In some countries, young people are encouraged to work or travel for a year between finishing high school and starting university studies. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages for young people who decide to do this.

Before embarking on college many young people are advised that a
year
working or travelling may be a good option.
This
essay will suggest that experience gained and money saved are the biggest advantages of
this
, but delaying careers and reducing motivation to study are the primary disadvantages. The main advantages of a gap
year
are learning more about the world and earning money. For
students
who have just finished secondary school, working or travelling for a
year
will allow them to learn what life is like outside of the
education
system.
Also
,
third
level
education
is very expensive and a lot of
students
decide to work for 12 months and save up money before they begin their studies. The Times recently reported that the average student at a UK university requires over $12,000 per annum just to survive and many drop out because they cannot afford to stay. Despite these advantages,
students
lose a
year
that could have been used to advance their future careers and they often get used to working or travelling and don’t want to return to a life of study. As job markets are very competitive, an extra
year
of experience can make a massive difference when applying for jobs, and those who took a gap
year
are at a disadvantage.
Moreover
, some decide to bypass university altogether and go straight into a job
that is
beneath their capabilities or may not offer the same prospects their future career might have done.
For instance
, a recent survey by the British Government found that 26% of
students
who take a
gap-
Correct your spelling
gap year
show examples
year
never enter tertiary
education
. In conclusion, taking a break from studies can be advantageous if it allows people to accumulate savings or learn more about the world.
However
, they should
also
be careful that it does not delay the start of their careers and lead to disillusionment with
education
.
Submitted by tharakavimukthi88 on

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • Cultural immersion
  • Life experience
  • Work ethic
  • Career readiness
  • Self-discovery
  • Delayed gratification
  • Intellectual stagnation
  • Financial implications
  • Social dynamics
  • Academic trajectory
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