Thinking about taking a gap year?
Not sure what it is though?
Basically it’s what it sounds like. It’s a year between two things.
Typically it’s in reference to taking a gap year between high school and college.
Whether you’re the parent of a young adult who would like to take a gap year or the young adult who’s interested in taking a gap year, I’ve got 10 exciting reasons for taking a gap year.
Now, yes, I will also share with you some of the cons, because, if you’re like me you like to be well informed and have all your ducks in a row.
You might be thinking, what to do during a gap year.
Well, there are several options out there.
You’ve probably heard of Semester at Sea, but I will be sharing a different specific option that will not only be fun and exciting but it will also give you a wonderful opportunity to volunteer around the world!
But first, let’s talk about some gap year pros and cons.
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Gap Year Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The chance to travel the world.
- Time to learn more about yourself.
- Learn new skills.
- Time away from family/friends.
- Academic credit.
- Explore new talents.
- Experience new cultures.
- Discover new abilities.
- Make new friends.
- Become more independent.
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Cons:
- Time away from family and friends.
- Expensive.
Gap Year Program
So, as I mentioned, there are several different programs out there to choose from but I’m only going to share one.
One that I think is an amazing program.
Let’s talk about Up With People!
For those of you old enough, you might remember the movie with ‘Waiting to Exhale’ where the son is considering doing Up With People.
If not, have you ever heard of Up With People?
It’s a wonderful programs to consider for a gap year!
It is an international educational organization that includes a minimum of 15 weeks in several different continents!!!
The chance to travel the world should always be taken!
Not only do you get the opportunity to go to all those different places but there are two other fun aspects of this program.
Do you enjoy community service?
Want to make sure that’s part of your gap year?
Then this will fit that bill!
Have you ever wanted to perform on stage?
No?!
Well, don’t worry, it’s not a requirement!
But if you love to sing, dance, act, play an instrument then you will love your time with Up With People.
You will learn a musical performance and so many other skills throughout your time you will be amazed.
But again, if you are not interested in performing there are other aspects of it that you can still take part of.
There’s the finance, marketing and behind the scenes side of things that are available too.
So, remember all those pros I mentioned?
- The chance to travel the world.
- Time to learn more about yourself.
- Learn new skills.
- Time away from family/friends.
- Academic credit.
- Explore new talents.
- Experience new cultures.
- Discover new abilities.
- Make new friends.
- Become more independent.
The chance to travel the world.
Have you wanted to get to do some traveling?
Do you relish the thought of getting out of your home town and seeing the world?
Time to learn more about yourself.
As soon as you arrive for your training you will start learning things about yourself. From meeting people from different backgrounds to exploring your creative side.
Learn new skills.
You’ll have so many opportunities to learn new skills throughout your year. It may not always be comfortable but it will be amazing!
Time away from family/friends.
Have you always been surrounded by your family and friends?
Don’t worry you’ll have a ‘new’ family surrounding you in no time. Remember, everyone’s in the same boat. Plus they do so many group activities it won’t be hard.
Academic credit.
You will have the option to earn 12 academic credits during your participation in the program.
Explore new talents.
Have you ever wanted to perform on stage?
Whether it’s singing, dancing, acting or playing an instrument, you’ll get that opportunity.
And if those aren’t an interest to you there are several other new talents to explore, as mentioned above.
Experience new cultures.
From you first day you will be surrounded by fellow cast mates from up to 14 different countries!
Not only that but during your travels you will be immersed in the different cultures you’ll visit, having the opportunity to learn about the cultures as a local rather than a tourist.
Discover new abilities.
As stated above, you’re going to have so many chances to learn and discover new abilities. Being put in new, challenging situations but in a safe environment surrounded by others going through the same thing can do wonders.
Make new friends.
You will be making new friends every day!
And the best part, they will most likely be from another country.
You know what that means, you’ll have friends all over the world to be able to visit for the rest of your life! How does that sound?
Become more independent.
Being away from the comforts of home, family and friends can be daunting but it is a great way to stretch your wings and grow in your confidence and independence.
Now, how about that for some exciting reasons for taking a gap year!
And these are all the experiences you will get if you participate in Up With People.
The chance to travel the world, so many opportunities to learn about yourself and learn new skills, talents, and abilities.
Now, the cons with Up With People are what was talked about above too.
Being away from family and friends during your tour.
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Although for some, that may be a plus, for others, it’s not something they’re looking forward to.
But please don’t let that stop you from taking a gap year with Up With People.
You can always email, text, face time or viber while you’re out on the road.
Expense.
The program is quite expensive but I’ve talked to several people who traveled with Up With People who say they would pay twice as much for the great opportunities they’ve received.
Not only that but there are lots of sponsorship and grant options that can help defray the cost.
Some suggestions they have are to ask friends, family, church members, local service clubs like your local Elks, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, etc.
As you can tell, I highly recommend Up With People as a Gap Year program.
If you’re considering taking a gap year, please consider Up With People!!
Are you or someone in your family considering taking a gap year? Has this inspired a gap year? Please share with us in the comments below. Thanks!!
