The Gap Year: Education through action

Any university or college professor will tell you that they have been witness to the benefits – both academic and social – that “life experience” between high school and post-secondary education can offer students. The Gap Year concept has long existed – albeit in different forms - in countries such as the U.K (where students often take a year off between secondary school and college in order to travel) and Israel (where students are required to serve two to three years in the military prior to enrolling in formal post-secondary education). Canadian culture, however, has yet to fully embrace this educational model to a significant degree. Enrolling in some form of post-secondary education immediately following high school remains the “natural next step” for the majority of students and their parents. This article provides some insight as to why a structured pause in formal education can provide an excellent opportunity for personal growth, and can ultimately set students on a more focused, purposeful journey into higher education.

Time out or Burn out