taking such a long break. Academically, the main drawback is that students can get sidetracked from their studies. A year is a long time and students could lose the good study habits and sense of discipline they had when they were in a formal academic structure. If they begin working, they could also be deluded into thinking that they’re making a lot of money. They could lose the benefit of college or university education and the chance to earn a higher income all their lives.

In conclusion, whether to take a year-long break or not is an individual decision. Each young person should consider his or her motivations carefully and decide on what’s most desirable. Time is a precious resource and people of all ages, including young people, should treat it with respect.

[305 words]

Gap Year Before Starting a University IELTS Essay

In certain countries some people think that students who just finished high school should take a year off for travelling or working before they enroll in a university. In my opinion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to taking a gap year.

There are a number of drawbacks to taking a year off to travel or work between high school and university. Firstly, if young people decide to work, they might get used to receiving an income and because of this there is a possibility that they do not want to come back to the student life anymore. Secondly, most of the students are too young to travel by themselves; therefore they could waste this opportunity because of their naivety.  Finally, traveling for a whole year requires a huge amount of money which could be spent on university studies.

On the other hand, there are some benefits to spending a year working or traveling before joining university. To begin with, young people broaden their minds when they travel and this might help them to gain valuable experiences in life. A further positive aspect is that while traveling or working, young people could acquire maturity and this could allow them to perform better once they return to their studies. A final benefit is that young people will probably learn some skills such as speaking a different language. They will also learn to appreciate other countries and cultures.

Overall, there are as many advantages as there are disadvantages to traveling or working between high school and university. In my opinion, it all depends on the students’ intellectual and emotional maturity to face this challenge and take advantage of it.

Some students take a year off between school and university to work and travel. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? You should write at least 250 words.

Students take a year off between school and university IELTS Essay

These days many students who have completed their high school take one or two years off before starting university. They either work or travel during this time. In my opinion, this arrangement has both advantages and disadvantages.

When students take years off after finishing school, their attention shifts to other areas. Some might travel and some might work. While traveling is exciting and helps them learn more about other countries or people, it does not do much to improve their career prospects. And those who take up a job immediately after finishing school will most probably have to work in the unskilled sector. Since these jobs are more likely to earn them some money and make them financially independent, they might just stick to them. Unfortunately, this will not help in the long term because unskilled workers will have to be content with low salaries and benefits.

However, those students who eventually return to their studies after taking a year’s gap will benefit if they can focus on their studies. The valuable work experience they gained or the lessons they learned from their travels will improve their career prospects. And when they are ready to start work after finishing university, they will have employers queuing up to hire them. Unfortunately, many of these students who take time off after school will never join university. Those who join a university may find it difficult to focus on their studies. Many of them will drop out and return to their previous job.

To conclude, taking a year off has both benefits and drawbacks. Traveling around the world or taking up a job has several benefits. Travel, for example, will enhance one’s horizons and improve one’s perspectives on life. In the same way, part time or full time jobs equip students with valuable skills that will stand them in good stead. However, a university education is still required to find a good job and students who do not start university after taking a year off will only hamper their career prospects.

Ideas for Gap Year IELTS Essay

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The Gap Year Essay: Pros and Cons

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Looking for a gap year essay example? This argumentative essay describes all the pros and cons of taking a gap year before college.

Introduction

• Pros of taking a gap year
• Cons of taking a gap year

There is an ongoing debate on whether high school graduates should take a year off (a gap year) before joining college. A gap year is a break from formal education and controlled environment that is otherwise monotonous and exhausting. Gap year is common in European countries and also in Australia and it is quickly catching up in America. It is an idea that even the most prestigious colleges and universities are getting fond of and thus encourage high school leavers to try it out.

Gap Year Pros

After completing high school, students tend to suffer from ‘information overload’ and exhaustion (Naomi, 2008). A year off may be helpful to such a person who has had an academic burnout and can use some time out to ‘recharge his or her academic battery’. The gap year will present the student with a chance to refresh his system and get a renewed energy which he will use to face the next phase of education.

Another reason as to why taking a year off is important is the fact that the person is able to build on some self confidence and their maturity level. Even top level universities are encouraging school leavers to take a year off since they reckon that those who do so, bring good values to the institution since they have had a taste of ‘outside life’ and will have a serious perspective towards life.

It is believed that those who take a gap year will be more focused and ready to face the more taxing institution of higher education. It is usually encouraged that students taking the gap year do so in a manner that will help them add some experience in a working environment while earning some money. They may also look for an internship which will help them have a feel of an organization and how it operates thus the student will make their curriculum vitae more appealing (William, 2000).

A gap year also offers chance for the high school leaver to do a thorough university search where he will look for the right institution that offers the course that he wants to engage himself in. The year off presents the school leaver with a chance to find the academic forte that he is most comfortable with. While enjoying a gap year, the school leaver will decide on what he or she wants to major in and this in turn will help them become more focused when joining university.

A school leaver may also spend his gap year travelling around hence broadening his horizon. By travelling abroad, the school leaver may discover new talents, gain new skills, learn new languages and visit various historical sites and this will help him have a diverse and broader perspective of life and thus make him more serious and focused when he gets to university.

Travelling abroad will also help the school leaver mingle with people of different races and cultures, a factor that helps them understand and appreciate diversity. This turns out to be very helpful to the high school leaver since he will encounter a multiracial and multicultural environment in the university and can therefore easily adapt, settle and start learning (Shellenbarger, 2010)).

A high school leaver who takes a gap year has a better chance of handling the peer pressure in the university. Because the high school leaver who was previously under the careful watch of his parents, will now be left on his own and thus the leaver who enjoyed his gap year travelling or being on an attachment will have built his self confidence and hence will tend to fight off peer pressure unlike the school leaver who joins university immediately where he will be hit by the reality of ‘first true freedom’ (World Inhabit, 2007).

Gap Year Cons

Besides the fact that taking a gap year will help to refresh the school leaver’s system, the gap year may also turn out to be disastrous towards the student and his career. This usually happens when the high school leaver fails to plan properly his schedule for the year off. Mostly, the high school leavers will waste a whole year and may not gain any helpful experience.

A mismanaged gap year may turn out to be too expensive to the high school leaver and, hence, deplete resources leaving him with insufficient funds to join university. Taking a gap year may result in a higher university budget as tuition fees tend to increase annually. William (2000) notes that “engaging in a gap year may result in the student missing a slot in the university especially in courses that are competitive”.

Also taking a year off may at times make the student lose momentum on studying and this may cause him a drop out of college or take a longer time to complete his course than expected. A gap year may lead to the high school leaver being demoralized by trailing his fellow classmates during the whole year (Sanjou, 2008).

A person who takes a gap year may fail to develop good skills and habits that may affect and help in his career and consequently fail to fit in the taxing university environment. A high school leaver who takes a gap year may enjoy real freedom having a time of his life and may find it very difficult to come in terms with reality that may end up by failing to join the university (Eunson, 2008).

Taking a year off may consequently lead to a delay in the beginning of a person’s career which means that the person will start earning at a later stage in life than he was supposed to. Also there are companies which plan trips for the school leavers thus reducing their level of self responsibility and thus don’t help build self confidence since they plan everything for the school leavers who should instead be doing things on their own to help build their confidence (College Confidential, 2010).

A high school graduate should consider the options he or she has when choosing whether or not to take up a gap year. The individual through numerous consultations with his parents, school counselors and sponsors should weigh between the pros and cons of taking up a gap year or not.

Ultimately, the decision lies in the high school leaver’s hands. This means that should the school leaver decide that he needs a break from academic pressure, he should ensure that he spends his gap year productively in a manner that will help boost his career path. A year off that is well spent by the school leaver can help boost a person’s confidence and maturity level. He will have a broader perspective of life and hence will give the university the seriousness it deserves once he gets enrolled.

Many universities in Europe and currently in the United States have come to appreciate the importance of taking a year off. Reports made by a number of university deans show that most people who take a gap year before joining university usually have a higher degree of seriousness, maturity and understanding than those who join university immediately after high school.

College Confidential. (2010). Pros and Cons of Gap Year . Web.

Eunson, B. (2008). Communicating in the 21st century 2nd edition . New York: John Wiley.

Naomi, G. (2008). The college gap year. Advantages and disadvantages of taking a gap year. CA: Sage.

Sanjou .G. (2008). Taking a year off is advantageous . New York: John Wiley.

Shellenbarger, S. ( 2010). Delaying College to Fill in the Gaps . Wall Street Journal.

William, F. (2000). Time out or Burn Out for the Next generation. New York, NY: McGraw Hill/Irwin.

World Inhabit. (2007). The Advantages and Disadvantages of Taking a Gap Year. Web.

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• Jun 26, 2023
• 15 min read

The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year after University

Some time off after college can be a blessing… or a curse.

Melina Theodorou

Career and Culture Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Gap years are quite common among  college graduates . Indeed, opting to take time off after finishing a degree is becoming the norm for many, whether it’s because they don’t know what field they want to enter or because they need a little time to recalibrate after a stressful final year.

Are you considering a gap year? We’ve prepared a list of gap year pros and cons to help you reach a decision!

The pros of taking a gap year

Regardless whether you’re taking a break before you enter college or after you graduate, it will come with its perks. In this section, we’ll look at 10 benefits of doing a gap year!

1. You’ll learn new skills

One of the main reasons you should consider taking a gap year is the opportunities you’ll have to develop  new skills .

Indeed, gap years are great learning opportunities, and there will be ample ways to amplify your skill set. Say you’ve always wanted to  learn how to code , read more about world history or learn how to cook — this could be the year that you check these things off your bucket list!

If your plan is to travel, then you could also commit to  learning a language  or two on the way. You could also take online courses, work as a volunteer or enroll in real classes. These could prove to be truly beneficial at the end of your gap year, too, as it will act as proof that you used your time proactively.

Ty Stewart , CEO and president of Simple Life Insure, suggests that by taking a break, you can achieve career clarity while also building  valuable workplace skills . He says: “I’d much rather hire someone who learned how to code or launched a freelance writing business during their gap year and can leverage those skills for my business’s growth than someone who’s played it safe their whole life.”

