[Nfergs]

So I'm currently at the stage of deciding what I want to do after high school. I'm half and half about going to university, although I've heard that gap years are great for people that are still unsure.

I'm possibly thinking about doing a language course (maybe Spanish). Therefore I'm worried that if I took a gap year, I would soon forget some vocabulary and grammar of the language. However if I did take a gap year, I would like to travel to Spain or Mexico for a while which would obviously be a great experience and opportunity to properly practice Spanish.

Other than my examples, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a gap year and would you recommend one for undecided people like myself?

[georgia]

Do it. If you're unsure about uni you may well end up faffing around and not really making the most of the experience. I found gap years and working in rubbishy jobs really helped to focus my mind to actually achieving something with my degree!

[Nfergs]

[Origami Bullets]

If you use the gap year to go to a spanish speaking country, then you will be using it productively and you will become semi-fluent. Even if you then decided not to go to university, you would still come away with a useful skill.

There's also the added benefit of doing a cruddy job for a few months - it can tend to have the effect on concentrating the mind on why you want to go to university - so you don't have to do that sort of job for the rest of your days!

[Dandyflower]

Depends on the person rather than the gap year.

In terms of employablility, I would deny it provides any advantage in the job market.

As you say, for languages and other certain subjects, it's advised you don't take a gap year because you'll forget important things for the course.

Once you're sure about what you want to study at university, and you've made a tangible plan, calculated the costs, researched what exactly you want to do - in a specific way like working for a particular NGO or organisation in Mexico, or just travelling Mexico, you'll be in a position to make a decision.

I think a year studying abroad is of more value than a gap year, but I know others disagree. That may be something you might want to consider.

[georgia]

(Original post by Dandyflower)
As you say, for languages and other certain subjects, it's advised you don't take a gap year because you'll forget important things for the course.

Actually, this is really not the case. You can do plenty in your gap year which will actually improve your language skills. Live/work/travel abroad in the country where the TL is spoke, etc etc.

I'm under the impression it is a bigger deal for subjects with a high mathematical content. Although if someone just kept up to date with studies while on a gap year then this wouldn't be a problem either.

[Dandyflower]

(Original post by georgia)
Actually, this is really not the case. You can do plenty in your gap year which will actually improve your language skills. Live/work/travel abroad in the country where the TL is spoke, etc etc.

I'm under the impression it is a bigger deal for subjects with a high mathematical content. Although if someone just kept up to date with studies while on a gap year then this wouldn't be a problem either.

It is discouraged if you're not going to be using the language, which was clearly what I was concentrating on. It's still a relevant point if one works for 6 months, lives in say, Spain for 2 months and travels Europe for another month. How much one is using the language is very important. Obviously if she was able to live in Spain/South America for 6 months+, the experience would be very useful, but things don't always work out that way.

[Eldedu]

If you do decide to take a gap year, make sure you'll be busy...I finished school in November and so was faced with an involuntary gap eleven months and have spent half the time bored out of my skull (finally passed super mario though!)

[Lana_07]

I'd say my gap year was okay.. But I had family that I stayed with but I enjoyed travelling and having a job for 5 months! When I came back home though I wish I had more to do as I came back to no job which really sucked. But if you do go for it have a look round what companies have to offer if you want to do voluntary/paid work abroad! good luck

[georgia]

(Original post by Dandyflower)
It is discouraged if you're not going to be using the language, which was clearly what I was concentrating on. It's still a relevant point if one works for 6 months, lives in say, Spain for 2 months and travels Europe for another month. How much one is using the language is very important. Obviously if she was able to live in Spain/South America for 6 months+, the experience would be very useful, but things don't always work out that way.

I took two years out, never intended to do a language degree, and in October will be a finalist. It's totally possible. I think other things are of bigger consideration than language level - you can work on that in your time out if you're fussed.

[lyh19]

I'm currently on a gap year. Graduated last year and will be starting school in 2013.

I have chosen to major in zoology/vet. Main reason why I chose to take a year out was to gain practical experience with animals. I live in a big urbanized city, and such experiences are hard to come by.Grades are important for admissions or future career prospects, and undeniably in both of the fields I'm considering experience counts just as much or even more (ESP the horror stories of zoology graduates trying to find jobs in this economy).

My parents are conservative and they think I'm wasting my time. But I don't regret taking it so far. I have plans on what to do, jobs I'm hoping to get etc. I'm just starting on the gap year, but I already feel much better because I see many of my peers rushing to get into uni courses despite not knowing whether they like it. It seems like many are just going into uni for the sake of that piece of paper saying you have a Bsc. Some may have the money to drop out, and restart, but not me. I'm funding the education and gap year by myself.

Would love to hear from anyone taking a gap year as well! ESP in this field I'm going for. Who knows our paths may cross! Good luck!

[Notorious123]

If you don't mind me telling you one thing about me... I took a gap year at 19 and its been 5 years since finally deciding to go to University again...