2 Pros and 2 Cons of Taking a Gap Year Abroad

Young adulthood is go, go, go and chock-full of studying. If you are a high school student that’s about to graduate and head off to college, you might be finding yourself wondering: 

• What if I could just hit pause on school for a bit and do something fun and adventurous? 
• I need a break from the books, but I don't want to waste a whole year just chilling. 
• Can I finally learn that language I've always wanted to speak? 
• What if I could explore new places instead of just reading about them or looking at them on the Internet? 
• I want to figure out what I really care about, but how do I even start? 

If any of these questions strike a chord—you’re not alone! Many students, especially in Europe and the U.S., take a gap year, and the trend is growing. 

Is a gap year right for you? That's precisely the question this blog seeks to help you answer.  

We'll go through 2 gap year pros and 2 cons—and hopefully provide a lot of inspiration along the way—so you can gain some clarity. 

Pro #1: Gap Years Can Be an Extremely Productive Time 

While a break between high school and college can be considered an unnecessary pause from the "serious" activity of education, it can also be an opportunity to pursue meaningful work you otherwise don't have time for. For example, during a gap year, you might: 

• Pursue hobbies or projects to transform them into a possible career or business of your own, 
• Study something outside of traditional academia (foreign language immersion, cooking, or fine arts) 
• Volunteer, or 
• Gain skills to add to your professional portfolio 

Learn more about how you can start planning your gap year. 

Con #1: Without Proper Planning, a Gap Year Can Feel Unproductive 

Whatever your reason for taking a gap year, it's important to start this period with meaningful goals in mind. Setting yourself up this way increases the chances that you'll feel fulfilled when this chapter comes to a close. 

Big-picture, broad goals are ideal because they allow room for flexibility and spontaneity. Overly specific goals can feel restrictive, making it harder to adapt to new opportunities. You don't want to turn what should be exciting gap year experiences into rigid checklists. 

If your goal is to relax and take a much-needed study break, consider spending your gap year in a way that feels refreshing to you. Maybe that's chilling out in a laid-back beach town, taking yoga or mindfulness classes, or even diving into low-key creative projects like journaling or digital art. Find a setting where you can unwind, meet new people, and recharge without the pressure of a packed schedule. 

If you're eager to explore a new culture, there are many structured gap year programs that immerse you in both the culture and language of a specific country. For example, if you've always been fascinated by Japan, you could join a program like CIEE Gap Year Abroad in Kyoto that lets you live with a host family, study Japanese, and fully experience the traditions and daily life. 

If you want to deepen your passion for a hobby, consider dedicating your gap year to it. Whether it's photography, playing an instrument, or cooking, use this time to dive deeper into your hobby—take advanced classes, attend workshops, or even apprentice with a professional to truly explore and develop your skills. 

If gaining work experience is your goal, you might have a few fields you're curious about, and a gap year is the perfect time to explore them. You can focus on one area or split your time between a couple of different internships or volunteer roles. After all, you won't know what really excites you until you try it out! 

Pro #2: Gap Years Can Be a Time for Self-Discovery 

The time between high school and college is a truly unique time in your life. You're young and free from the demands of a full-time career or a family of your own. You don't have to have everything figured out yet, and a gap year lets you explore the world and yourself to clue you into what truly makes you happy, what you're passionate about, and where you see yourself in the future. 

For many people, the self-reflection you do during a gap year leads to significant discoveries that shape your path forward. Whether you realize that a hobby could become a career or discover a new passion you hadn't considered before, the clarity you gain can help you focus your studies and future career trajectory. 

To go on a CIEE Gap Year Abroad program, you should first defer college admission. Read this blog on How to Defer College for a Gap Year Abroad. 

Con #2: Gap Years Can Require Quite a Bit of Financial Planning!

One of the biggest challenges of taking a gap year may be the cost, especially if you participate in a more formal program. 

Structured gap year programs often include living with a host family, meals, language classes, and cultural experiences, all of which have associated costs. While these structured programs offer valuable benefits, like immersive learning and a built-in support system, they can also come with a substantial price tag. 

Additionally, the cost of living abroad varies widely, and staying in major cities can quickly eat into your budget. That means you really have to sit down and plan ahead.

However, keep in mind, that even if you remain stateside after graduating high school and want to take a gap year to explore your options, specialized training programs, such as culinary school or art workshops, can also be costly.  

CIEE Gap Year Abroad—A Perfect Fit for Young Adventurers

If you're ready to take on a life-changing adventure, CIEE Gap Year Abroad offers the perfect blend of fun, structured-language learning and support. 

With immersive programs in incredible destinations like—Japan, France, Spain and more—you can dive deep into new cultures, learn a language, and gain valuable experiences before college. Explore the different gap year program options today!