So, regardless how you choose to spend your year off, you ought to utilize your time to diversify your interests.

2. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Let’s face it: taking a year-long break to  explore the world , travel, work odd jobs and experience new realities is a unique opportunity. Throughout college, you may have been told time and time again something along the lines of “Travel now while you still can!” And there is truth behind this over-reiterated claim.

There’s no better time to do a gap year than right after college — with a degree in the bag, no looming deadlines or a career on the line, you’ll have all the freedom in the world to travel without any strings or responsibilities attached.

Pete Sosnowski, cofounder and VP of  Zety , suggests that “being in a different place is a perfect opportunity to learn about different cultures, traditions and routines. Broader horizons equals more open-mindedness, flexibility and [the] capacity to adapt to different circumstances.”

All in all, your gap year will be an enriching experience for you, which you will undoubtedly cherish later on.

3. Universities and employers encourage it

If you plan on going back to school after your undergrad, a gap year could enhance your application, especially if you spend your time working or  volunteering  within the field you plan on doing your master’s or  PhD  in. For example, if you plan on pursuing a master’s in marine biology and you spend a few months to a year working at a marine research institute, this would definitely work in your favor.

Indeed, according to  Jamie Beaton , cofounder and CEO of Crimson Education, applicants applying to grad schools could be rewarded for taking a gap year. For example, medical schools put weight on experiences such as in-field volunteering and the maturity it can bring.

Employers may also weigh a gap year in your favor as it could reveal a lot about your character. When talking about the process of hiring his own staff,  Neal Taparia , cofounder of SOTA Partners and Solitaired, explains that a gap year could suggest a person is “adventurous and willing to take risks to do something they care about. It also shows me that person is willing to take the time to consider where they want to go in their career, and not rush into anything… I want someone who challenges the norm, because those people will bring new ideas to my company.”

4. You build up work experience

If you already know which field you want to work in, then  finding an internship , traineeship or entry-level position could be the perfect way to enhance your résumé with real experience before pursuing a more permanent role. Not only that, but you will also have the opportunity to create a professional network, accumulate  business contacts  and save money while you’re at it.

Even if you spend your gap year working within a sector or an industry that you’re not planning to pursue a career path in, chances are you’ll accumulate a range of transferable skills and knowledge which you can apply to future roles, too.

5. It will boost your résumé

Employers usually take an interest in individuals who have taken a gap year. As long as you’re able to prove that your time off has been productive on a professional level, it could enhance your overall profile as a candidate and make you a more interesting and memorable individual. Sosnowski concurs: “Applicants with a productive gap year have an advantage over other graduates who are trying to go right into the job market.”

So, if you have your eye on a competitive role, you can use your gap year to your advantage and use your newly accumulated  skills  and experiences to enhance your résumé and distinguish yourself from a sea of graduates applying for the same position.

6. It will help you grow as a person

The year after you finish your first degree can be quite a shock. Indeed, after spending over a decade of your life in school, it can take a bit of time to get used to life without midterms, deadlines and class schedules. Learning to establish your own daily structure takes time, so before you can dive into the 9-to-5 world order, you could take a year to adjust to this new reality.

Jim Sullivan, president and cofounder of  JCSI , explains that “with schooling, these students are told where to be and how to act with little freedom to explore who they are. A gap year full of new experiences will help develop a more mature person.”

So, by having a year to yourself, you could become more independent and gain a better sense of your goals and aspirations. To be successful, you need to create opportunities for growth by devoting time to your personal development.

7. You can pursue other passions

Another significant benefit of taking a gap year is that you will have the time to pursue your passion projects. Say you’ve studied chemical engineering but you’ve always been fond of photography, for example: you could dedicate this year to learning about and doing more  photography !

You could also devote time to a business idea you never had time to pursue during your studies or work in a completely different field which you’re curious about. Remember: gap years are all about personal development, and by using this time productively, you could make impressive additions to your arsenal.

8. You’ll make new connections

Whether you get on a plane and travel abroad to volunteer or land an internship at a company that inspires you, your new start will lead to new connections. These can come in the form of friendships, which is sure to boost your overall happiness , or professional relationships. The latter is just as valuable, too!

Expanding your professional network fresh out of college will give you an advantage later on. If you make a good impression and stay in touch, these people will think of you when an opportunity pops up in the future.

9. You can plan your next steps carefully

A lot of the time, young adults experience a sense of pressure to have everything figured out. Right now. This sometimes comes from external sources, such as anxious parents passing down their worries. With or without stressed caregivers, however, the unknown nature of the future can be intimidating!

Instead of making a hurried decision about starting a career or moving out, you can always shift into lower gear and take some time. When used wisely, a gap year allows you to do just that.

10. You can gain confidence

Spending your gap year doing things out of your comfort zone will come with its long-term effects. Very positive ones! Whether you volunteer, work or travel, you’ll come up against new situations and learn how to become more self-reliant.

Exploring unfamiliar territories, even metaphorically, has been shown to increase our psychological resilience — and happiness! This means you’ll be better equipped to take healthy risks in the future. It can also teach you to view challenges as an opportunity to learn rather than a terrifying reality to hide from.

The cons of taking a gap year

Taking a gap year after high school, before you start college or even as a graduate, can have its downsides. Here are 10 things to consider when deciding your next move.

1. You may lose momentum

Usually, during the end of your degree, you’re at an academic peak. If you’re considering taking on further studies after your gap year, you could lose academic momentum and find it difficult returning to the grind after a year out.

Likewise, if you spend your time in college setting the foundations for a career, a year out could have its downturns on your motivation and drive.

Nonetheless, if higher education has left you mentally and physically drained, then a year out could still be a good call. Indeed, it’s quite common to feel burned out after an intense year of studies, and a year off could help you recharge before resuming your academic or career journey.

2. You’ll miss out on other opportunities

Before you go through with your decision, you must consider the opportunity cost, too. That is: the alternatives you’ll miss out on in order to pursue this option. For example, you might forego an internship, a graduate scheme or the chance to pursue an advanced degree after your graduation.

You might not be able to pursue some opportunities after your gap year (for example, some graduate jobs are only available for applicants during their first year after graduation), so it’s important to weigh these options before making a final decision.

3. It could be expensive

This is usually the main concern for graduates considering a year out. Of course, it all comes down to factors such as your financial wellbeing and what you plan on doing during your gap year.

For example, if you want to spend the year backpacking around the world, your finances will definitely take a hit. However, there are several solutions to this problem. For starters, you could take on a  gig economy job  or find local opportunities for that period of time (you’ll need a working holiday visa in most cases). You could also save up by working for half a year before hopping on a plane and spend the rest of the year traveling.

Of course, that’s not the only expenses you need to consider. If you plan on living away from home, you’ll also need to pay for expenses such as rent, utility bills and groceries, at the very least. So, regardless how you choose to spend the year, you’ll need to ensure that you can support yourself financially. Creating a  budget plan  and estimating yearly costs might be a good first step!

4. You may feel left behind

With your friends embarking on their master’s and starting their graduate jobs, you might feel a little left behind during your year out. At the beginning, it might seem like you’re floating about while everyone else is getting ahead career-wise; this could be especially true if your gap year is more laidback and not as thoroughly planned.

However, this is quite normal and can be avoided by  setting achievable goals  for yourself and simple planning, which brings us to the next point.

5. You’ll need to create a thorough plan

To make your gap year truly count, you’ll need a detailed plan. Of course, that doesn’t mean planning everything by the hour — the whole point of a gap year is to get used to living without a strict academic schedule and following a term-by-term kind of rhythm.

But even so, you should still have a general idea of what you want to do during that year. Otherwise, it might all be for nothing, and you could end up losing on other opportunities which you declined in order to have this gap year.

You need to have something to show for not just to your nosy relatives who are still questioning your gap year decision but also prospective employers or academic institutions.

But the planning doesn’t end there; you must also make time to consider what follows once this year comes to an end: your goals, aspirations as well as an actionable plan that will help you launch into the next stage of your life.

6. It could affect your job prospects

According to a  study by ResumeGo , applicants with work gaps in their résumés had a 45% less chance of landing a job interview. Nonetheless, those who provided reasons for their  employment gap  received 60% more interviews.

Sullivan advises that “the presence of a gap year on a candidate's résumé does not automatically push them ahead of other candidates or reduce the chances of their hiring. It is just an experience that each candidate will handle differently. But many recruiters and hiring experts have seen the benefits through their experiences and understand how a gap year can help a young person prepare for entering the workforce and being a difference-maker within the company they will work for.”

The takeaway here is that your gap year should count towards something. Otherwise, you’d be facing an  unconcealable gap on your résumé , which most employers won’t be impressed with. As already mentioned, if you don’t take advantage of this time to gain more skills, qualifications and experience, a gap year could do more harm than good.

7. It can result in anxiety

Let’s face it: new beginnings can be uncomfortable. Though this is certainly not a reason to avoid them, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about your limits. For example, signing up for a gap year program and moving abroad to volunteer may sound exciting, but do you have the resources for it? Not just the financial resources, but the emotional capacity, too.

And. if university has exhausted you, are you expecting your gap year to remedy how you’re feeling? Are you using it as an escape or to postpone making bigger life decisions? While there’s nothing wrong to seek out a pick-me-up when you need it, make sure you’re doing what you’re doing for the right reasons.

8. You’ll lose your routine

The contrast between studying and taking a gap year can be as dramatic as day and night. That’s why you need to be prepared to have your day-to-day life flipped upside down!

You’re probably thinking: “I’m dying to give up my boring routine!” And it may be true, except even boring routines play a fundamental role in our mental health and wellbeing. That’s because they add a healthy structure to our day: we know what time we’re eating, sleeping, exercising and relaxing.

When that gets thrown out the window, it can get distressing, particularly for individuals more prone to anxiety.

9. It can get physically tiring

Adjusting to new surroundings, work environments and even people can be taxing! Apart from the potential to become mentally tiring, however, a gap year can take a toll on the body, too.

