Is your teen considering taking a gap year after matric? As a parent, it’s natural to feel unsure about what this break might mean for their future. But a well-planned gap year can build confidence, real-workplace skills, and clarity about what comes next. With your guidance, this time can become a powerful step forward.
As a parent, do you know enough about a gap year for South African students? Here are some of the questions that you may need to be answered:
- Is taking a gap year a good idea?
- Do colleges look down on gap years?
- What are the disadvantages of taking a gap year?
- What entry level jobs can one do in a gap year?
- Are students who take a gap year more successful?
- Is it harder to get into college after a gap year?
- Can you apply to university after a gap year?
- How do you know if a gap year is for your teen?
- How can I make money in a gap year?
Is Taking A Gap Year A Good Idea?
Yes, taking a gap year is a good idea for your teen. Here is why:
- Enough time to think and plan about the future
- Exploring the world
- Independence
- Follow a passion
- Discover himself
Enough Time To Think And Plan About The Future
A gap year can give your teen time to think and plan what he would like to do in the future. That year is enough for them to have decided what they want to pursue. Is it further education, work or a learnership?
If it is to study further, what is he or she going to study? What career does your teen want to pursue? It will also be good for you to sit your teen down and advise on what gap year programmes they can pursue after high school.
Exploring The World
If you can afford it, it will be good for gap year students to travel and explore the world. Meeting new people and new cultures can make your teen have a new perspective on life and the people living around the world. There are some affordable ways that your teen can use to travel the world.
Here are some of the agencies, that temporarily offer work abroad, and can assist in this regard:
- Jobs Abroad
- Epic Exchange
- Camp Counsellors United States of America (CCUSA South Africa)
- Awesome Travel
- STA travel
Independence
During the gap year, your teen will learn to be independent. The gap year can fully prepare your teen for adulthood. Remember, teens always like to be independent and this is an opportunity for you to see if he or she is on the right track to independence.
Follow A Passion
A gap year can afford your teen to follow his or her passion. What is your teen passionate about? A gap year can be used to discover more about his passion. Is it time to dig deep to find more about his passion.
Discover Themselves
Your teen can also use the gap, year to find themselves. The person he or she really is. The gap year is the ideal time for your teen to discover herself/himself. Here is how your teen can discover herself/himself:
- A good start will be to try visualising their ideal self
- Explore their passion
- Try new things
- Evaluate and gain more skills
- Identify what they value about themselves
- Ask questions about themselves
- Learn something new
Do Colleges Look Down On Gap Years?
No, most distance learning colleges and universities do not look down on the idea of a gap year. Colleges and universities are increasingly becoming open to the idea of students taking a gap year. Some institutions of higher learning are recognising the value that a gap year can add to a student.
This is because a gap year can develop a number of skills. Some research shows that students who had a gap year quickly adjust to college and university lifestyles
What Jobs Can One Do In A Gap Year?
Here are the jobs that your teen can do in a gap year:
| Career | Career Description |
|---|---|
| Au pair | You live with a family in another country and help look after their kids. It’s a fun way to learn about a new place and be part of a family. |
| Bartender | You make and serve drinks to people at bars or restaurants. You also chat with customers and help them have a good time. |
| Barista | You make coffee and tea for customers in cafés. You also take orders and make people feel welcome. |
| Cruise ship staff | You work on a cruise ship that travels across the sea. Jobs can include helping guests, cleaning rooms, or doing shows. It’s a cool way to work and travel. |
| Volunteer | You help people, animals, or the planet without getting paid. It’s a great way to do something kind and make a difference. |
| Sports coach | You teach kids or teams how to play a sport. You help them practice, have fun, and get better at the game. |
| Working holiday | You travel to another country and do small jobs while you’re there. This helps you pay for your trip and explore new places. |
| Teach children | You help young kids learn things like reading, writing, or English. This can be in your own country or somewhere new. |
| Waiter/waitress | You bring food and drinks to people at restaurants or cafés. You also help keep the tables clean and take orders with a smile. |
Are Students Who Take A Gap Year More Successful?
Most students who take a gap year seem to become more successful. As the practice becomes more common, education experts are studying this trend more closely. At the moment, however, there are no statistics that support this belief.
Is It Harder To Get Into College After A Gap Year?
No, it is not harder to get into college after a gap year. Most colleges accept students who would have taken a gap year. In fact, the number of years you enrol at college after High School is not a part of the issues that determine if you can be accepted into college or not.
Can You Apply To University After A Gap Year?
Yes, your teen can apply to university after a gap year. The chances of your teen’s admission are no lesser than that of a student that would not have taken a gap year. In fact, taking a gap year can strengthen your admission chances.
It is possible the Admissions Office can be impressed with the practicals and skills development that your teen attained during the gap year.
How Do You Know If A Gap Year Is For Your Teen?
A gap year can be good for every teen. According to experts, If your teen seems “mature enough” to know they are not ready to leave home yet, or, if your teen wants to “take on the world before college,” a gap year might be the answer.
How Can I Make Money In A Gap Year?
The following activities can make your teen money in a gap year:
- Teach sports
- Work in a holiday resort
- Bar or waiter/waitress work
- Blogger
- Work in a hostel or hotel
- Photography
- Be an instructor
- Freelance
- Work on a cruise ship
People Also Ask
The best time to take a gap year is right after finishing high school or college. At this age, you’re still learning about the world and yourself. It’s a great time to try new things like distance learning and grow before starting the next big step.
The best time is before you go to university or start a full-time job. A gap year gives you a break and helps you learn new skills. Planning it early makes it easier and more fun.
A gap year is not risky if you plan it well. You can choose things that help you grow, like learning or working. It’s a smart way to build your future if you use your time wisely.
You can travel, work, help others, or learn new things during a gap year. Some people get job experience, while others discover what they want to do in life. It’s a fun and useful time away from school.
Yes, they do! A gap year can help you grow, learn new things, and become more confident. Schools and jobs like seeing that you used your time well.
Author: Collin Wilbesi
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date Published: June 22, 2022