Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

Here is a list of pros and cons of taking a gap year:

Pros of Taking a Gap Year

Personal Exploration

A gap year gives time to explore different passions or interests before committing to long-term plans

Career Growth & Skill Development

Gaining real-world experience can help strengthen your resume

Travel & Cultural Exposure

Volunteering or working abroad can deepen awareness of social, economics, and environmental challenges

Networking & Connections

Meeting professionals, mentors, and peers in different industries can open doors to future job prospects

Cons of Taking a Gap Year

Visa Hurdles for International Travel

Securing visas or work permits (if necessary) can be complex, time consuming, and expensive

Financial Costs

Traveling, living expenses, or unpaid internships can be expensive without proper planning

Social Adjustment

Adjusting to a new countries customs, language, and lifestyle can lead to discomfort, as daily routines may feel unfamiliar

Adjusting Back to Academics or Work

A year of independence and flexible learning can make it hard to return to structured education or work with stricter deadlines, meetings, and long hours.

Gap Year in South Korea

This gap year program in Korea includes Korean classes followed by a job placement within a local...

• Starting from
  12 weeks

• Daegu

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Gap Year and paid work in Japan

The Tokyo international team will remain available throughout your year in Japan (by phone/Visio/...

• Starting from
  6 weeks

• Tokyo

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Gap year internship on a ranch in Canada

Live a unique experience in Canada! This program will bring you up to speed in English and immers...

• Starting from
  4 weeks

• Edmonton

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What are the benefits of taking a gap year?

• Gain new perspectives: When you take a gap year, you are introduced to a different way of life, a different culture, different issues, etc. This will broaden your perspective and give you a new, global outlook on the world and life in general.

• Better resume: Gap years give you time to gain some real-world experience. The soft skills gained from volunteering, interning, travelling, etc are very valuable to employers.  

• Clarity in future career interests: Many people are quite young when they take a gap year and are not yet sure what they want to do for the rest of their lives. Experiencing new things can help you identify what it is you are really passionate about, allowing you to pursue that further. 

• Improved performance after taking a gap year: Studies have shown that gap year students actually perform better in university, compared to those who did not take a gap year. This is because gap years allow time for students to mature and develop various skills that are essential to future success. 

• Meet new people: Going on a gap year will force you to meet new people and be surrounded by different cultures. You can learn so much from others and make connections with people all around the world!

• Learn new skills/languages: Many people choose to do a language immersion program as well as volunteer, work, etc. Developing new skills as well as learning a new language is always beneficial.

Learn more about what to do during a gap year.

What are the cons of taking a gap year?

• Expenses: Gap years are not free. There is always a cost to travel, be accommodated, eat, etc, on your gap year. This can be a problem as many students are not earning any money during this time either. Nevertheless, there are methods to help you fund your gap year such as scholarships, work exchanges, raising funds, etc.

• Achievement gap: Although you will gain invaluable skills, memories, experiences, etc., you are also taking some time away from the traditional path and may feel that you are falling behind. Just remember that there is no one right way to live!

• Stress: Planning a gap year can be very stressful. Balancing logistics, expenses, responsibilities, etc. is not easy. However, there are people happy to help you through this so you can get the most out of this time.

• Perception: In much of the world, a gap year is not the traditional path most people take. You may face some negative perception from family or friends if you decide to take a gap year, particularly if you do not have an organised plan. What you gain from this time is entirely up to you! 

Gap Year vs Gap Semester

A gap year typically lasts from 7-12 months, often taken between high school or university. It is an opportunity to travel, volunteer, or discover potential work opportunities to gain life experiences, explore interests, and take a break before resuming academic life. 

A gap semester is shorter, usually lasting between 4-6 months. It offers the same possibilities for personal growth, career exploration, and gaining experience, but in a shortened time frame.

The Perfect Time for a Gap Year

Gap Year Between High School and College:

Offers time to explore personal interests, travel, or volunteer before continuing formal education

Gap Year Between College and Graduate School:

 Offers the opportunity to gain work experience, travel, or take a break before furthering academic studies.

Gap Year Between Career Transitions:

Offers time for career exploration, skill-building, and personal time off before pursuing the next career phase or goals.

Retirement or Pre-Retirement:

Offers time to explore hobbies, volunteer, or travel before entering the next chapter of life. 

Is a Gap Year Too Long?

For those who want to experience the same but can't commit to a full year, explore the options of taking a gap semester. A gap semester offers the same opportunities for personal growth, exploration, and gaining experience in a more condensed time frame. 

Is a Gap Year Right For You?

Taking a gap year can be beneficial for growth, adventure, and self-discovery, but it's not for everyone. Here are some key factors to consider before deciding if a gap year is for you. 

A Gap Year Might Be Right for Your If:

• You Need a Break from Academics or Work - If you're feeling burned out or unmotivated,  a gap year is an opportunity to take a break from academics and time to develop new skills before diving into the next stage of your life.

• You Have a Clean Plan - Whether it is travel, volunteering, interning, or working,  having a structured plan can ensure your gap year is productive.

• You Want to Immerse Yourself in New Experiences - Experiencing new cultures, people, and learning real-world skills can be a valuable experience to grow in your goals or career.

• You’re Open to Challenges & Uncertainty - If you enjoy stepping outside of your comfort zone and adapting to new situations, a gap year can be an exciting opportunity. 

• You Can Financially Support It- A gap year can be expensive, so having a savings or budget can help make it sustainable.

Explore our Gap Year Programs Here!

Check Out Real Stories From People Who Took a Gap Year

Jess’s Teaching Internship in Thailand: 

Jess decided to take a gap year before university to grow her experience in working with children. She interned in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where she immersed herself in the local community of Huay Pakoot. Jess found the experience transformative, not only gaining skills in her desired field, but gaining confidence for all aspects of her life.

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Manon’s Study and Work Program in Canada:

Manon spent her gap year in Canada, combining her academic knowledge with practical work experience. During her time, she was able to immerse herself in the professional world, gaining valuable hands-on experience and professional experience in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

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Chloe’s Marine Biology and Protection Internship in Tenerife:

Chloe spent her time developing her knowledge of marine life in Tenerife where she was able to deepen her skills in data processing, observation, and oral skills. Not only was she able to develop her career skills, but also her interpersonal skills as she improved her English, connected with others, and was immersed in her community.

Read more

More Information About Some of Our Gap Year Programs:

• What to do During a Gap Year
• Environmental Gap Year - RealStep 
• Study and Work Abroad Gap Year - RealStep