Wanting to make the most out of their year off, many graduates will try to do it all: travel, work and volunteer, one after the other or all at once. So, if you’re planning on making it a memorable, action-packed year, just bear in mind that overdoing it can cause you to crash.

While physical fatigue doesn’t have to deter you, it’s important not to romanticize the idea of your gap year, but rather to have realistic expectations.

10. You might do it for the wrong reasons

If most of your friends are doing a gap year, you might be feeling like you’d be missing out unless you joined. Or maybe you didn’t take a gap year before college and you’re now regretting it — even though your priorities have changed in the meantime. It could even be that you’re viewing a year off as the “easy way out”, without realizing.

Figuring out your next steps as a graduate can be tough. Being away from your friends for the first time can also be scary! However, it’s best to pursue something out of genuine interest and curiosity rather than fear of something else.

Final thoughts

There’s a lot to take into consideration when it comes to taking a gap year. Just like every other life decision, there will be both positives and negatives that could come from it. So, spend a little time weighing the various factors discussed above to make an informed decision.

As long as you treat your gap year as an opportunity to enrich your views, challenge yourself and experience new things, you won’t regret it!

Can you think of any other gap year advantages and disadvantages? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Originally published on April 27, 2017. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Personal Development

The Pros & Cons of Taking a Gap Year

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of dedicating a gap year to personal growth through travel..

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A gap year is a dedicated period of time, often taken by young adults, where you take a break from your normal job or academia and instead pursue growth through experiences. Gap years often involve international travel, working holidays , volunteering , or internships .

However, domestic gap years are also becoming increasingly common and many find they can achieve the benefits of a gap year without leaving their country or local area. No matter what you choose to dedicate your time to, it is important to understand the pros and cons of a gap year before setting off on your adventure.

Pro: The skills you'll gain can help your resume stand out

A gap year provides the opportunity for you to develop valuable skills that can't be learned in the classroom. Cultural awareness, organization, independence, and increased confidence are just some of the skills that are gained by taking a year out. According to the Gap Year Association Data and Benefits , gap year alumni also report higher job satisfaction.

Read more: What Do Employers Think of International Experience?

Con: You'll be ‘pausing’ your studies or traditional job for a year

As your friends immediately move on to college, or to their next semester, or your colleagues have another year of ‘climbing the ladder,’ it is important to recognize the opportunity cost associated with taking intentional time off. What you spend your time doing during your gap year, however, can quickly make up for the apparent ‘time lost’ as you are still learning, growing, and working towards your goals, just through new and exciting means.

Read more : Why and How to Defer College Acceptance for a Gap Year

Pro: You'll meet new people and gain a broader perspective

A gap year will push you out of your comfort zone and day-to-day activities, which will inherently put new people into your life. Whether it's through cultural immersion in another country or volunteering locally, the more people you meet the more you will learn about humanity and yourself.

Con: You might get homesick

A feeling most travelers experience at some point, homesickness is the emotional ‘pain’ experienced when away from your family, friends, pets, and overall safety net. If your gap year involves international travel, taking care of your mental health and recognizing if and when you need help is important.

Many gappers are new to solo travel, and the same challenges and discomfort that force growth also come with hard times and a barrage of emotions. Missing family, friends, or simply home comforts is completely natural during a gap year and doesn't make it any less meaningful, so don’t be afraid to experience the hard times as well as the good ones.

Pro: You'll gain stories through new experiences

Experiential learning is a key component of making the most out of a gap year , and after spending a year away the stories will mount up; these can be great conversation starters during a job interview, a fun way to connect with people at parties or, simply just to look back on and remember. Journaling is a great way to not lose track of the memories you're making throughout your gap year, as well as reflect on the lessons those experiences provide.

Con: There are financial and personal risks

With every decision we make comes risk, and a gap year is certainly no exception. Whether it's hefty fees or general travel obstacles, like getting sick overseas, mitigating the risks through planning is a must.

One way to help alleviate some anxiety and risk is by signing up and traveling with a gap year program . There are a wide range of program options in nearly every country you’d like to gap year in, and range from volunteering to adventure travel , to language immersion and much more.

All travelers should also consider travel insurance. Travel insurance providers, like World Nomads or Safety Wing , can offer temporary and customizable options, so whether you've lost your checked luggage or a pandemic breaks out while you're abroad, you'll be protected.

For most, the benefits of a gap year far outweigh the risks, but whether that is true for you depends on your unique circumstances.

Pro: Helps to avoid burnout after years of schooling or work

A gap year is a chance to be in complete control of your schedule and invest your time in experiences that drive you. With most of us grinding through 12 or more years of school and work, taking an intentional break to travel, volunteer, or just do something new can help prevent burnout and reinvigorate the motivation needed to achieve your goals. Just because it's a break from the ordinary doesn't mean you stop working towards the future; actually, a gap year should be seen as a year on, not a year off.

Read more : Should You Take a Gap Year After High School? Pros & Cons

Con: It can be expensive

While the cost of a gap year depends on the destination, duration, program, and activities you plan to do on your trip, expenses can add up quickly. Many choose to help fund a gap year by picking up short-term employment, or through work exchange programs like WWOOF .

Generally, with all trips, it's best to outline costs ahead of time and plan to stick to a budget while you're overseas. Even on a budget, this trip will still be a blast!

Read more: Most Affordable Gap Year Programs

Pro: It’s a great way to learn new things, outside of your comfort zone

A gap year will provide you with lessons not found in a classroom. Whether it’s gaining real-world experience related to your studies, or chasing new experiences through travel and picking up odd jobs, a gap year lets you learn as you do by forcing you into completely new situations.

Additionally, a gap year is a time to learn more about yourself, what drives and inspires you, and grow your self-confidence. Whether you’re volunteering, working, studying, or just traveling, you're bound to learn.

Con: Travel preparation can be stressful

Scheduling vaccinations, getting tickets and insurance, sorting out visas and accommodation -- all before the journey has even begun! For many, a gap year is the first introduction to solo travel, or taking on life without ‘guardrails.’ Uncertainty is often accompanied by stress, and a gap year is full of uncertainty.

Whether it’s language barriers, currency, or trying to work out the public transport systems, there are a lot of stressful situations that come with travel, but you don’t have to do it alone. Gap year programs are a great way to get situated and meet like-minded travelers. Just be sure to read reviews first !

Pro: It’s a break from traditional education

Our formal schooling is a marathon, and after years of sitting in a classroom, our minds and bodies need a break. Taking time off from traditional education provides an opportunity to consider what the right course is, and if you’ll be satisfied in the career track you’re currently on. Not only this, but a gap year often provides a renewed vigor for study and a more focused approach to learning. According to the Wall Street Journal , 90% of students who take a gap year return to college the next year.

Con: If you don't set goals, it could potentially waste a lot of time

When you take a break from the structure of traditional schooling or a set job schedule, it is important to be intentional with what you do with your time, or before you know it, it will be gone. To prevent wasted time, you should start planning and saving as soon as you decide to take a gap year. It may be helpful to set goals for yourself so you don’t lose track of time or miss deadlines. When dealing with international travel, things like visa applications can take time and travel becomes much more expensive if you procrastinate.

Pro: You'll return home with a new sense of maturity and confidence

The pros and cons of taking a gap year all add to the opportunities to overcome challenges and grow. Taking charge of your life and how you spend your time will force you to mature, as you are solely responsible for yourself.

People who take gap years often report that their family and friends say you’ve changed when they return home, but it’s never in a bad way. A gap year introduces many new ideas and experiences that foster growth in a relatively short period of time.

Is a gap year right for you?

If you're looking to learn new things through travel and can dedicate time to self-growth and exploration, then YES, you should consider a gap year!

There’s no denying that spending time abroad will enhance your résumé, teach you valuable new skills, and grow your confidence through unique experiences. The benefits of a gap year can't be touted enough, but, a gap year is not for everyone and there are other things you can consider. Especially for individuals who are new to traveling or can't commit to time away from school, there may be better options, like studying abroad .

Want to learn more about gap years, directly from the experts? Don't miss USA Gap Year Fairs ! The USA GYF will provide a broad exposure to gap year options and connect prospective gap year students, parents, gap year organizations, educators, experts, and alumni.

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The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

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The Disadvantages of a Gap Year Before College

The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

You’re about to graduate from high school, and you're considering the next step. After 13 years of school, taking a break is an enticing option. Before you decide to stop going to school, consider the disadvantages of taking a gap year. In addition to losing momentum, you may find a year away from school to be an expensive break.

Examine your options and discuss your future interests with family or a trusted mentor before making a firm decision. You may even want to write down the advantages and disadvantages of a gap year to get the full picture.

Don’t Lose Your Academic Edge

You may be experiencing burnout from test taking and paper writing, but absence from academic work may cause you to lose some of what you’ve learned. Going directly to college is a continuation of your academic learning. You’ve developed study habits and know how to hit the books. If you take a break, you’ll need a refresher on study skills and time-management skills.

Disadvantages of Gap Year Travel

Traveling the world is an enticing alternative to sitting in a classroom, but it isn’t free of charge. Traveling abroad can be very expensive, and some of the formalized programs cost as much if not more than a year of college tuition. You can defray the expense by working as an au pair or by serving in the Peace Corps, but you’ll have to be ready to commit a lot of time and energy to the application process.

It Can Be Tough to Go Back

One of the disadvantages of a student gap year is that it will be tough to go back to school. If you start earning money and experiencing a life free of school responsibilities, it can be difficult to regain the discipline needed to be a student. If you’re interested in traveling, consider going to college and pursuing a semester abroad. You’ll be able to continue your studies and see the world at the same time.

Saving Money Can Be a Catch 22

You may be weighing the financial advantages and disadvantages of a gap year. Living on your own can be expensive, and you may find that it’s difficult to save money for college. If you’re able to live with family for free, it’s possible to save enough money to put a dent in your first year of college tuition costs. Participating in a formal gap year program could eat away at the savings that could otherwise be dedicated to your college tuition.

