In many countries, students take a year gap after finishing school and work or travel during this period. Should students take a gap year before attending universities? What are the advantages and disadvantages of it?

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Taking a gap year off between high
school
and the university has become a popular choice for many students. There are a number of common ways they utilise
this
time;
such
as travelling abroad, volunteering or working. I personally believe that
this
kind of experience should be recommended to students more actively since they can offer youngsters several benefits. Spending time outside of
school
indicates that students can encounter opportunities to interact with people who they are not used to communicating with. Foreigners they meet while travelling overseas or colleagues from volunteering and
work
enable them to develop exceptional social skills to talk to others with cultural, racial or age differences.
Such
experiences can
subsequently
motivate them to be a more confident and outgoing person, which is believed to help them establish a solid social network. Another distinctive advantage that a gap year break can give to students is a time to try out different types of practical
work
. Many teenagers graduate from high
school
without having clear occupational plans.
However
, participating in
work
experience programs or working part-time before starting university can broaden their perspectives on career choices. An exemplary case can be illustrated by looking at my sister, who spent six months teaching English in Cambodia during her gap year. While she was looking after the disadvantaged local kids, she developed a desire to
work
for international charity organisations and she enrolled in an international studies degree. In conclusion, I am convinced that the society should encourage more high
school
graduates because the process of establishing social skills and trials on different jobs can provide them with invaluable life experiences.

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