Gap years aren’t widely seen in the U.S. in comparison to other countries. There’s a good chance that many American students haven’t even considered taking a gap year for various reasons, including impracticality and financial cost. Traditionally, it’s been seen as a waste of time where parents feel that their student may never go back to school or that they will fall behind in comparison to their peers. However, studies are beginning to show that students who take gap years experience greater academic success and personal benefits.
A gap year isn’t merely taking a year off break from school between graduating high school and starting your first year of college. It can be a year to gain work experience, save money, or decide what degree or school interests you most. It can provide you with clearer goals and give you time to explore what those goals may be. Additionally, on the more fun side, gap years can be frequently spent traveling to new places or volunteering in other countries in areas you are passionate about.
In Western education systems, however, there is a noticeable divide in how gap years are perceived. For example, in my home country in Sweden, taking a gap year is not only accepted but can be widely encouraged as a healthy break before university. In much of Europe, a gap year is widely viewed as normal, yet in the United States, the same decision can be frequently questioned or negatively viewed. According to Tilting Futures, “between 40,000 and 60,000 students in the U.S. choose to take a gap year.” In comparison to this, a study done by Gap Year Solutions showed that 80 percent of students in Denmark take a gap year.
In the U.S., students are often expected to have a straight path from elementary school all the way to college, pressuring students to continue this path for fear of falling behind. In the U.S., gap years are criticized with many different outlooks that, according to research, are often untrue. For example, many assume that students taking a gap year won’t ever go back to school; however, according to research, around 90 percent of students return to college within one year of their gap year (Tilting Futures). Other arguments by parents to not take a gap year include the financial cost of taking a gap year; however, gap years can be spent however you want them to. Living at home while working during your gap year can easily be a positive in gaining experience and earning your own money to save up for college. Furthermore, gap years can be extremely good for your mental health, which can greatly aid you academically. Especially after suffering burnout in the last two years of high school, it can be nice to take a break. We can’t forget that Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, so if they do it, why shouldn’t we?
A gap year may not be the right choice for everyone, whether it’s their decision or their parents’. However, for students yet to decide what their passion is, it can give them a sense of direction and a chance to finally breathe after 12 years of extreme pressure in the education system. Taking a gap year might just lead you to exactly where you should be.
