Why Are Gap Year Abroad Programs More Common Among Europeans vs. U.S. Students?
Authored By:
A gap year program, a year-long break between high school and college to study, travel and volunteer, is becoming an increasingly more popular option for students in the U.S.
It's an opportunity for recent grads to spread their wings, enjoy language growth and experience a bit of the world before continuing to college. However, you may be surprised to learn that taking a gap year has been a standard option for European students for decades!
This guide breaks down why European students are more likely to take a gap year than American students and why that's changing.
1. Cultural Norms
One of the reasons gap years are more common in Europe is the cultural openness to travel and slow living. European students are often encouraged to get out there and experience the world.
Here in the United States, students are often encouraged to apply and attend college right out of high school. A "good work ethic" is highly valued, and taking a break is not an American cultural norm.
2. Parental and Social Pressures
Part of the reason gap years are more common in Europe is a parent’s vision of their child's future. European parents usually value opportunities for self-discovery. Plus, with so many different countries close together, they know the value of learning a language abroad at a young age.
On the other hand, parents in the U.S. often see higher education as the best option for a successful future for their children. That means parents in the U.S. are much more likely to encourage their children to attend college immediately after high school over taking a gap year abroad.
3. Educational Systems
The European education system is designed to provide students with a more well-rounded experience to help them succeed professionally and personally. European educational counselors are there to help students discover the best path for them forward, whether that's a gap year after high school, college or something else.
The American education system is set up to put high school graduates on the same streamlined, professional path, usually to college or a career. Advisors and counselors have the resources to help students with college test scores and application prep or career fairs post-graduation.
4. Nationwide Initiatives
Initiatives that encourage cross-cultural integration between students are also much more common in the European Union. The Erasmus program, for example, is a program that provides European students with more accessible opportunities and funding to participate in educational exchanges.
Fewer initiatives in the United States encourage cultural exchange, especially at the high school level. The federal Fulbright U.S. student program comes close but you must already have a bachelor’s degree.
However, nonprofits like CIEE are working towards closing this gap, offering programs for American students to participate in exciting international programs like CIEE Gap Year Abroad and CIEE First Year Abroad.
5. Travel Proximity and Accessibility
The European Union is made up of 27 unique countries in a relatively compact area, making it easier to travel compared to the U.S. Additionally, the E.U. has a vast network of public transportation that makes travel between various countries convenient and generally affordable.
However, the U.S. is a much more secluded country, bordered by only the ocean and two other countries. Its size is nearly as large as the E.U. and it is home to a more singular culture. Not to mention, travel in the U.S. is generally more expensive and less accessible, with little public transportation options. American students often must pay higher rates to travel to experience the benefits of a gap year abroad.
6. Awareness and Promotion
Systems in place aside, taking a gap year is simply a more common path students take in Europe. More students are familiar with the option and likely know friends who have taken one themselves. This awareness and commonality make it a more widely accepted and easy option for European high school graduates.
Because taking a gap year is less common in the U.S., many high school students don't realize or know it's an option directly after graduating high school. Plus, those who do learn about the option to take a gap year are less likely to consider it if they’re a little unsure what it exactly entails. