What Is A Gap Year? | Gap Year Ideas

What is a gap year?

A gap year is a year out, most commonly done after A levels and before University. This is often taken to gain skills and experience and take a much-needed break before pursuing the next step in your education or career. The time allows you to reflect and focus on what you want to do next, without the pressure of studying and exams. 

Although you can take a gap year during University, it is not recommended, as it can cause disruption to your studies. Your coursemates will also be a year ahead when you’re back, and it can be a lengthy process to apply for. A gap year after University is also possible to recharge and take your time finding jobs. 

Should I take a gap year? 

A gap year isn’t simply a year off, and it is completely up to you how you make it. It is valuable for your CV and many employers and admissions tutors really value the experiences students have gained from this year. However, personal circumstances, career priorities and finances will play a big part in this decision.

Some reasons why a gap year is taken are:

• Taking a break from studying and exams

• Resitting exams

• Earn money to support further education or save for the future

• Gain new skills and/or experiences

• Travel

• Improve your CV with work experience

• Reflect and think about future career plans

• Recharge and become more mature, focused and motivated

Or, doing a combination of the above.

Many would say their gap year was worth it. However, it may not be for everyone. Some drawbacks are:

• It is a distraction or slows down longer-term plans

• Losing momentum of studying and learning

• The year is unstructured and doesn’t add much value to your future

• Harder to return to study or work

• Expensive

The cons normally come down to a lack of planning and what your priorities are at the time. For example, if you’re studying for a longer than average degree (e.g. Medicine or Dentistry), the gap year will delay future plans again by an extra year, so going straight into study might seem more appealing.

Gap year ideas

Gap year volunteer programs

Volunteer programs include supporting a worthwhile cause, which often includes travelling, gaining valuable experiences and skills and making new friends. Some popular examples are teaching English to children or assisting a wildlife conservation project abroad.

This doesn’t have to be about jetting off to South-East Asia. Supporting your local community is just as important, such as a library, school or animal shelter. All will help you develop soft skills such as communication and teamwork which are important for all careers. It is best to apply for these programs early, as some abroad may only run in certain seasons and have a capped number of participants.

There are many organisations that advertise volunteer programs. Some of the most popular are:

• Year out group

• Gap 360

• NCVO

• The Big Help Out - useful for checking local opportunities

• Volunteer World

• International Citizens Service (ICS) - government-funded international volunteering placements for 18-25 year olds in the UK 

Gap year paid programs and internships

Once you’re 18, you have the same work rights as adults. Therefore, earning and saving during a gap year is a worthwhile use of time, but this doesn’t just have to be for Univesity, some students take this opportunity to become more independent and move out and learning to manage finances plays an important role in this.

Paid programs and internships are therefore particularly useful, as they are structured and tailored towards school leavers. Again, these don’t need to be abroad. Working a part-time job provides an excellent experience for your CV in experiencing the working world. You will learn new skills, start building your network and save up for your future. This is particularly useful if you’re still studying for resitting exams, and you don’t have time to travel. 

Popular organisations that advertise internships and work during gap years are:

• Go Overseas  - they offer online TEFL courses, teaching abroad and language schools, plus virtual internships and volunteering

• Intern Abroad HQ

• BUNAC - offers working holidays

• Real Gap Experience

• A Year in Industry - paid work experience for STEM students 

The work doesn’t necessarily have to be in something you want to pursue a career in. The important thing is you enjoy yourself and learn valuable skills you can use in the future. Many of these will be transferable such as working with others, leadership, communication and problem-solving, which are required for all University courses and careers.

How do I plan a gap year?

It is best to plan for your gap year early on, by having a structure from day 1. It helps with both organisation and finances. 

The key things to think about are:

• Making a plan ahead of time (up to 6 months)

• Finances and how you will support yourself

• Keeping your CV up to date

• Making a note of application deadlines for jobs, internships and University deadlines

• Checking for foreign travel advice for any destinations you travel to abroad

• Keeping a journal of your experiences, to speak about in a job or University interview

You don’t need to plan every day, but you also don’t want to miss important deadlines for applications, which you may need to sort out up to a year in advance. If you feel yourself feeling isolated, try blogging, or vlogging your experiences on social media. You can meet others online in the same scenario and help students who are considering a gap year too.

Most importantly, make sure you focus on recharging and working on yourself. A productive gap year is extremely rewarding. 

Further reading:

• Retaking A Levels

• What A Levels Should I Take?

• How Many A Levels Can You Take

• UCAS Tariff Points Explained

• A Levels For Architecture

• A Levels for Engineering

• A Levels For Law

• A Levels For Dentistry

• Is Psychology A Level Hard?

• How To Get Into Oxford University

• What A Levels Do You Need To Be A Vet?

• University Clearing