You’ll Be Behind Other Students

One of the disadvantages of a student gap year is that you’ll be behind other students when you return to school. This is particularly concerning if you’re interested in going to college with friends or you’re pursuing an academic program that requires postgraduate education.

For example, becoming a physician may require eight years of education following your undergraduate degree. A gap year eats up another year of time that could be dedicated to an academic program.

Planning Can Be a Challenge

One of the disadvantages of a gap year is that you’ll need to be well organized and plan to get the most out of your break from school. As you finish up high school, you’ll have final exams, graduation parties and other end-of-year responsibilities that will consume your time.

If you want to make the most out of a gap year, you’ll need to start planning early on during your senior year. Traveling abroad, admission to a gap year program or finding a job in another country takes a great deal of time and effort.

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Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year Before College

A gap year is a period of time between high school and college when students take a break from their studies to pursue other activities, which could include travel, work or volunteering. Although interest in taking a gap year has risen, the COVID-19 pandemic makes it a complicated decision.

We spoke with Dr. Adam Weyhaupt, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fontbonne, and Mary Giunta, College and Career Counselor at Affton High School , about the pros and cons students should consider before taking a gap year.

Why are more students considering taking a gap year this fall?

Although some colleges and universities have announced plans to hold classes on campus in the fall, many uncertainties involving the coronavirus, schooling and large gatherings remain.

“The future is largely unknown,” Giunta said. “Some students are thinking about taking a gap year because they don’t know what will happen this upcoming semester.”

Other students are reluctant to take classes exclusively online.

“The experiences students had this spring varied greatly,” Weyhaupt said. “Some high schools did a great job transitioning their students to online classes, while others struggled. The students who had a negative experience might not want to go through that again.”

How can students benefit from taking a gap year?

For many students, a gap year offers the opportunity to gain skills and experiences while also providing time to reflect and focus on what they want to do next.

“The gap year can be a great time to not only find yourself and try something new, but also prepare for college ,” Giunta said. “Students use the time to volunteer, work or take on an internship to figure out what they are passionate about and what they want to get out of their future careers.”

Other students understand that after they graduate college and start a job, they may never have another chance to take a whole year to expand their horizons.

“For some, this is the ideal point to do things they might not be able to do later in life, such as going abroad or even spending quality time with their families,” Weyhaupt said.

What are some potential drawbacks?

Taking a gap year not only means you start college a year late, but also that you finish college a year late, postponing pursuit of your career .

“One of the biggest negatives is lost earning potential,” Weyhaupt said. “Delaying even one year of increased wages from having a college degree will have a cumulative effect over your lifetime.”

Students who decide to take a gap year could also lose academic momentum.

“After high school, you are accustomed to going to class, studying, taking tests and writing papers,” Weyhaupt said. “Your study skills could suffer if they are not used for a year.”

Students should also consider the ways COVID-19 could impact their gap year plans.

“Many international borders remain closed, and jobs and internships are harder to come by,” Giunta said. “The coronavirus has placed significant limitations on what students can do and accomplish during their gap years.”

Are there any alternatives?

There are myriad options for students who are not sure if a gap year is right for them, but who are also hesitant to start college full-time.

“Taking only a few courses per semester allows students to try college while also giving them the flexibility to work, volunteer or travel,” Weyhaupt said. “There are some extremely engaging online courses students can pursue, and many universities will have extensive face to face options available for students.”

What advice would you give to students considering a gap year?

According to Giunta, the most important factor in choosing to take a gap year is making a plan of action.

“Figure out what you want to learn and experience,” Giunta said. “Do you plan to travel, volunteer or work? Whatever you decide to do, set a goal, draft an actionable plan for how to accomplish it, and stick to it.”

Weyhaupt suggests students do their research before making a choice.

“Think carefully, and go into it with your eyes wide open,” Weyhaupt said. “Understand the pros and cons of taking a gap year, and don’t assume things will be like they were in the spring. Responsible schools have spent many months planning to ensure the fall semester goes as smoothly as possible.”

Looking for more tips? Check out our other resources!

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Pros and Cons of Gap Year

Question: I recently have been thinking about taking a gap year between high school and college. What are some advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

A gap year is a welcome break for many students but can also be frustrating to others. It may indeed be a way to recharge your battery or to explore activities near home or afar that you never had time to experience before. However, students with lofty gap-year plans have been known to end up zoned out in front of "Full House" reruns or steamed up behind a fry-o-lator at the local Mickey D's. Thus, before deciding on a year off before college, it's important to assess your reasons for the change and to make sure you spend your time in an engaging way that meets these aims.

For instance, if your main objective is to get a breather from classrooms, tests, and homework assignments, a gap year can be a great way to do that. Whether you're working full time, pursuing an extracurricular interest (e.g., training for a triathlon or interning at the local TV station), or taking part in an organized travel, study, or volunteer program, it's important to have focus. We advise you to come up with a plan--at least a preliminary one--before you commit to the year off. One complaint we often hear from dissatisfied "gappers" is that, once their friends headed off to college in the fall and they didn't have any fulfilling activities on the docket, they regretted their decision.

If you have no clue about what to do, consider one of the organizations, like those below, that provide gap-year solutions. Some charge a fee for this advice--and the programs they recommend can be costly, too--so keep that in mind as you proceed. (We aren't endorsing any of these outfits. We've not heard bad things about any--only good--but it's still a "buyer-beware" situation):

www.interimprograms.com

www.timeoutassociates.com

www.dynamy.org/

You can actually earn money by volunteering for Americorps (or for its affiliated program City Year). See http://www.americorps.org/ and http://www.cityyear.org/

The biggest plus of a gap year is that many students who take time off before college find that the break from academics enables them to return to the classroom the following fall with renewed vigor and focus (and even maturity :-) ). Some parents (maybe yours?) and even some students, too, worry that a detour from college may lead to a long-term derailment, but this is rarely the case. Most gappers who take a year off of the academic treadmill are eager to climb back on when the time comes.

While often it makes sense to apply to college while still in high school (where you'll have access to guidance counselors and their services, teachers for recommendations, etc.), and then defer admission once admitted, some students find that after a year away, their priorities change, and they're interested in a different institution and/or major field. So one thing you'll need to consider as you proceed is a timeline ... will you make your college plans before your year off or during it?

Some students, too, view a gap year as a way to get into a "better" college than those that would have admitted them straight from high school. Typically, this is NOT an effective strategy. Most colleges base their decisions primarily on academic factors, so--if your year away does not include taking classes--then don't expect it to offer a back-door route to a top-choice college. However, there ARE stories out there about applicants whose gap-year efforts were sufficiently impressive that they led to acceptances at colleges that had already said "no" once before or that probably would have previously been somewhat out of range.

If you ARE hoping that your gap year will lead to better college options, be sure to choose your activities especially carefully so that admission folks regard your time away from school as worthwhile or even unique. For instance, if your applications already point to a particular passion (silk-screening or ceramics, playing the sitar, volunteering in a shelter for battered women or AIDS babies, etc.) then perhaps you can take that interest and involvement to the next level. That is, you can pursue it full time or in an atypical way or locale.

Getting a job--even a menial one--to help defray college costs would also be construed as "worthwhile" by admission officials. Many left-leaning elite-college admission staffers have some degree of prejudice against silver-spoon kids who spend a summer--or a year--studying, traveling, or "volunteering," only after Mom and Dad have written out a hefty check to pave the way. Thus, if you defer for a year, and then explain to colleges that your parents expect you to pay a portion of your own college expenses so you needed to earn significant cash before matriculating, then this could work in your favor when it comes to impressing admission committees.

Finally, keep in mind that, if you don't have any gap-year plans that truly excite you, then you might want to postpone your break until you've had a year or two of college under your belt. Some students feel they most need a hiatus at the end of high school, while others find that they get more bang for their buck only after they've had a taste of college life first.

Sally Rubenstone

Sally Rubenstone knows the competitive and often convoluted college admission process inside out: From the first time the topic of college comes up at the dinner table until the last duffel bag is unloaded on a dorm room floor. She is the co-author of Panicked Parents' Guide to College Admissions; The Transfer Student's Guide to Changing Colleges and The International Student's Guide to Going to College in America. Sally has appeared on NBC's Today program and has been quoted in countless publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Weekend, USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, People and Seventeen. Sally has viewed the admissions world from many angles: As a Smith College admission counselor for 15 years, an independent college counselor serving students from a wide range of backgrounds and the author of College Confidential's "Ask the Dean" column. She also taught language arts, social studies, study skills and test preparation in 10 schools, including American international schools in London, Paris, Geneva, Athens and Tel Aviv. As senior advisor to College Confidential since 2002, Sally has helped hundreds of students and parents navigate the college admissions maze. In 2008, she co-founded College Karma, a private college consulting firm, with her College Confidential colleague Dave Berry, and she continues to serve as a College Confidential advisor. Sally and her husband, Chris Petrides, became first-time parents in 1997 at the ripe-old age of 45. So Sally was nearly an official senior citizen when her son Jack began the college selection process, and when she was finally able to practice what she had preached for more than three decades.

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Should I Take a Gap Year? (Pros & Cons)

When I was getting ready to graduate high school and move on with my life, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I decided to go to college because that’s just what you did.

I didn’t know where I wanted to go, and I didn’t know what I wanted to major in. I watched everyone around me choose colleges and majors and I felt like I was doing something wrong because I didn’t have it all figured out.

Thankfully, it all worked out and I’m happy with where I’m at today, but I, like many other students, could have benefited from a gap year.

Most of those classmates of mine who had it all figured out? They didn’t. They transferred schools, switched majors, dropped out, and changed career paths. There’s nothing wrong with any of that! Really, how many people actually know what they want to do with their life when they’re 18?

One of the many benefits of taking a gap year is that it gives you more time to decide what path you want to pursue. However, a gap year isn’t right for everyone, so continue reading to make an informed decision for yourself.

What is a Gap Year?

