Gap year

This article is about taking a break between two stages of formal education. For TV series, see Gap Year (TV series).

A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is a period of time when students take a break from their studies, usually after completing high school or before beginning graduate school. During this time, students engage in a variety of educational and developmental activities, such as traveling, working, volunteering, or taking courses.[1] Gap years are not limited to a year-long break and can range from several months to a few years.

The activities undertaken during a gap year vary widely and depend on the individual's interests and goals. Some students may take courses to improve their academic skills in areas such as math or language studies, while others may learn a trade, pursue art, or participate in sports.[2][3] Volunteer work is also a popular choice, as it allows students to give back to their communities and gain valuable experience.

Research suggests that students who take a gap year tend to perform better academically than those who do not. However, some parents may worry that their children will continue deferring their education, rather than resuming studies at the end of the initially-planned period.[4][5]

  1. ^ Taormina, Tricia (4 April 2013). "What's a Gap Year Before College (& Should You Take One)?". Her Campus. Archived from the original on 9 August 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  2. ^ Rashid, Haroon; Kibble, Jonathan D. (1 December 2021). "Understanding reasons for electing gap years between undergraduate education and medical school and the impact of gap years on the student experience of medical education". Advances in Physiology Education. 45 (4): 886–894. doi:10.1152/advan.00059.2021. ISSN 1043-4046. PMID 34618627. S2CID 238474903.
  3. ^ Martin, Andrew J. (2010). "Should students have a gap year? Motivation and performance factors relevant to time out after completing school". Journal of Educational Psychology. 102 (3): 561–576. doi:10.1037/a0019321. ISSN 1939-2176.
  4. ^ Miller, jennifer. "The Academic and Career Advantages of Taking a Gap Year". noodle.com. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  5. ^ "Gap year advice for parents: Are they a good thing?". The Daily Telegraph. 20 August 2010. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 23 August 2018.