Gap year
A gap year (also known as year abroad, year out, year off, deferred year, bridging year, time off and time out) is a year during which students take time off and do something other than schooling, such as travel or work. The gap year is most commonly taken after secondary school and before starting university.
History
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (December 2008) |
The practice of taking a gap year developed in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. During a gap year, a student might travel, engage in volunteer work overseas or undertake a working holiday abroad.
In 1978, the Prince of Wales and Colonel John Blashford-Snell began what is now known as Raleigh International by launching "Operation Drake," a gap year expedition voyage around the world following Sir Francis Drake's route. In the United States, the gap year idea was promoted by Cornelius H. Bull The Center for Interim Programs, in 1980.
The gap year has grown very popular among students in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A trend for gap years is to participate in international education programs that combine language study, homestays, cultural immersion, community service, and independent study. .
Denmark has sought to limit the number of students who take a gap year, penalizing students who delay their education to travel abroad or work full time.[1] In 2006, it was announced that fewer students than before had taken a gap year.[2] In April 2009, the government proposed a new law which gives a bonus to students who refrain from a gap year.[3]
In Israel, gap years are customarily taken after the three-year compulsory army service.
The employment practice known as Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates matches students with jobs before graduation, and the practice of a gap year is unusual in Japan as a result.
In 2010, gap year travel has increased among school, college and university leavers, as this is seen as an attractive option for future career development.[4]
In the United States, the practice of taking a "gap year" remains the exception.
See also
- Career break
- Overseas experience
- Sabbatical year
- Work-life balance
- Simultaneous Recruiting of New Graduates
References
- ^ Andersen, Lars Otto (29 November 2004). "Sabbatår - sundt eller skadeligt?" (in Danish). Berlingske Tidende. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
- ^ Stadigt yngre studerende med færre sabbatår starter på universiteterne, Pressrelease, Universitet og Bygningsstyrelsen, Ministeriet for Videnskab, teknologi og Udvikling Template:Da
- ^ "Committee proposes cash incentives for speedy students". Jyllands-Posten. The Copenhagen Post. 5 May 2009. Retrieved 19 November 2009.
- ^ Gap year travel