If you’re already here, you likely know what a gap year is, so here’s just a quick definition. Simply put, a gap year is a year between high school and college where you take a break from school.

There are a lot of different things you can do during a gap year, as you’ll see below. According to The Gap Year Association, your gap year can help you find your purpose by figuring out how to make the following four factors combine:

• That which you love
• That which the world needs
• That which you are good at
• That which you can be paid for

What Do You Do During a Gap Year?

The ultimate goal of a gap year is to find yourself and figure out what you want to do with your life. No matter what you decide to do with your gap year, it gives you the space and freedom to start to figure it out.

You can embark on a gap year independently, or you can enroll in a more structured gap year program . An important aspect of a productive gap year is a plan. Even if you want to take this time to live freely and explore, you should still at least have a loose plan and set of goals for yourself. If you’re structuring your gap year on your own, read more below about the most common gap year activities.

This is probably the most common gap year activity, and it might be exactly what you imagine when you think of taking a gap year. Explore the world, backpack through Europe, meet new people; take this time to find out who you are what you’re passionate about.

Traveling during a gap year opens up your worldview and exposes you to new cultures. There are a plethora of other benefits to traveling , and the period of time between high school and college may be the easiest time for you to satisfy your wanderlust.

While many people need to work during their gap year for financial reasons, the jobs you have during your gap year shouldn’t be seen as your career. (Unless you fall in love with what you’re doing; in that case, congratulations! You’ve already figured it out!) In most cases, you can find part-time work to support yourself even if working isn’t the goal of your gap year.

If work is your main goal, a good strategy is to work in the field you’re going to pursue. This can help you solidify your choice so you’re not second guessing yourself, or it can make you realize you should pick a different major than the one you had in mind. This also gives you valuable experience and networking, so when you graduate college and you’re applying for “entry level jobs” that require years of experience, you’ll be a step ahead of all the students who didn’t take a gap year

Another reason people work during their gap year is to save up money to be able to afford college. This is a great way to give yourself some time to mature before starting college while also helping to lower your eventual student loan debt.

Volunteer tourism, or voluntourism , is a life changing experience for many students who choose to take a gap year. Some students choose to join the Peace Corps or to go on an extended missions trip for their gap year. Volunteering doesn’t have to take place abroad, either.

Many students find there is a great need right in their own community if they just open their eyes. Whether it’s volunteering at a local soup kitchen or building an orphanage in Haiti, realizing how good you have it compared to others can cause a fundamental shift in your worldview and your future plans.

Work on Yourself

This is possibly the first time in your life you don’t have to answer to anyone but yourself. No more tests, homework, chores, practices, etc. You can use a gap year as a time to get away from outside influences and figure out who you are.

Pick up a new book you never would have dreamed of reading before, learn a new skill, make friends with people who are different from you. Maybe you want to spend a year writing in the wilderness, channeling your inner Thoreau, or you want to dedicate your whole self to dance. A gap year gives you the time to do these things free from pressure.

This can be one of the keys to finding your passion. As you work on yourself, maybe you’ll realize that you truly love working with animals (that which you love). As you look at those around you, you realize that a lot of people are struggling and could be cheered up by the comfort of animals (that which the world needs).

You take this time to practice working with and training animals (that which you’re good at). Then, you develop a business idea to provide short and long term therapy animals to people (that which you can be paid for). Now, you can head to college with a real purpose and plan.

Pros of Taking a Gap Year

• You can become a better person. Experiencing any of the above options (traveling, working, volunteering, and working on yourself) helps you become a better version of yourself, and it helps you discover who you really are. Entering college as a confident person with a strong sense of self can make your entire college experience much better.
• You get a break from school. Sometimes, you just need a break, especially after being in school for 12+ years. A study by Andrew J. Martin, Rachel Wilson, Gregory Arief D. Liem, and Paul Ginns for The Journal of Higher Education found that taking a gap year is actually associated with achievement and success in college. After taking a break, you’ll feel less jaded and ready to tackle your degree.
• It’s financially smart. As discussed above, you can use your gap year to work, so you won’t have as much financial strain while you’re going through school. Another financial advantage is that you have more time to figure out what you want to go to school for when you return, so you won’t be wasting money on an education that you won’t use. Some students end up needing five or more years to complete their bachelor’s because they change their mind about their major; a gap year can eliminate that problem.
• You have time to mature. Maybe you didn’t quite have things together in high school and you realized too late that you need to take your future into your own hands. Instead of settling for a school that’s still accepting students in the spring, use the gap year to give yourself more options. You can apply over the summer and in the fall to the schools you really want to go to, all the while traveling or earning extra money to help pay for your schooling. You’ll also enter college as a more mature person, and you can avoid making mistakes you might have made a year earlier.

Cons of Taking a Gap Year

• You might never make it back to school. This is one of the biggest reasons people list when they say students shouldn’t take a gap year. It can be hard to jump back into academia after you’ve had a taste of living on your own without having to worry about school for the first time since you were a toddler. You can get used to the lifestyle you start living and it can be hard to motivate yourself to go back for many reasons. Some people find they like the slower paced lifestyle they adopt during their gap year; some people enjoy making a living and don’t want to give that up to go back to school. To avoid this con, make a plan for your gap year and stick to it.
• Social stigma. This con is unfortunate, but for most people, it’s true. If you decide to take a gap year, you may get comments from friends or family members who don’t think a gap year is a good idea. They may see you as being lazy or making excuses for not going to school. You may need to have a thick skin or be prepared to educate them on the benefits of a gap year.
• Money problems. While you can make money during a gap year, this year could also be very financially stressful depending on what you plan to do with your time. If you anticipate money being a stressor, plan far in advance for how you will overcome this con.
• Missed opportunities with friends. While you take your gap year, most of your friends will probably be heading off to college, so you’ll no longer be on the same educational timeline. You could miss out on the bonding of starting college together, traveling during spring break, and eventually graduating together, for example. Keep in mind though, that you’ll likely make many new friends during your gap year, and the opportunities awaiting you during a gap year are endless.

Final Thoughts

Although there are many advantages to taking a gap year, it’s not for everyone. This shouldn’t be a decision that you just jump into because you’re sick of studying for tests or you’re too indecisive about your future.

If you’ve taken the time to think about it and have decided to take a gap year, Gap Year Association has resources to help you plan every aspect of your gap year.

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Search the site, search suggestions, should you consider taking a gap year.

Taking a year off from school can seem a bit intimidating. However, taking a gap year between high school and college was an integral part of my journey to college, and it could be a part of yours as well!

Gap years are becoming increasingly more common for graduating high school students. They can be invaluable opportunities to work, travel, learn, and grow.

What did I get up to on my gap year?

During the summers that flanked my year off I worked as a camp counselor. I had worked at the camp throughout high school so it felt comfortable to start and end my time off with something familiar. However, going into my gap year I had no idea what I was going to do during the school season. I knew that I wanted to travel, but I didn’t have the money to do so. So the first thing I did was look for a job close to home. I ended up working part time in a Wegmans bakery and as a nanny for a local family. During the seven months that I worked, I was researching and planning a two month (self funded) trip through western Europe for myself and a friend. In late March, we left our jobs (with advance notice to our employers) and set off for the trip of a lifetime! We visited Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and London. We stayed in a combination of Hostels and friends' homes. It was so much fun to explore new places and meet new people. It was such a transformative experience! 

How do you know if a gap year is the right choice for you? 

Consider the following questions when deciding whether a gap year would be a good option for you.

Do you need a break?

Many of us work our butts off during high school to be the best we can be, and that can be tiring. Occasionally, students who graduate from high school and go directly to college might feel burnt out. This feeling is more common than many students realize, and it is completely valid! You can take time off from school to reflect on your goals and interests, focus on your health, and/or gain experience in environments different from a classroom. It is not a race to graduate. This information from Harvard's Admissions Office might be helpful to you as you consider a gap year: . 

Me receiving my high school diploma

Do you feel like you need time to mature?

College is a place to learn, grow, and gain maturity. However, it does require a certain level of maturity and independence going in as well. If you find yourself depending on others (such as your parents) to be responsible for you, you may consider using a gap year to practice maturity and independence. 

Do you wish you had more money?

Gap years can be used to work a full-time job or to take on an internship. It’s okay to simply use your time off from school to work and make money if it will help lighten the burden of your financial responsibilities. Additionally, just because you work doesn’t mean you can’t have fun during your gap year. (I did both!)

My best friend Sam in my Wegmans work uniform

Would you like hands-on experience before getting to college?

Working a job in a field that you are interested in studying, such as government, marketing, medicine, or business can be a valuable way to gain experience. Internships and volunteer positions can also be great ways to get hands-on experience. 

Do you have a skill you want to hone?

Some of my friends used their gap years to write and perform music, work as photographers, or to compete in various national and global competitions! Some people use their gap years to further explore their interests by taking courses in subjects that they might not have been exposed to during high school. (However, please know that, if you're an incoming Harvard student, you're not allowed to fully enroll in any other college during your gap year; also, none of the courses you take during your gap year will be eligible for transfer credits). You could look into your local community center to see if they offer any adult education courses; I briefly took a sewing course at a local craft store.

Do you want to travel?

While you can certainly travel during college through study abroad programs, sometimes it’s nice to travel without having to worry about doing your homework at the end of the day. Traveling during time off from school allows you to be a true tourist and to take advantage of many different opportunities. That being said, if you do not want to travel just as a tourist, you can often travel and do amazing work at the same time! There are a number of internships/jobs available for students wishing to go abroad. 

Me and my travel buddy in front of La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona during our gap year

The bottom line

There are many reasons to take a gap year, but consider what's best for you. If you feel like you are ready to jump into college right after high school, go for it! However, if you answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions above, then you might consider taking time off from school. If you decide that you do want to take a gap year, but you aren’t sure how to go about it, a good place to start is your school guidance counselor. They may have information about opportunities in your local area and might be able to help you begin to plan your year off. They can also help you talk to your parents about why a gap year may be the right choice for you.

For some more information and resources about gap years, check out the Gap Year Association !

