Go Overseas to Find Yourself

Students claim gap years abroad have greatly influenced their lives.

July 18, 2011 RSS Feed Print

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Despite the costs, those who have taken part in gap years abroad before completing college and entering the workforce argue that their year overseas was a worthy investment in their lives and careers. Seraphina Lin, a senior account executive at a public affairs firm, insists she was shy before she put off her freshman year at the University of Colorado to spend a year in Taiwan, teaching English to elementary school students and immersing herself in the culture. Now, she's found success in a job where communication skills and confidence are integral to success.

"[The gap year] made all the difference to me as a young high school grad struggling with her identity. I gained the confidence to be outgoing," she says. "The confidence and [gregariousness] I gained during my gap year really helped [my career]."

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Tags:: students,; travel,; colleges,; education,; study abroad,; college admissions

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While a Gap year would be nice for students who really need to "find themselves" , in some cases, it could be hard to return back to the colleges and become a full time student life after a whole year of no classes. It does work for some but not for others.

sara of CA 12:54PM September 07, 2011

I thought this was a very valuable and important piece. As a prof, I've seen students stay out longer than they intend because they lose the "rhythm" of the academic year. Suddenly, school is out of sight, out of mind. The way to combat this is to watch the registration schedule. Colleges usually have fall schedules out in late spring term. So, go ahead and plan for the return, even though it may be months away. If the deadline is missed to be admitted into a particular program, students can still register for classes--they are just considered "non-admitted" until they are accepted into the program of choice. Another option is picking up some credits at a community college. Thank you for this article so students can consider another experience-building option. Ellen Bremen, M.A. @chattyprof http://chattyprof.blogspot.com

Ellen Bremen of RI 10:03AM July 19, 2011

When my daughter started talking about taking a gap year, as parents we were supportive, but wanted to make sure she had "a plan". We found Sam Bull's program "Leapnow" online and when our daughter reviewed the information she suddenly felt like there was program designed just for her. A successful high school student, she started receiving lots of college recruitment information her junior year . . but found it all so uninspiring . . Sitting in class, more lectures, more tests was not the way she saw her future. We asked her, "Are you sure you don't want the fun part of a typical American college freshman experience with dorm-living, football games, fraternity parties . ." Her "Yes" was loud and clear. The LeapNow program includes retreats to prepare for the travel experience and solidify the learning that takes place and students can earn college credits. Our daughter departs for India in September and while the cost for the year will be about the same as a mid-range private college . . we believe it will be a great investment.

Jeanne Chouard of OR 6:08PM July 18, 2011