| Many parents believe that once their child leaves | | | | throughout their host country. |
| school, even if for just a year, they will never return. | | | | Most programs for gap years include supervision, |
| Studies show, however, that students can learn more | | | | mentoring, and the organization of applicable work |
| in a year abroad than they can in an entire four-year | | | | visas or permits. They will place a student in a job that |
| college stint. Is taking a gap year really worthwhile? | | | | provides both regular employment as well as room |
| Yes! | | | | and board. The student receives pay in exchange for |
| A gap year is a one year period of time between | | | | a job well done and they are also given time off to |
| educational pursuits, usually high school and college or | | | | experience life. |
| right after graduation from a four-year university. This | | | | Taking a gap year, although in theory like what we did |
| is a fixed period of time during which a student lives | | | | decades ago, is much different. It is not wistfully, |
| and works abroad while enjoying time to travel and | | | | luxuriously roaming the countryside in search of life's |
| experience a different country. | | | | next adventure, but rather a year spent learning, |
| Taking a gap year like this is nothing new. Kids have | | | | experiencing, and getting to make lifelong friends. |
| been strapping on their backpacks and heading to | | | | Placements for those taking gap years offer a certain |
| Europe for decades. This is much different! The | | | | amount of protection from the dangers of international |
| student is not left to his or her own devices while | | | | travel and also allow the student to gain work |
| abroad. They are given a job and expected to behave | | | | experience and language immersion that they would |
| in a responsible manner. But, they are also given plenty | | | | never get back home. |
| of time to experience their youthfulness and travel | | | | |