A gap year (also known as year abroad, year out, year off, deferred year, bridging year, time off and time out) is a year during which students take time off and do something other than schooling, such as travel or work. The gap year is most commonly taken after secondary school and before starting university. However, over recent years there has been an increase in 21-23 year olds taking a gap year after completing their degree.
Contents |
History
The practice of taking a gap year developed in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. During a gap year, a student might travel, engage in volunteer work overseas or undertake a working holiday abroad.
In 1978, the Prince of Wales and Colonel John Blashford-Snell began what is now known as Raleigh International by launching "Operation Drake," a gap year expedition voyage around the world following Sir Francis Drake's route. In the United States, the gap year idea was promoted by Cornelius H. Bull, in 1980.[1]
The gap year has grown very popular among students in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A trend for gap years is to participate in international education programs that combine language study, homestays, cultural immersion, community service, and independent study.
In 2010, gap year travel has increased among school, college and university leavers, as this is seen as an attractive option for future career development.[2]
By country
Denmark
Denmark has sought to limit the number of students who take a gap year, penalizing students who delay their education to travel abroad or work full time.[3] In 2006, it was announced that fewer students than before had taken a gap year.[4] In April 2009, the Danish government proposed a new law which gives a bonus to students who refrain from a gap year.[5]
Israel
In Israel, gap years are customarily taken after the two or three-year compulsory army service (three for men, two for women).
Japan
The employment practice known as Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates matches students with jobs before graduation, and the practice of a gap year is unusual in Japan as a result.
United States
In the United States, the practice of taking a "gap year" remains the exception. Taking a gap year has recently become more common for Americans, and the most common reasons are feeling burned out of classroom education and a desire to understand oneself better.[6] Universities such as Amherst College, Princeton University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Reed College have formal policies allowing students to defer admission.[6] Thirty "Gap fairs" promoting various programs occur across the country.[6]
See also
- Journeyman years
- Career break
- Overseas experience
- Sabbatical year
- Work-life balance
- Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates
- Working holiday
References
- ^ The Center for Interim Programs
- ^ Gap year travel
- ^ Andersen, Lars Otto (29 November 2004). "Sabbatår - sundt eller skadeligt?" (in danish). Berlingske Tidende. http://www.berlingske.dk/article/20041129/danmark/111290231/. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
- ^ Stadigt yngre studerende med færre sabbatår starter på universiteterne, Pressrelease, Universitet og Bygningsstyrelsen, Ministeriet for Videnskab, teknologi og Udvikling (Danish)
- ^ "Committee proposes cash incentives for speedy students". Jyllands-Posten. The Copenhagen Post. 5 May 2009. http://jp.dk/uknews/article1684210.ece. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
- ^ a b c SHELLENBARGER, SUE (DECEMBER 29, 2010). "Delaying College to Fill in the Gaps". Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203513204576047723922275698.html.
External links
- Gap Years at the Open Directory Project
|