9 reasons every student should take a gap year

So I've been off of this thing, working on stuff at home. Current issues include: School didn't send course registation packet. Was due July 27, just sent in a form. Old ladies coming for lunch. Wild villagers coming for drinks. Must remove 'trees from forest', good lord. Still have yet to shower.

Ignoring all of that, I give you another issue of plagirism at its best. Today's plagirised article comes from MSN.

Tired of school and not ready to go back to classroom-style learning?

Jenny Ferguson

Before continuing your studies, think about taking a break. Taking a gap year is a popular activity for many Europeans, even Prince William took one! Here are nine reasons why you should take a gap year before going to college, university or grad school.

Take A Break

You’ve worked hard. Whether you’ve just graduated from high school or are now a university graduate planning on attending teacher’s college, it’s time to take a break. Regroup before you burn out. Besides, the last thing the world needs is another teacher who starts her career jaded and tired from five years of university.

Give Back

Spend some time giving back to your parents, your country and people in need. Find a great volunteer program that’s orientated to gap year students. Meet other people from around the globe and get to know the real world before you graduate!

Get Orientation

Most people don’t know what they want to do when they grow-up. By the time you’re 17, the world expects you to make a career choice. This can be some pretty heavy stress. Even at 25, direction is something most are still seeking. Before you put down $20,000 on a degree, know what you want to do. Or at least figure out if you like children before jumping into an Early Childhood Education program.

Money, Money, Money

With the rising cost of tuition, and room and board while away at school, a gap year is the perfect time to increase your savings account. Not everyone has the money to go back to school, so take a year and make some money. Do it in a fun way. Work abroad as an au pair or participate in SWAP. The Government of Canada has some amazing opportunities for youth. You could work as a guide at Vimy Ridge in France!

Swap Working Holidays
Student Guide Program

See the World

See the world or at least a little part of it. Move out of your parent’s basement for a year and do a little exploring. Head to Europe, Africa or across Canada to find a new environment to experience. You’ll find that after being out on your own and doing a little traveling, you’ll have done a lot of growing-up—but not in the bad way. Sometimes all you need is a little perspective to get ready to go back to school.

Study Overseas

Although this might sound a little like school, it’s not the same thing. Take a break from your life and take courses at another university or college. This is especially relevant when it comes to language courses. Learn to speak Spanish or Russian. Investigate something you can’t do at your home school. The best part is you might be able to get some transfer credits. See Mom, I wasn’t on holiday!

Teach English

Teaching English is a great way to earn money and take a break from being a student-sponge! It’s hard to keep absorbing information when you’re full. You’ll find if you share a bit of your knowledge, you’ll be ready to come home and get back into your studious ways. Try Japan for a strange and wonderful cultural experience!

Pick Up A Hobby

Do you secretly love to knit? Or is it dance that drives you to perform? Pick up or perfect your hobby while taking a break from classroom structured learning. Look for a great internship or the perfect part-time job to get into your hobby. Try rock climbing or pottery.

Make New Friends

Meet new people and escape your clique. Best friends are amazing and I wouldn’t trade mine for the world, but it’s time to broaden your horizons. Why not make friends all over the world? You’ll find that years down the line you always have a guest bedroom to sleep in. Getting out of your comfort zone is the way to promote change and revitalize your life. Who knows who you might meet on your working holiday in Brazil; possibly a future spouse or a best friend?

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bridging the gap

Gap years are a growing trend in North America. Check with your school to see if you can defer admission. This way you’ve got a “go back to school plan” and everyone - your parents, friends and family - can support your decision to explore or take a well-deserved break.

Gap Year Resources:

GapYearAbroad.ca
GapYear.com
Find a Gap