Results: Gap Year For Personal Growth
Published on 11/02/2017
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1.
1.
A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is a year's break between high school and college/university, aimed at promoting a mature outlook with which to absorb the benefits of higher education. It also indicates a break before entry into graduate school. Did you take a gap year?
![A gap year, also known as a sabbatical year, is a year's break between high school and college/university, aimed at promoting a mature outlook with which to absorb the benefits of higher education. It also indicates a break before entry into graduate school. Did you take a gap year?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/64433e1509025687o308.jpg)
No
64%
1314 votes
Did not go to university/college
18%
364 votes
Yes, after high school, before university/college
12%
241 votes
Yes, after university/college undergrad and before grad school
4%
83 votes
Yes, after university/college grad degree and additional schooling
3%
53 votes
Have not graduated high school yet
2%
41 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
30 votes
Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
---|---|---|
0.61% | 13 | |
Went to college in my 30’s | 0.05% | 1 |
I took two gap decades | 0.05% | 1 |
Took several gap years between high school, college, and grad school. | 0.05% | 1 |
. | 0.05% | 1 |
try 30 gap years | 0.05% | 1 |
WENT TO COLLEGE LATER IN LIFE. | 0.05% | 1 |
Yes took a 3 year gap, willingly spent 2 in Vietnam, 1968-9...but taking time off to delay growing up...no! | 0.05% | 1 |
not applicable | 0.05% | 1 |
N/A | 0.05% | 1 |
Had a gap of 25 years before going to college | 0.05% | 1 |
Went to college many years after graduating high school | 0.05% | 1 |
went straight into USAF | 0.05% | 1 |
15 year gap | 0.05% | 1 |
took a gap decade | 0.05% | 1 |
After two years of college I entered the US Navy | 0.05% | 1 |
I took a gap year lasting 36 years. | 0.05% | 1 |
What?! | 0.05% | 1 |
2.
2.
Gap Years originally started in the United Kingdom in the 1970's as a way to fill the 7 or 8 month gap between final exams and the beginning of university. The intention in the UK for that time was to contribute to the development of the student usually through an extended international experience. Gap Years came to the United States in the early 1980's through the work of Cornelius H. Bull, founder of Interim Programs. Since its transition to the United States, Gap Years have taken on a life of their own - now embodying every manner of program and opportunity imaginable, both domestically and internationally, all with the shared purpose of increasing self-awareness, learning about different cultural perspectives, and experimenting with future possible careers. Since their broader acceptance into the American system of education, they have served the added benefit of ameliorating a sense of academic burnout. In fact, in a recent study, one of the two biggest reasons Gap Year students chose to take a Gap Year was precisely to address academic burnout. (Info from American Gap Association). Do you think that taking a gap year sounds beneficial to students?
![Gap Years originally started in the United Kingdom in the 1970's as a way to fill the 7 or 8 month gap between final exams and the beginning of university. The intention in the UK for that time was to contribute to the development of the student usually through an extended international experience. Gap Years came to the United States in the early 1980's through the work of Cornelius H. Bull, founder of Interim Programs. Since its transition to the United States, Gap Years have taken on a life of their own - now embodying every manner of program and opportunity imaginable, both domestically and internationally, all with the shared purpose of increasing self-awareness, learning about different cultural perspectives, and experimenting with future possible careers. Since their broader acceptance into the American system of education, they have served the added benefit of ameliorating a sense of academic burnout. In fact, in a recent study, one of the two biggest reasons Gap Year students chose to take a Gap Year was precisely to address academic burnout. (Info from American Gap Association). Do you think that taking a gap year sounds beneficial to students?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/64433e1509025706o8904.jpg)
Yes
38%
780 votes
No
23%
481 votes
Undecided
39%
791 votes
3.
3.
There are hundreds of programs tailored specifically for gap year experiences, which last from one week to one year, either close to home or abroad. I am in the middle of a gap year (between my undergrad degree and grad school) and have decided to go to Sri Lanka on a Psychology based Volunteer opportunity. I will be working alongside mental health professionals in a tsunami-affected area of the country. I feel this will not only help me in my chosen field of clinical health psychology, but also give back to others, even if in a small way. I have also signed up for a weekend Elephant experience, where we get to actually play with elephants, as well as care for the babies, and elderly elephants. Does this sound like a greet opportunity?
