IN SOME COUNTRIES, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO WORK OR STUDY FOR A YEAR BETWEEN FINISHING HIGH SCHOOL AND STARTING UNIVERSITY STUDIES.

Taking a gap year between high school and university education has become a popular option amongst many young students. This time off provides a break after many years of formal study, some use this time to travel; others volunteer and some begin working. Although all of these have clear benefits for students on different levels, there are some  drawbacks as well.

The benefits of taking one year off are plenty. To start with, students who travel away from home would probably develop independence and self-confidence on their own. Additionally, living in a foreign country enables these young people to explore different cultures, traditions and viewpoints and this makes their mind broader and more accepting as they grow up and mature. Moreover, when these students work they get professional experience because they get a taste of diverse workplaces and this practical experience helps them to consider possible career interests. Some students even save some money that would support them in further education for their leisure and even their future.

Nevertheless, there are also some disadvantages involved in taking such long breaks. A major drawback would be that students might forget essential and elementary knowledge in subjects that do not interest them, but are required for their university education . Consequently, they might face some difficulties when they come back to the university. Moreover, students could be deceived by the money that they earn. As a result, some would think that completing university education is not really necessarily as long as the money is available. Those usually discontinue their education and end up being stagnant with their skill development.

In conclusion, taking a gap year is an individual decision. Although there are some obvious advantages on personal as well as professional levels, but the disadvantages of ignoring essential knowledge and even discontinuation of studying cannot be ignored.