You should also check out Harvard's student-run club for people who have taken time off, the Gap Year Society .

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Some students take a year off between school and university – IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage Essay

Updated On Jun 06, 2024

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IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

In IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages essays, you will be asked to write the benefits and drawbacks of the topic given. You have to be careful that you write the advantages and disadvantages of the topic given and not your opinion about the topic.

To help you to understand this type of essay better, given below is a sample essay along with a vocabulary section. Continue to practise other topics of advantages and disadvantages essays to help you during your preparation.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic:

Some students take a year off between school and university, to work or to travel. Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages? OR

It is common practice for some students to take a gap year after graduating high school to work and/or travel. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Band 9.0 Model Essay:

It is true these days that many high school leavers choose to start their work or take a trip before going to university. While a gap year can bring some immediate drawbacks, I am convinced that it is more likely to have long-term benefits for their lives.

On the one hand, young students are very likely to encounter several difficulties when delaying their university study. One of these problems is the delay in academic progress caused by spending one year off school. It is understandably almost impossible for young people to enjoy their experiences in doing a job or travelling to a new place but still arrange a certain amount of time for revision. As a result, gap-year takers may have to face the challenge of becoming familiar with the knowledge at school again, receiving more pressure of catching up with their peers. Besides, the life outside the university campus may prove to be mentally and physically overwhelming for inexperienced school leavers. They, for instance, may be at risk of being exploited in an exhausting job or face potential dangers on their trips to a new country. If not well prepared for such possible obstacles, young high school graduates can suffer from unintended consequences.

On the other hand, I would argue that these disadvantages are outweighed by the positive effects. A gap year is an ideal opportunity for students to learn about what is not taught at university. Working with other people who are experts in a particular field can give these newcomers not only an understanding of the job but also valuable practical lessons to help them become more mature. When it comes to applying for a position in a company, employers tend to favourably consider applicants who possess extensive experience in life and the occupation. Furthermore, in terms of recreation, having a year to relax can be advantageous as students can have a chance to relieve stress in study. With a comfortable and willing attitude, undergraduates can acquire knowledge more effectively in comparison with those who go to university right away.

In conclusion, despite some negative aspects, it seems to me that the benefits of a gap year are more significant for the reasons mentioned.

Useful Expressions

• Long-term (adj): continuing for a long time into the future ==>The long-term effect of education should not be neglected.
• To encounter sth (v): to experience something, especially something unpleasant ==>Young graduates commonly have to encounter great difficulty in seeking employment.
• Progress (n): movement to an improved or more developed state ==>By adequately rewarding the students who have made significant progress in study, the school administration can recognise the achievements of these diligent students to others, encouraging many more students to devote more effort to study to obtain similar rewards.
• Peer (n): a person who is the same age, or has the same social position or the same abilities as other people in a group. ==>In some developing Asian countries such as Vietnam, baby girls are usually less appreciated than their peers due to the remnants of feudalism that favoured men more than women.
• Overwhelming (adj): too great or large for somebody ==>High school students in Vietnam, ranging from primary to high school ones, are obliged to learn an overwhelming amount of knowledge at school, not to mention loads of homework and other extra classes.
• Inexperienced (adj): having little knowledge or experience ==>Many companies, for fear of arising expenses on training inexperienced new employees, tend to refuse the applicants who have just graduated.
• Extensive (adj): having a great range ==>Society certainly benefits from the intellectual workforce who possess extensive knowledge in scientific areas.
• Occupation (n): a person’s job ==>On the other hand, manual occupations are of fundamental importance to society.
• Advantageous (adj): giving advantages or helping to make you more successful ==>The ability to speak foreign languages fluently can prove to be very advantageous for job seekers in the competitive job market.

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Also Check :

• Advantage and Disadvantage essays
• IELTS Sample Essays
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• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• Direct question essay
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet

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Nafia Zuhana is an experienced content writer and IELTS Trainer. Currently, she is guiding students who are appearing for IELTS General and Academic exams through ieltsmaterial.com. With an 8.5 score herself, she trains and provides test takers with strategies, tips, and nuances on how to crack the IELTS Exam. She holds a degree in Master of Arts – Creative Writing, Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked with The Hindu for over a year as an English language trainer.

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11 comments.

Posted on May 8, 2022

It’s a trend that a number of students opt to take a “gap year” before stepping into university life. While there are still some drawbacks when they make this decision, I firmly believe that taking a year off is beneficial overall.

On the one hand, students may encounter some difficulties when having the year off. Firstly of all, It’s necessary for them to think before leap, otherwise, their time becomes worthless without an organized plan. Secondly, gap-year takers may face the challenge to familiar with the knowledge again when they back to school. Last but not least, students might also take a risk on safety issues. For instance, I had a friend who took a gap year and started traveling in Europe. Due to her carefulness, she got rubbery when wandering on the street. Unfortunately, when chasing the thief, she not only got severe injuries but also lost her wallet and passport in the meantime.

On the other hand, there are several merits to spending a year working or traveling before joining a university. The main benefit students can discover their “real enthusiasm” during the time. Taking myself as an example, I felt quite regretful that I didn’t have sufficient time to think about what I was truly eager to pursue as a career at university. In addition, another positive aspect is that young people could build their maturity and become more independent. The final advantage of taking a year off is they could learn different languages, perspectives, and lifestyles which could make them become more open-minded.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the trend of taking a gap year is worthy, if they are able to deal with the difficulties and prepare themselves properly before they start.

Posted on May 9, 2022

Band Score – 5

Concentrate on the correct usage of articles and verb forms.

Put the side you are supporting in the beginning. Like, you are for the advantages, so place it first.

Some ideas lack expression. Learn error-free sentence formation.

Pay attention to spellings and word order in a sentence.

Use C2 level of words.

Posted on Nov 16, 2021

Nowadays, it has become more common to find students going to various places and getting involved in part-time jobs after completing their school education and before beginning higher studies. Even though such kind of independent working experience inculcates a sense of responsibility in these youngsters, it may also serve as a permanent distraction from studies. This essay will discuss both the merits as well as the demerits of this trend for young students. To begin with, attaining a sense of responsibility is quite significant for the students who have finished school, as the period between school and the beginning of college is one of immense change. These adolescents will soon be advancing towards adulthood where they will no longer want to stay dependent on their parents, therefore getting a little working experience might prove quite helpful before they reach that stage. In addition to that, most of the students do not realise the value of money while they are at school, and they may go on to have a tendency of over-indulging in unnecessary luxuries during their university studies, which in turn might create financial difficulties for those parents who are struggling even to finance their education. Consequently, this exposure not only makes teenagers more financially responsible but also helps them in preparing for the real world as they have to resolve on their own the problems they come across during this time. However, this development does not come without demerits, a permanent distance from education being one of them. The period of change from schooling to superior studies can be overwhelming for young students, they might be nervous about beginning this new and very different phase of life, hence it is possible that the immediate financial benefits and the independent lifestyle that come with part-time jobs serve as distractors for them, making them feel more at ease than the thought of putting efforts in consummating higher studies and they might get deviated from their original, real long-term professional goals. As a consequence, this trend might result in permanent destruction of these students’ educational lives and dream careers. To conclude, it can be stated that working before beginning college certainly offers some benefits for young people, but one cannot overlook the tremendous drawbacks that this trend poses.

Janice Thompson

Posted on Nov 18, 2021

Band score: 5

Concentrate on word order. “more financially responsible” is wrong Cohesion: Concentrate on linkers of addition. Learn collocations: Superior studies is not a synonym of higher studies The second para has a very long sentence which could have been broken down into smaller sentences.

Posted on Nov 2, 2021

In today’s modern world, many high school seniors consider deferring university enrollment after their graduation to spend one year off school. There are many controversies about this topic but I believe that the benefits of taking a gap year would prevail over the drawbacks in the long term.

On the one hand, a student who spends one year off school can encounter several difficulties. Delaying tertiary education for one year can make students be unable to attach themselves to their study, lose momentum and a habit of doing homework after fishing classes everyday. For example, if a student uses a year to work as a waiter, he or she will spend all the day at the restaurant upselling for the customers and have no time for improving his or her knowledge and even he or she can forget some important information which is taught at school because of no reviewing. Moreover, after spending one year off school, gap-year takers come back to pursue college, they may not only receive more pressure from their peers but also drain self-confidence.

On the other hand, I am convinced that the aforementioned disadvantages pale in comparison with the significant advantages of delaying their university study for one year. First of all, many students spend one year travelling to a different country and experiencing an alien culture for practising a new language regularly and improving this quickly because they can make a conversation with the locals anytime they want, others may devote their time to a charity for helping the disabled. It’s also a common choice to choose an entry-level job at many different vocations. For instance, many students have not had an idea for their study at the university because of the inadequate career guidance at school so they often defer university education for identifying the most suitable career path for them by experiencing whatever job they like. Regardless of choosing to have done something for this list, they can enrich life experience and hone practical skills that can be a need for their future job. Secondly, taking a gap year also helps them to relieve stress and enjoy a comfortable time during 12 years of studying. Also, a student can study and acquire knowledge more effectively. Last but not least, because of their socio-economic background, many gap-year takers often use their time to make money to cover higher education tuition.

In conclusion, while spending one year off school without certain drawbacks, I would contend that the given benefits make it become a worthwhile path.

Posted on Nov 3, 2021

Overall band: 6

Concentrate on sentence formation. Some long sentences lack clarity in grammar, especially tenses.

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

The modern technology has witnessed dramatic changes over the last few decades. Generally, it is becoming hard to cope up with the information bombarded everyday on an individual. Processing the information and day to day updates altogether have created a complicated and diverse curriculum which becomes quite intimidating, due to which we often see some students taking breaks in the educational journey to free there mind or learn skills to take a leap. While taking gaps in education can benefit when seen through a larger picture, while there will be drawbacks as well, but mostly the gaps can overall improve a person’s well being mentally and physically and enhance there connection with the real world.

