What are the best gap year jobs and courses to consider?

I'm planning to take a gap year after high school and want to make the most of it. Any recommendations on jobs or courses that would be beneficial for personal growth or future career paths?

There are many possibilities for productive and valuable gap year experiences! If you're not sure where to start, here's some guidance:

Jobs:

1. Teach English abroad: Many institutions provide appropriate certification courses for teaching English overseas. This provides language and cultural immersion, a chance to earn some income, and a great addition to your resume.

2. Internships: Look for internships in an industry that you are considering for your future career. It can provide insight into the work, build networks, and can affirm or rule out career paths.

3. Outdoor Education programs: Working for organizations like Outward Bound or NOLS can offer opportunities for leadership and personal development, as well as skills in outdoor recreation and education.

4. Startups: Joining a small firm can expose you to many aspects of running a business quickly and can even allow you to take on large responsibilities.

Courses:

1. MOOCs: Platforms like Coursera & edX offer a broad array of free or low-cost courses in different industries. Earning a certificate could be a credential for future employment or college applications.

2. Community College courses: You could take a few classes at a local community college to explore interests or get ahead in your future major.

3. Foreign language courses: Learning a new language or enhancing existing language skills can be really beneficial. It improves cognitive abilities, enhances cultural understanding and opens up opportunities globally.

Remember, the best experiences will depend on your interests and career aspirations. The key to a successful gap year is to plan carefully, set personal growth goals, and stay committed to achieving them.