Facts

What is a Gap Year?

A "gap year" is typically defined as a period of time, often one year, taken by students or young adults after high school or during their academic studies to engage in various activities that provide personal, professional, and educational enrichment. This time is usually spent working, traveling, volunteering (abroad or in one's homeland).

Famous People who Took a Gap Year

Prince William - Before attending the University of St. Andrews, Prince William spent his gap year participating in British Army training in Belize, teaching English in Chile, and working on British dairy farms.

Benedict Cumberbatch - Before attending university, he spent a gap year teaching English at a Tibetan monastery in India, which he credits with helping him grow personally and spiritually.

Malia Obama - Before attending Harvard University, Malia Obama took a gap year during which she interned in the U.S. Embassy in Spain and worked in the film industry.

Gap Year Benefits for Young People

• Become more confident

• Higher motivation to study

• More accurate career choices

• Better stress management

• More independent and civic-minded

(Der Merwe et al., 2023; Mouraz & Araujo, 2017; Rashid & Kibble, 2021)