Taking a gap year can be a life-changing experience. It’s a time to travel, try new things, learn new skills, and gain meaningful insights about yourself and the world around you. But with so many different options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. So here’s a list of 12 worthwhile ways to spend a gap year.
If you’re considering taking a gap year, you’re already on the right track. A gap year can be a fantastic way to gain perspective, build skills, and recharge before starting at college, diving back into your studies or starting your career. But with so many different options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Do you want to travel the world? Learn a new language? Volunteer for a cause you care about? Pursue a specific passion or hobby? The good news is, there’s no one “right” way to spend a gap year. The most important thing is to find something that’s meaningful to you.
Traveling is one of the most popular ways to spend a gap year—and for good reason. Exploring new places expands your horizons and introduces you to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. When you travel, you’re not just sightseeing; you’re immersing yourself in a whole new environment, which can change the way you see the world. Traveling can also help you learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, improve your problem-solving skills, and boost your confidence. Whether you choose to backpack across Europe, teach English in Asia, or volunteer in Africa, the experiences you gain while traveling can benefit you both personally and professionally for years to come. On a practical level, it can be difficult to travel for very long when you have a job and limited vacation days, so it’s a great time to make the most of this freedom you have.
While travel is a popular and rewarding way to spend a gap year, it’s certainly not the only option. Engaging in volunteer work, for instance, can be a deeply fulfilling experience. This could be locally or internationally, working with organizations that align with your interests, whether that’s environmental conservation, education, health, or social justice. Volunteering not only makes a positive impact on the community you’re serving, but also helps in your personal development, teaching you valuable skills like teamwork, communication, and resilience.
Another option to consider is taking a gap year to learn a new skill or pursue a hobby. This could be anything from learning to play a musical instrument, studying a foreign language, or taking up a sport. Spending time on these activities can offer a break from academic pressure while also providing a sense of achievement and fun. Furthermore, internships or part-time jobs can also be very beneficial during a gap year. They give you a taste of the professional world, help you understand your career preferences, and could even equip you with practical skills and work experience that can add significant value to your resume.
Remember, the goal of a gap year is to do something that adds value to your life, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best way to spend it is to pursue what truly interests and motivates you.
Here’s a summary of the top 12 ways you can make the most of your gap year.
1. Travel
For many people, a gap year is a chance to see the world. Backpack through Europe, explore Southeast Asia, or road trip across the United States. Traveling can broaden your horizons, challenge your assumptions, and teach you more about different cultures and ways of life.
2. Learn a New Language
Speaking another language can open up a world of opportunities. And there’s no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in a foreign country. Spend a few months living with a host family, taking language classes, and practicing with locals.
3. Volunteer
Whether you’re passionate about the environment, social justice, or education, there are countless opportunities to make a difference during your gap year. Volunteer with a local organization, work on a community project, or teach English in a foreign country. And if you’re religious, there are even Christian gap year programs you can embark on.
4. Intern or Work Abroad
Want to gain real-world experience in your chosen field? Look for internships or job opportunities abroad. Not only will you build your resume and skill set, but you’ll also build a global network of contacts.
5. Study Abroad
If you want to continue your education during your gap year, consider studying abroad. There are countless programs that allow you to earn college credits while exploring a new culture.
6. Teach Abroad
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is a popular option for many gap year students. You’ll get to live in a foreign country, meet new people, and make a difference in the lives of your students.
7. Work and Travel
If you need to earn money during your gap year, look for jobs that allow you to work and travel at the same time. Options include working in hospitality, working on a farm, or working as an au pair.
8. Go on a Retreat
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to slow down. Consider going on a retreat to focus on your personal growth, mindfulness, or spiritual wellbeing.
9. Pursue a Passion
Do you have a hobby or passion that you’ve always wanted to pursue? Whether it’s writing, photography, or music, a gap year can be a great time to dive deeper into your interests.
10. Work on a Personal Project
Do you have a book you’ve been wanting to write, a documentary you’ve been wanting to make, or a social enterprise you’ve been wanting to start? A gap year can be a great time to work on your personal projects.
11. Learn a New Skill
Want to improve your cooking skills, learn to code, or become a skilled carpenter? Take advantage of your gap year to learn a new skill that you’ve always been interested in.
12. Take a Road Trip
If you want to explore your own backyard, consider taking a road trip across the United States. Visit small towns and big cities, explore natural wonders, and take some time to reflect on this exciting new chapter in your life.
If you’re considering taking a gap year, remember that it’s a time for exploration, growth, and adventure. There are countless different ways to spend a gap year, so don’t be afraid to get creative and follow your passions. Whether you travel the world, volunteer for a cause you care about, or pursue a personal project, a gap year can be a life-changing experience that helps you gain perspective, build skills, and make meaningful connections with people from around the world.