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?

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.