Having spoken to a few friends lately about their exciting gap years, I thought that it would make for an interesting blog post. Who takes gap years and why? What do people get from them and what makes them so appealing right now?
Here’s what I have managed to find out. Hopefully, this could help any of you who are considering travelling or taking a gap year yourselves.
Why take a gap year?
The reasons to embark on a gap year adventure are pretty endless. There are so many exciting things to do. One of the most common reasons to take a gap year is to get some valuable life experience. With exciting challenges and courses to embark upon, you could be helping others, just as much as you are benefiting yourself.
What can you do on a gap year?
I love how varied gap years can be. You can choose just about anything that takes your fancy. A few popular gap year choices include the below. Taking a look at websites like theleap.co.uk/gap-year-programs often gives you an insightful starting point.
Working in orphanages and with children – Trips to countries such as Nepal are popular choices for those who want to help children and experience life as carers.
Conservation work – working to preserve the rainforests by aiding conservation and planting trees is a great way to help the planet. You will also have the chance to experience beautiful surroundings and will gain valuable skills regarding working in a team.
Animal and marine science – There are many different options that will allow you to get up close and personal with animals. From helping sea turtle hatchlings reach the water to getting up close to wild elephants. There are a great many adventures to be had.
What are the benefits of taking a gap year?
The benefits of a gap year are pretty amazing. Firstly, you will learn a whole new skillset. Taking a gap year means that you will be getting hands on with various people or animals. You will be given specific guidance and taught new skills.
All of this is done in a different and fun environment, meaning that it often won’t even feel like work. Many of my friends have said that they wish they had been able to spend even longer with their placements!
You will learn new life and people skills and the importance of working together for a common goal. You will also learn how to take on the responsibility, with the bonus of guidance to back you up. A gap year could be the perfect thing for you if you’ve suffered from confidence issues in the past.
Getting outside of your comfort zone and doing something different can be such a rewarding experience. You might return home with a completely new outlook on life and feel like the problems that you felt before, are easier to overcome.
I don’t know about you, but I feel completely inspired now and ready to get out there and tick off some of those bucket list worthy things I’ve meant to do. If you’ve taken a gap year or plan on taking one. Leave us a comment below and let us know about your experiences!