Is a gap year right for you?

The gap year is a period between the end of high school and the start of university offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and exploration. But what exactly does a gap year entail and mean, and how can it benefit you?

Taking a gap year provides young people with a chance to step away from the academic grind and gain valuable life experiences. According to the guidance counsellor at Windhoek Afrikaans Private School, Launa Moolman, who also serves as an educational psychologist and school counsellor, one of the primary benefits is the opportunity to gain exposure to varied contexts and experiences beyond an academic setting.

"This also gives learners time to reflect on important life decisions and limits possible and unnecessary financial wastage that would have transpired if learners chose to pursue a course of study that they were unable to complete - or even enjoy as a future career."

A cure to uncertainty

For those who are uncertain about their future academic or career paths, a gap year can be a time to explore interests, travel, volunteer or gain work experience. This exposure helps you make more informed decisions about your future, potentially saving you from the financial and emotional costs of pursuing a path that you might not enjoy or complete.

Deciding to take a gap year is a personal decision and should be approached thoughtfully. Moolman highlighted that this decision should be guided by careful consideration of your goals and interests. The role of a counsellor is often to act as a liaison between learners and gap year programmes, helping families and learners navigate this choice by providing information and support.

Each learner's needs are different, and the counsellor works to connect them with appropriate gap year programmes that align with their interests and career aspirations. This personalised approach ensures that the gap year is not just a break, but a purposeful and enriching experience.

Invaluable experiences

A compelling example of the benefits of a gap year comes from a learner who chose to work as an au pair in the United States of America (USA). This experience allowed her to travel, gain financial independence and build relationships with people from different backgrounds.

"She embarked on a journey to the USA as an au pair via an accredited institution. She was able to travel, meet new people, make friends, become financially independent to a certain extent and built a beautiful bond with her [host family]. After her two-year contract expired, she secured a student visa and has been studying towards a nursing degree in the States," Moolman narrated.

Her gap year provided her with invaluable experiences and clarity about her career path, demonstrating how such a break can positively impact both academic and personal growth.

Fear of falling behind

One common concern for learners considering a gap year is the fear of losing academic momentum or falling behind their peers. The guidance counsellor advised learners to reframe their perspective on this issue. The focus should be on personal development rather than competition. A gap year should involve purposeful activities - such as work, studying or volunteering - rather than simply taking time off without a plan. Engaging actively during this period can actually help maintain and even enhance academic momentum when you eventually return to your studies, Moolman said.

To ensure a gap year is both productive and enriching, careful planning is essential. She emphasised the importance of setting clear goals and conducting thorough research. This process should involve collaboration between you and your parents or guardians. Constant communication and evaluation of goals are crucial to making the most of the gap year.

Additionally, talking to peers who have previously taken a gap year can provide valuable insight and advice. Embracing a mindset of learning and personal growth during this time is key to ensuring that your gap year has a positive and lasting impact.

Slow down and breathe

Twyfa Jonas Perez is such one of these success stories of taking a gap year. She now holds an honours degree. "I am all for gap years, I used the time to acquire a new skill, slow down and breathe. It really helped me in the long-term."

A gap year offers learners a valuable opportunity to step back from the traditional educational path and gain real-world experience. With thoughtful planning and active engagement, it can lead to significant personal and academic growth.

While the decision to take a gap year should be made carefully, it can provide a life-changing experience that enhances your future academic and career endeavours.