Gap year options

So this is it. School life is finally complete…What now?

It's now time to find out what you are going to be doing next. But do you really know? For many of us, the thought of finishing school is a huge relief, while at the same time being a bit of a scary thought as well. Suddenly you are thrown into this whole new world – the 'real world' – and it's up to you to make a decision on what you are going to do.

So what do you do?

While the options of what to do next is endless, many of us are confused and a bit scared, but are also in a great need of a break from a very busy 12 years that have gone by. Might I suggest taking some time off and taking a gap year? What am I talking about? Read on and find out…

A gap year is something many students seem to be taking before they head out to university and start cramming their brain with a lot more studying, assignments and much more. For many, a gap year is a time during which they explore and experience new opportunities and examine the choices they face regarding their future. There are many different reasons why students opt to take a gap year. Some just need time off to find themselves, and figure out what their next step is going to be, while others just want to take a break from studying. After years of studying, most students are exhausted and in dire need of some time off to recharge their mental batteries…and this is the perfect way.

It is said that a properly planned gap year can be one of the most rewarding, challenging and exciting periods in a students life. Whether that reward comes from working, gaining skills in a local company, back-packing round the world, going off beaten tracks of Sri Lanka, exploring or volunteering at a social service organisation…it is really up to you! There is no right or wrong gap year, what is important is that you have examined your reasons for taking this time off, and set yourself goals. Gap years like everything in life, comes in different types. Hence, it's important to consider your motivation behind taking a gap year, and the type of gap year you would want to have.

Just taking a brake from studying wont really make do… You need to know what you are going to do during that gap year. The options, as I said before are endless, so lets explore some.– (IR)

Travel around... Live the dream.

Something we all love to do – travel the world, or travel around Sri Lanka. You may want to go travelling and sample life in other countries during your gap year. If you haven't got the cash for it, you could explore Sri Lanka, which will be just as fun. Travelling can fulfil many desires – a need for independence, a need to experience new things, or hunger for adventure.

So where do you go?

Narrowing down your options means doing a lot of research and you also need to keep in mind what kind of a personality you have. Where you go will depend on the type of person you are. Some travellers would spend all day, every day, lying on a beach if they could – while others need more things to do and see in order to keep them happy. If you want to travel around in an English-speaking country where there's a particularly good and safe environment, just get some research done and you will have your answer. You could even visit your friends, relatives etc who live overseas. If, on the other hand, your gap year ideas involve visiting somewhere a little more adventurous and off the beaten track, then places like India, Mongolia, China and Cambodia – to give just a few examples – are better options. If you fit in to the 'laze on a beach' category then, frankly, you're spoilt for choice.

Travelling and living the dream is definitely one of those fun things that you can do during your gap year. Just compile a list of places you have always dreamt of visiting. Once you have done this, all you have to do is to set about fulfilling all of your ambitions by visiting at least the top three places on your list when you are away.

Although, please keep in mind that before you start packing you bags, you need to remember a few things. Remember the varying cost of living in different countries. Sort out your finances, where you would like to go, for how long and it's always fun to get a few people to join you.

There are many different ways to 'see the world' during a gap year. While some people choose to purely travel, others may manage to combine it with one of the other opportunities such as volunteer work in different places or getting some work experience in a different environment, than that of your own. The experience you gained from this benefit those students who opt to study away from home, because you now have some experience of being away from your sheltered environment and are a lot more independent.

Many students opt to do volunteer work…

If you're the type of person who needs to be 'doing something,' and are struggling to come up with gap year ideas, then one possibility to consider is working as a volunteer. Some of the most rewarding gap years are experienced by those that involve working as a volunteer. Volunteering takes dedication and hard work, but it is a unique chance to experience other ways of life, be open to other realities and meet new people.

A diverse range of projects all over the world and here in Sri Lanka, rely on volunteers to help them carry out vital work caring for the environment, different communities, animal welfare etc. Opportunities range from helping out at different homes, shelters, to workshops, organizations, different conferences and events etc. Volunteering gives you the chance to give something back to the society and is also an ideal opportunity to get to know a place and its people on a far more intimate level.

Working for a year is also a good option…

A gap year will definitely be the first time you're away from your school with no teachers, no rules, and most importantly no exams. If you choose to work, this will be the first time you're working full time.

Getting some working hours clocked in makes a good impression for the future. Although getting a job seems a long way off, taking a gap year can also look good on your CV. Potential employers see that you have spent time broadening your horizons and learning new skills.

If you spend a year working/ interning for an industry or organisation you would like to get into in the future, employers will see that you are dedicated to advancing your career.

You could get a regular full-time job, or maybe some temporary or part-time work that still lets you have some time off to enjoy your year out.

Splitting your gap year can also be a good idea - you can spend the first six months working to save money to pay for your travels in the second half of the year.

Learn a new language, a new skill or something that keeps you going…

If you don't fancy doing volunteer work, and are struggling to come up with other constructive gap year ideas, then another option is to learn a language or a new skill while you have time on your hands. Once again when it comes to this, you are spoilt for ideas. There are so many languages to choose from, and so many skills. Learn some French, Japanese, graphic designing or even to make a mouth-watering Chinese meal… the options are endless and the help that's available is vast.

Another way to learn a new language – and probably considered to be the best way – is while travelling. There are many ways you can learn a new language, from by just hanging out with the locals, to getting someone to teach you the language properly; all you need is a bit of charm and persistence. Learning a new language is great, being able to speak some of the language makes for a far better and rewarding travel experience and it looks good on your CV too.

If you are planning on taking a gap year, make sure you have thought it through. It really is of no use to be lazing around at home. Hence, put together a wish-list and see what works for you the best. And most importantly make sure your parents are comfortable with it.

It is also important to consider what you will be doing after you take this gap year between your studies, so make sure its carefully planned out, and that you have your future plans sorted and ready to take off, once your gap year is done.