Most of the scholars today, take a year off from there curriculum to gain the practical industrial knowledge. For instance, many students take up internships, part time jobs in companies so that they can be job ready. Adding intern experiences in the resume can easily boost there resume and show there knowledge on specific sets of skills. Furthermore, gaps can help students to disconnect from the virtual world and explore different places around the globe. One study suggests that travelling can improve brain activity by activating certain chemicals that boost the neurons growth in brain and make the brain healthy. Overall, taking off from semesters aids scholars both physically and mentally.

On the contrary, breaks are often seen as failures to some extent. Mostly, in some countries like India where I have seen employers treating breaks as failures and questioned the students degree. Moreover, in case of higher studies some universities do not intake newcomers with gaps in there undergraduate or bachelor’s. Secondly, it can break focus from the curriculum. As, from the personal experiences I have seen that if I take breaks for something even for a week I tend to forget about it as I lose connection from it. Mostly as humans, it is one natural thing that happens everytime. Hence, it can hamper the learning curve.

To sum up, breaks can help students to gain more industrial knowledge and relax there mind through means of travelling, either way they learn more about life and something new which can easily outweigh the disadvantages when seen from the long term perspective.

Overall band: 5.0

Grammar: You seem to confused with homophones ” their” and “there”. Please learn the difference. their = belonging to them there = not here they’re = they are

Also work on subject verb agreement and tenses.

Posted on Aug 17, 2021

It has been found that usually, a gap year is taken by some students after finishing their secondary education so they can work or travel. The students who take the gap to work would be able to choose the right course comfortably and confidently for further study, whereas those who choose to travel may discontinue their education. I believe that all students should have a chance to do whatever they want even though some of them would decide not to study more later. Firstly, those students who want to take a year off to do work of their choice will be self-confident while selecting the program to study further, because when students focus on something they want to, for the period of one year, they will eventually get to know the right field of their preference. For instance, I have never used the computer till my high school was over, even though I always wanted to. So I took a year off to work on computers. Consequently, I got interested in computer programming, which subsequently led me to choose an IT course in the university without any doubt. On the other hand, students who take a gap year to travel may lose interest in the study. As a consequence, they might choose to end their study. To illustrate, I had a friend who took the gap and started traveling. He continued his journey even after the one-year gap was over. Subsequently, he started working with his father. To conclude, in modern times many students take the gap year to work or travel. The gap can be beneficial for students who choose to work as well as it may become the reason for other students to leave the further study. Still, I think that students must have an opportunity to explore the field of their choice even if some students would want not to start study again.

Posted on Aug 20, 2021

Overall band : 7.0

Cohesion: Try not repeating the cohesive devices.

Badria Kambal

Posted on Jan 8, 2020

Badriakambal1111@gmail .com

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IELTS Writing Task 2: an advantage-disadvantage essay on taking a gap year before starting university education; with plans and model answer

This IELTS Writing Task 2 post offers the insights of writing a great answer to an advantage-disadvantage essay . This task 2 question asks the candidates to provide their personal opinions on taking a gap year before starting university education. In this post, you will find a plan that can help you to write this answer effectively along with a mind-map or brainstorming ideas .  You will also find a great 7.5-band model answer written by two candidates who took my IELTS Writing Correction Service . I am hopeful that these answers can help you construct your own answers for other opinion topics.

Let’s have a look at the question first.

In some countries young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

What kind of essay structure should you follow?

In most IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, a 4-paragraph structure is followed. For this specific problem-solution essay, we should also follow a 4-paragraph essay structure.

Paragraph 1: Introduction (Introduce the topic with some background information and your thesis on the topic in 40/60 words)

Paragraph 2: (Explain the advantages – with examples in around 120-130 words)

Paragraph 3: (Explain the disadvantages – with examples in around 120-130 words)

Paragraph 4: (Conclude the essay with a personal opinion on what decision can be made about taking gap year – 40/50 words)

How to plan for your answer to a descriptive topic:

When you start writing your task 2 answers, what strategies do you follow? Do you have a plan that you arrange beforehand and apply it accordingly?

It is always a very good idea to plan before you write something; even it takes 5/7 minutes of your time. A good plan reduces your pressure of real-time thinking and writing together. It also improves your power of thinking and arranging ideas. So, utilize the opportunity of thinking beforehand and take some necessary notes that can help you to present your thoughts in an organized way.

For this kind of opinion topic, we need to analyze the question and try to understand what the task requirements are. Let’s look at this question again and find out what they want us to write:

As you can see, there are two points on this topic and we should answer the question effectively by explaining the advantages and disadvantages . We should also remember to write a minimum of 250 words to illustrate our ideas, thoughts, suggestions etc.

So, here is a plan that I’ve made to establish my ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. You can do the same by doing some brainstorming and taking some notes. You need not be accurate to do this, just put down your thoughts and do some regular practice.

Now, let’s have a look at the plan:

Description of the pros and cons of taking a gap year before starting university education:.

Advantages of taking gap year:

• Expand horizons by traveling new places; learn about new customs and cultures
• Learn about the value of hard-work; change of perspective about being lavish

Disadvantages of taking gap year:

• Feel homesick; miss family and friends
• Earning money makes disillusionment about studies; risking job career.

Now, here is a model answer prepared by an IELTS candidate who scored 7.5 in IELTS Writing. In my opinion, the answer is quite organized and you can easily get a band score of 7.5 or more if you write your answers like this one.

Model answer:

Many people in various nations of the world advocate taking a year gap with the purpose of working or traveling before embarking on one’s third-level education. While this offers a number of benefits, there are also some pitfalls which are worth considering.

Traveling or working before starting university education includes two primary advantages. At the initial point, young learners will be able to expand their horizons through visiting different places. When students set out for their overseas journey, they will be eventually open to the elements of different cultures and customs. This will provide them with a deeper perceptive of the world as a result. Besides, students who decide to work for 12 months ahead of their university classes will be taught to realize the value of earning money due to the fact that they will appreciate the struggle involved here. As a consequence, they will be able to control their desire to spend money lavishly and may become more selective in spending the hard-earned money in a more productive way.

On the flip side, some drawbacks of taking a gap year must not be ignored. Primarily, traveling is a well-documented reason of homesickness and many students, who have not been apart from their loved ones before, may pine for these people and if the case gets more serious, they may even turn out to be troubled and depressed. Moreover, students earning a handsome amount of money may suffer from disillusionment to return to their studies because they may take pleasure in becoming financially independent and growing some sort of self-identity. Hence, they may jeopardize their future career as in recent times it is vital for every person to graduate with a good degree in order to compete in the job market or business world.

To conclude, gaining invaluable experience and learning to become more independent in relation to money are the prime benefits of taking a gap year. Nonetheless, young learners may also feel homesick and wind up discontinuing their studies. In my opinion, weighing the advantages against the drawbacks carefully before coming to a decision is crucial or students may go for an extremely risky adventure.

(340 words)

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Gap Year (Real Past IELTS Exam)

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 1 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS exam on the topic of taking a year off to travel also known as a gap year in the UK.

It is an interesting topic and I tried to come up with a unique opinion (not that you need to do that on IELTS!).

Be sure to sign up on Patreon.com/HowtodoIELTS for my exclusive Ebooks and other materials!

Before reading, listen to the audio for some extra practice:

After graduation many students take a year to travel. Some think that it would be more useful to work for a year. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Real Past IELTS Exam

It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period.

The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic. When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside. For example, a worker has to be on time, work diligently, follow orders, get along with co-workers, show initiative, have a positive attitude, endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay. This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded, disciplined, and humble.

However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. At worst, they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries, live in the moment, get outside your comfort zone, have a wide range of hobbies and skills, and be active for a full day without a workday. Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.

In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time. This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience.

1. It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time. 2. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period.

• Paraphrase the overall topic.
• Write a clear opinion.

1. The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic. 2. When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside. 3. For example, a worker has to be on time, work diligently, follow orders, get along with co-workers, show initiative, have a positive attitude, endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay. 4. This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large. 5. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded, disciplined, and humble.

• Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
• Begin to support your main idea.
• Give a specific example or details.
• State the results or develop your example.
• Continue with the overall results of your example.

1. However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. 2. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. 3. At worst, they develop these qualities after graduation. 4. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes. 5. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless. 6. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries, live in the moment, get outside your comfort zone, have a wide range of hobbies and skills, and be active for a full day without a workday. 7. Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.

• Write another topic sentence with a main idea at the end. Notice that this paragraph is longer because this is the idea that I agree with.
• Here I start by disparaging the argument from the paragraph before.
• This sentence is also about the last paragraph.
• Here I shift back to the main idea of this paragraph.
• I develop it with a hypothetical example.
• I give specific details of what it means to develop your leisure abilities.
• I conclude by relating this back to the overall essay question.

1. In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time. 2. This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience.

• Repeat your opinion.
• Add a final thought/detail to end the essay.

What do the words in bold below mean?

It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time . In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period .

The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic . When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside . For example, a worker has to be on time , work diligently , follow orders, get along with co-workers , show initiative , have a positive attitude , endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay . This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large . The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded , disciplined , and humble .

However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. At worst , they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes . The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless . To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries , live in the moment , get outside your comfort zone , have a wide range of hobbies and skills , and be active for a full day without a workday . Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.

