Graduating from university can be a daunting time. Many of your friends will be moving to new cities, entering the workforce, and beginning new chapters of their lives. If you’re not quite ready to choose a career or settle down, you may be wondering—should I take a gap year after uni?
A gap year is an excellent option for anyone who wants to step back and reflect on their life path. Whether that’s deciding on a course of study, a place to live, or a professional career, taking a year off is a great way to learn more about yourself and explore different opportunities. If you’re interested in taking a gap year after uni but don’t know where to begin, keep reading to find out why you should take a gap year and which programs are available.
Can you take a gap year after uni?
You absolutely can—and should—take a gap year after uni.
You may not know what you want to do now that you’ve graduated, but can you take a gap year after uni? Absolutely!
While gap years are typically associated with 18-year-old backpackers, they are a useful tool for any stage of life. For someone graduating from university, a gap year can help smooth the transition from the classroom to the real world.
Some common ways to spend a gap year include traveling, volunteering, or interning abroad. You may also want to live at home and get a local job to save money. Your gap year can be whatever you want it to be, so get creative!
6 reasons why you should take a gap year after uni
Now that you know that you can take a gap year after uni, you have to decide if a gap year is the right decision for you. While taking a break after your studies may be unconventional, there are countless reasons why it’s the perfect time to take a year off. Here are just a few:
1. Learn about yourself
What are your passions? What is your motivation? A gap year can help you figure it out.
By the time you finish university, you will most likely have been in school for the majority of your life (16-17 years!). A gap year is an opportunity to learn about who you are outside of an academic environment. This will give you greater clarity for what you might want in the future.
2. Have new experiences
When deciding what to do during your gap year, the opportunities are endless. Do you want to hike the Camino de Santiago? Backpack Asia? Write a novel? A gap year is the perfect time to check those items off of your bucket list and have exciting new adventures.
3. Develop new skills
You may also want to spend your gap year adding new skills to your repertoire. Whether that’s learning a new language, taking a cooking course, learning to play an instrument, or picking up dance classes, a gap year will give you the time to start that hobby that you never had time for while you were studying.
4. Increase your employability
Your gap year may just help you land your dream job.
While it may seem like taking a gap year after uni will set you back on the career ladder, it can actually increase your employability in the long term. Adding unique skills and experiences to your resume will make you stand out to potential employers in a competitive job market.
5. Explore various possibilities
Taking a gap year can open your eyes to possibilities that you may not have even considered. Maybe you will fall in love with a foreign country, discover a new career path, or realize that you want to get your PhD. Your gap year will give you time to think without any distractions, paving the way for new ideas and opportunities.
6. Prioritize yourself
When you graduate from university, you probably won’t have the responsibilities that come with a full-time job or a family. Take advantage of this time to be selfish and prioritize your self-growth! That opportunity may not come around again…
Get matched with 5 gap year programs right now
5 recommended gap year programs
Deciding to take a gap year is the start of your great adventure.
So… you’ve decided you want to take a gap year after uni, but how will you spend your time? With the wide range of gap year programs available, you will have no trouble finding the right experience for you. Here are five programs that are guaranteed to make your gap year a meaningful and exciting adventure:
1. 6-Month Gap Year Adventure
- Why? This 6-month gap year program offers participants various diverse experiences. Whether you want to take language courses in Spain or learn about conservation in Sri Lanka, Impact Gap Year is dedicated to enriching your time abroad. They work with several trusted providers to craft programs that contribute to personal growth and cultural awareness, ensuring that your gap year will set the stage for the next phase of your life.
- Where? Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Cambodia
- Read Impact Gap Year reviews
2. Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica - Adventure with Purpose
- Why? As a participant in Raleigh International’s Costa Rica program, you will have the opportunity to work with several environmental and community-based initiatives. Offering local partnerships with national parks and indigenous communities, this program guarantees that you will be able to make a positive impact during your gap year. By honing your leadership, teamwork, and cultural competency skills, you will be better prepared for future jobs and experiences.
- Where? Costa Rica
- Read Raleigh International reviews
3. Teaching, Women Empowerment, Medical & Disabled Care - India
- Why? Volunteering Journeys offers a unique opportunity to join the fight against gender inequality in India. Living in Kerala, you will lead courses in areas such as English, embroidery, and computer skills to support local women to build their skill sets and confidence. Through your participation in their initiative, you will be able to help empower women and develop deep connections within the community.
- Where? India
- Read Volunteering Journeys reviews
4. Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, Costa Rica
- Why? Join Kaya Responsible Travel and experience a multifaceted program in Costa Rica. This gap year program combines a community project, an environmental project, and a multiple week hiking adventure. You will be able to contribute to a variety of projects, such as those focused on clean water and sanitation, reforestation efforts, and education. You will also improve your navigation and teamwork skills on the great trek.
- Where? Costa Rica
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
5. Wildlife Rehabilitation: Rescue and Release, South Africa
- Why? Volunteer at a wildlife sanctuary in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Working in the Greater Kruger Region of South Africa, you will help a local wildlife rehabilitation center with tasks such as feeding animals, harvesting vegetation, and monitoring animal behavior. When you’re not working, you can admire the unique natural landscapes of the region, including savannahs, rainforests, and waterfalls.
- Where? South Africa
- Read African Impact reviews
Explore ALL Post-Uni Gap Year Programs on GoAbroad.com!
Meet yourself (and the world) during a gap year after university
By now you should have answered the question—should I take a gap year after uni? If you want the opportunity to have enriching experiences, learn about yourself, and engage more deeply with the world, then a gap year after uni is the perfect decision for you. With the myriad of programs at your fingertips, you are ready to embark on this next step in your life.
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