Taking a gap year after secondary school is becoming an increasingly popular decision amongst graduates in Europe and America. A gap year is usually a full year of trying to find your passion, travel or a way to earn money before university. Gap years can take forms such as paid work , internship, or independent travelling/studies. Even though this way of spending time sounds compelling, it can easily turn into a waste of time and money. A Covid-19 gap year will probably look a bit different compared to a traditional gap year as more students turn to online internships and work, they can do at home such as writing a book. You might not get to travel to places you want to or live in the place you would prefer. A lot of gap years can cost around 25,000 £ but there are more affordable options such as AmeriCorps, a volunteer program that is gaining popularity. 

 

Gap years can be a very controversial topic as they can be seen as something remotely new and pointless by many people with traditional views. I had the opportunity to interview a sixth former from London, Roman Kroupeev, on his views on gap years and the way the pandemic has changed his plans for the future. 

 

How has Covid impacted your plans for the future?

“I think that Covid has inspired me. Lockdown granted me hours of free time which I used to find out my true passion. I had time to try new things and even though I was limited to objects in my own home, it was sufficient. I think without a lockdown I would have discovered my passion for fashion design much later in my life.”

 

Are you planning to take a gap year?

“No, because I feel as though I will lack the emphasis and motivation for further education. It’s good to have a break to get work experience for some people to figure out what they want to do in the future but personally, I prefer going ahead with my studies while I have the motivation to. Also, the opportunity to find out who I want to be has impacted my choice on whether to take a gap year.”

 

Looking at the pros and cons make the decision a lot easier;

 

Pros

  • Gap years can boost your CV as you can gain work experience or something that can help your resume stand out. 
  • Broadening your horizons is a very exciting experience. Living abroad and immersing yourself in a new culture is eye opening and can lead to important discoveries about your passions and purpose. 

Cons

  • Gap years can make you feel isolated and as if you are falling behind. Watching your close friends going off to college and all going through similar experiences can make you feel as though you are missing out.
  • If not planned properly, a gap year can set you back financially. Travelling abroad and programs are expensive, and you must understand the potential price and outcome for the year ahead. 

 

To conclude, taking a gap year is a thrilling opportunity yet it must be planned to the finest details. You can learn hundreds of new skills, gain work experience and experience living in what seems like a whole different world. Nevertheless, you must be ready for potential setbacks financially and emotionally in your future education. Making sure watching your friends attending university without you doesn’t throw you off your path is extremely important to get an independent, exciting and memorable year.