![There are hundreds of programs tailored specifically for gap year experiences, which last from one week to one year, either close to home or abroad. I am in the middle of a gap year (between my undergrad degree and grad school) and have decided to go to Sri Lanka on a Psychology based Volunteer opportunity. I will be working alongside mental health professionals in a tsunami-affected area of the country. I feel this will not only help me in my chosen field of clinical health psychology, but also give back to others, even if in a small way. I have also signed up for a weekend Elephant experience, where we get to actually play with elephants, as well as care for the babies, and elderly elephants. Does this sound like a greet opportunity?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/64433e1509025752o6530.jpg)
Yes
37%
766 votes
Not really my thing, but sounds good
29%
587 votes
No
13%
261 votes
Not sure
21%
438 votes
4.
4.
Here are a few other gap year programs that are offered through various organizations. If you had the opportunity which would you like to do?
![Here are a few other gap year programs that are offered through various organizations. If you had the opportunity which would you like to do?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/64433e1509025763o7256.jpg)
High Mountain Institute: Traveling through Patagonia and the American West, students embark on a journey that emphasizes developing outdoor skills, leadership, and environmental awareness. With options to choose a rock climbing or wilderness travel focus, students explore these rugged landscapes, investigate critical environmental issues, and gain experience as environmental stewards. Through living and traveling with a small group of peers and instructors, students focus on practicing leadership and the ability to work effectively in a team.
15%
302 votes
Thinking Beyond Boarders: A variety of Gap Year programs, including the 2-semester Global Gap Year, South America Gap Semester, and Asia Gap Semester combining deep cultural immersion, fieldwork with experts, and engaging readings and discussions.
11%
221 votes
Carpe Diem Education: Gap Year programs in Central America, South America, India, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, East Africa, and the Native American Southwest focusing on community, cultural exchange, service-learning, and adventure
9%
182 votes
Global Routes: 3 month immersive Gap semester programs in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Gap programs are based on Global Routes' Teaching Internship Program model. Since 1986, Global Routes programs have offered participants an opportunity to immerse themselves into a small rural community, develop long-lasting cross-cultural relationships, and make positive contributions that will last a lifetime.
9%
181 votes
Pacific Discovery: Programs are overland journeys combining authentic immersion, meaningful service, and wilderness adventure - fostering empathy for other cultures, ethical and sustainable travel practices, and awareness of international issues. Students leave with a deepened sense of their identity, passion, and purpose. Programs are a 10 week journey with an optional 3-week independent extension to apply newly developed travel skills. Programs in New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, South America, Central America, Cuba, Galapagos Islands, India, Nepal, Tibet, China.
13%
269 votes
Ridge Mountain: Located in Whitefish, Montana, RIDGE is a campus-based academy that focuses on mountain sports, education, and life skills. RIDGE prepares student athletes of all abilities — beginner to elite — to strengthen their training, forge new skills, and discover their true potential.
9%
189 votes
Cross Cultural Solutions: 3 month service-learning Gap Year programs in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Students can visit multiple countries as part of their Gap Year through the Global Gap, Spanish Immersion, and Diversity of Africa Gap Year experiences. Customized start dates and durations also available year-round. Cross-Cultural Solutions is a non-profit organization that partners with sustainable community initiatives, bringing people together to work side-by-side while sharing perspectives and fostering cultural understanding.
8%
170 votes
All sound good
31%
640 votes
None of these
37%
751 votes
5.
5.
These programs are very affordable, and so much more than just a vacation -- often the most expensive part of these programs is the airfare to get to the country. Many students opt to fund raise to offset the costs of the program, but I think it isn't right to ask others who pay for your experiences or opportunities. How do you feel about this idea?
![These programs are very affordable, and so much more than just a vacation -- often the most expensive part of these programs is the airfare to get to the country. Many students opt to fund raise to offset the costs of the program, but I think it isn't right to ask others who pay for your experiences or opportunities. How do you feel about this idea?](https://www.tellwut.com/uploads/media/image/thumb/64433e1509026116o9768.jpg)
I agree with you - if I could not afford to go, then I would not go and not expect others to pay for my opportunity
31%
630 votes
I see nothing wrong with fund raising to pay for your trip -- it's done all the time
20%
419 votes
I can see both sides of this argument
23%
466 votes
Not sure
26%
537 votes
COMMENTS