National interest in structured programs for gap years has increased during the past six years.
Students who take a gap year usually do so between high school and college or between college and some form of advanced studies, such as medical school. According to The New York Times, companies that offer structured gap year programs have grown in size.
For example, USA Gap Years Fairs has augmented its program during the past five years from seven events to more than 30 events nationally. USAGYF, which hosts events that bring together students, program organizers, career counselors and gap year experts, recently expanded because of a higher percentage of students embarking on gap year travels.
American Gap Association, an accreditation and standards-setting organization for gap year programs, reported that gap fair attendance increased from 2,000 to 3,500 students during the past two academic years. According to AGA, the top two reasons students take a gap year in between high school and college are to find out more about themselves or to take a break after the exhaustion of high school pressures.
Emilie Mathura, a freshman in biology, took a gap year during which she interned at an orphanage for nine months. Mathura said she took a gap year because she didn’t know what she wanted to study but wanted to see what it was like to be out on her own.
“I learned how to take care of myself,” Mathura said. “I learned Russian on my own, and I learned how to navigate a city using buses and a metro in another language.”
Mathura said she also learned about herself, developing a sense of what it means to be grateful.
“After spending time with kids who have nothing, I have a different understanding of what it means to be hungry or lonely,” Mathura said.
While gap year activities can be costly, they generally cost less than college. Mathura spent about $6,500 for her travels. That is much lower than the price of in-state tuition and room and board at N.C. State, which currently add up to $22,184 per year.
However, time off can affect a student’s college admissions status. Mathura took a 3-credit hour European history course at Wake Technical Community College before leaving the country. She initially faced a possible refusal for admission to N.C State because her credit status meant she was technically no longer an incoming freshman.
Gap years after college can cause similar setbacks. Woody Catoe, the associate director in Student Career Services at N.C. State, said students who take a year off before starting a career risk falling behind.
“It’s important to realize that those who go straight into jobs after graduation will be ahead of you in experience, plus some of the information or skills you learned in the classroom might get a little rusty depending on your major,” Catoe said.
Catoe said the intent of taking a gap year is important from a career perspective. Graduates will need to explain the time off to future employers on their resumes.
“An important question to consider is, ‘What do I want to have happen as a result of this time off?’” Catoe said.
Catoe suggested that any current student wishing to take a gap year first consult the Career Development Center on campus to research alternative options and to be intentional about the experience.
