I've heard a lot about gap year travel but I'm not entirely sure what it entails. Is it just about leisure travel, or does it involve volunteering, work experience, or other activities?
The term "gap year travel" typically refers to a prolonged trip that someone embarks on during a gap year, which is a year-long break often taken between high school and college, or between undergraduate and graduate studies.
People choose to spend their gap year in various ways. Some might indeed focus on leisure travel and exploration of different parts of the world, taking advantage of the opportunity to immerse themselves in various cultures and gain a broader perspective.
However, gap year travel doesn't have to be purely about sightseeing or relaxation. Many participants choose to engage in meaningful activities along the way. This could include volunteering work, where you contribute to a local community in a meaningful way by teaching, building infrastructure, or supporting healthcare initiatives, among other things.
Others might seek work experience by taking up internships, and part-time jobs, or even consider teaching English as a second language in another country. These activities can provide invaluable skills and experiences that can be beneficial in future studies or career paths.
It's important to note that gap year travel is a personal journey and it should align with your interests, ambitions, and what you hope to gain from the year. It's a time for self-discovery, growth, and embracing new opportunities - so there's no "one-size-fits-all" way of doing it.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.