In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time . This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience .

privileged lucky, rich, born in a developed country

developed nations rich countries

in lieu of instead of

part-time hourly paid, not full-time

capacity ability

leisure activity not having to work

interim period time in between

advocate argue for

gap year year before university in the UK

cultivation development

strong work ethic hard worker, disciplined

necessarily subside have to decrease/get weaker

on time not late

diligently focused, not lazy

get along with co-workers on good terms with other employees

show initiative ambitious

positive attitude good outlook

endure get through

make ends meet with little pay pay their bills without a high salary

molding process maturing

adulthood becoming an adult

entails reconciling involved balancing

personal desires what an individual wants

expectations of the community at large what the world wants

gap year year before uni

well-rounded all around

disciplined hard-working

humble not arrogant

strong work ethic disciplined

bound to will inevitably

far more much more

acclimate get used to

at worst in the worst situation

neglected don’t pay attention to

distinguishes higher classes separates the best from the worst

retires stop working

restless not content

set aside future worries forget about future problems

live in the moment present in the here and now

get outside your comfort zone be willing to try new things

wide range of hobbies and skills lots of interests

workday 9-5 job

cultivate these habits develop these qualities

far less much less

nourish feed

crucial space important place/time

personal relationship to their leisure time understand well how to use free time

ever-advancing career ambition

undesirable transformational experience not wanted change in yourself

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

ˈprɪvɪlɪʤd   dɪˈvɛləpt ˈneɪʃənz   ɪn ljuː ɒv   pɑːt-taɪm kəˈpæsɪti   ˈlɛʒər ækˈtɪvɪti   ˈɪntərɪm ˈpɪərɪəd ˈædvəkɪt   gæp jɪə   ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən   strɒŋ wɜːk ˈɛθɪk ˈnɛsɪsərɪli səbˈsaɪd ɒn taɪm ˈdɪlɪʤəntli gɛt əˈlɒŋ wɪð kəʊ-ˈwɜːkəz ʃəʊ ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv ˈpɒzətɪv ˈætɪtjuːd ɪnˈdjʊə   meɪk ɛndz miːt wɪð ˈlɪtl peɪ ˈməʊldɪŋ ˈprəʊsɛs   əˈdʌlthʊd   ɪnˈteɪlz ˈrɛkənsaɪlɪŋ   ˈpɜːsnl dɪˈzaɪəz   ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃənz ɒv ðə kəˈmjuːnɪti æt lɑːʤ gæp jɪə   wɛl-ˈraʊndɪd ˈdɪsɪplɪnd ˈhʌmbl strɒŋ wɜːk ˈɛθɪk   baʊnd tuː   fɑː mɔː   əˈklaɪmeɪt   æt wɜːst nɪˈglɛktɪd   dɪsˈtɪŋgwɪʃɪz ˈhaɪə ˈklɑːsɪz rɪˈtaɪəz   ˈrɛstlɪs sɛt əˈsaɪd ˈfjuːʧə ˈwʌriz lɪv ɪn ðə ˈməʊmənt gɛt ˌaʊtˈsaɪd jɔː ˈkʌmfət zəʊn waɪd reɪnʤ ɒv ˈhɒbiz ænd skɪlz ˈwɜːkdeɪ ˈkʌltɪveɪt ðiːz ˈhæbɪts   fɑː lɛs   ˈnʌrɪʃ   ˈkruːʃəl speɪs   ˈpɜːsnl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪp tuː ðeə ˈlɛʒə taɪm ˈɛvər-ədˈvɑːnsɪŋ kəˈrɪə   ˌʌndɪˈzaɪərəbl ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən(ə)l ɪksˈpɪərɪəns

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

It is very common for p_____________d students from d___________________s to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university i________f working p__________e . In my opinion, it is much better to develop your c___________y for l__________________y rather than getting a job in this i______________d .

The main reason many a______________e employment during a g___________r is the c______________n of a s___________________c . When someone begins working, their bad habits n__________________e . For example, a worker has to be o_________e , work d_____________y , follow orders, g________________________s , s__________________e , have a p________________e , e__________e long days, and m___________________________y . This is the m_______________s of a________________d which e__________________g your p______________________s with the e____________________________________________e . The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more w________________d , d______________d , and h___________e .

However, a s__________________c is b_____________o develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a f__________e valuable skill. Most people a___________e to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. A_________t , they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have n____________d the ability to enjoy leisure that d___________________________s . The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or r_________s and feels r__________s . To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to s______________________s , l_________________t , g_____________________________e , have a w________________________________s , and be active for a full day without a w___________y . Chances to c__________________________s will see f___________s light with a career and family so it is best to n____________h them before university.

In conclusion, the gap year is a c___________e for individuals to develop a p______________________________________e . This is important as an e________________________________r can become an u_________________________________________e .

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Learn more about taking a gap year with BBC 6 Minute English:

Reading Practice

Learn about some gap-year work opportunities here:

https://www.gapyear.com/jobs-abroad

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions about travel from the real speaking exam below:

• Is it common in your country for people to move a lot?
• Do most people in your country live in cities?
• Why do some people live to live in the same place their whole lives?
• Is it important to travel a lot?
• How can less privileged groups be encouraged to move more often?

Writing Practice

Write about the topic below then check my sample answer:

Many people today are choosing to travel to other countries. Why is this happening? Is this a positive or negative development? Recent IELTS Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Traveling to Other Countries (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

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WRITING TASK 2: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TAKING A GAP YEAR

FILE- Gulls follow a commercial fishing boat as crewmen haul in their catch in the Gulf of Maine, in this Jan. 17, 2012 file photo. TExecutive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court. The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

The Supreme Court building is seen on Friday, June 28, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

• Copy Link copied

WASHINGTON (AP) — Executive branch agencies will likely have more difficulty regulating the environment, public health, workplace safety and other issues under a far-reaching decision by the Supreme Court .

The court’s 6-3 ruling on Friday overturned a 1984 decision colloquially known as Chevron that has instructed lower courts to defer to federal agencies when laws passed by Congress are not crystal clear.

The 40-year-old decision has been the basis for upholding thousands of regulations by dozens of federal agencies, but has long been a target of conservatives and business groups who argue that it grants too much power to the executive branch, or what some critics call the administrative state.

The Biden administration has defended the law, warning that overturning so-called Chevron deference would be destabilizing and could bring a “convulsive shock” to the nation’s legal system.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the court, said federal judges “must exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority.”

The ruling does not call into question prior cases that relied on the Chevron doctrine, Roberts wrote.

Here is a look at the court’s decision and the implications for government regulations going forward.

What is the Chevron decision?

Atlantic herring fishermen sued over federal rules requiring them to pay for independent observers to monitor their catch. The fishermen argued that the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act did not authorize officials to create industry-funded monitoring requirements and that the National Marine Fisheries Service failed to follow proper rulemaking procedure.

In two related cases, the fishermen asked the court to overturn the 40-year-old Chevron doctrine, which stems from a unanimous Supreme Court case involving the energy giant in a dispute over the Clean Air Act. That ruling said judges should defer to the executive branch when laws passed by Congress are ambiguous.

In that case, the court upheld an action by the Environmental Protection Agency under then-President Ronald Reagan.

In the decades following the ruling, Chevron has been a bedrock of modern administrative law, requiring judges to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of congressional statutes.

But the current high court, with a 6-3 conservative majority has been increasingly skeptical of the powers of federal agencies. Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch have questioned the Chevron decision. Ironically, it was Gorsuch’s mother, former EPA Administrator Anne Gorsuch, who made the decision that the Supreme Court upheld in 1984.

What’s at stake?

With a closely divided Congress, presidential administrations have increasingly turned to federal regulation to implement policy changes. Federal rules impact virtually every aspect of everyday life, from the food we eat and the cars we drive to the air we breathe and homes we live in.

President Joe Biden’s administration, for example, has issued a host of new regulations on the environment and other priorities, including restrictions on emissions from power plants and vehicle tailpipes , and rules on student loan forgiveness , overtime pay and affordable housing.

Those actions and others could be opened up to legal challenges if judges are allowed to discount or disregard the expertise of the executive-branch agencies that put them into place.

With billions of dollars potentially at stake, groups representing the gun industry and other businesses such as tobacco, agriculture, timber and homebuilding, were among those pressing the justices to overturn the Chevron doctrine and weaken government regulation.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed an amicus brief last year on behalf of business groups arguing that modern application of Chevron has “fostered aggrandizement’’ of the executive branch at the expense of Congress and the courts.

David Doniger, a lawyer and longtime Natural Resources Defense Council official who argued the original Chevron case in 1984, said he feared that a ruling to overturn the doctrine could “free judges to be radical activists” who could “effectively rewrite our laws and block the protections they are supposed to provide.”

“The net effect will be to weaken our government’s ability to meet the real problems the world is throwing at us — big things like COVID and climate change,″ Doniger said.

More than just fish

“This case was never just about fish,’' said Meredith Moore of the environmental group Ocean Conservancy. Instead, businesses and other interest groups used the herring fishery “to attack the foundations of the public agencies that serve the American public and conserve our natural resources,’' she said.

The court ruling will likely open the floodgates to litigation that could erode critical protections for people and the environment, Moore and other advocates said.

“For more than 30 years, fishery observers have successfully helped ensure that our oceans are responsibly managed so that fishing can continue in the future,’' said Dustin Cranor of Oceana, another conservation group.

He called the case “just the latest example of the far right trying to undermine the federal government’s ability to protect our oceans, waters, public lands, clean air and health.’'

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey called the decision a fitting follow-up to a 2022 decision — in a case he brought — that limits the EPA’s ability to control greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. The court held that Congress must speak with specificity when it wants to give an agency authority to regulate on an issue of major national significance.

Morrisey, now the GOP nominee for governor, called Chevron “a misguided doctrine under which courts defer to legally dubious interpretations of statutes put out by federal administrative agencies.”

A shift toward judicial power

The Supreme Court ruling will almost certainly shift power away from the executive branch and Congress and toward courts, said Craig Green, a professor at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law.

“Federal judges will now have the first and final word about what statutes mean,″ he said. “That’s a big shift in power.″

In what some observers see as a historic irony, many conservatives who now attack Chevron once celebrated it. The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was among those who hailed the original ruling as a way to rein in liberal laws.

“Conservatives believed in this rule until they didn’t,’' Green said in an interview.

In recent years, conservatives have focused on “deconstruction of the administrative state,’' even if the result lessens the ability of a conservative president to impose his beliefs on government agencies.

“If you weaken the federal government, you get less government,’' Green said — an outcome that many conservatives, including those who back former President Donald Trump, welcome.

The ruling will likely “gum up the works for federal agencies and make it even harder for them to address big problems. Which is precisely what the critics of Chevron want,” said Jody Freeman, director of the environmental and energy law program at Harvard Law School.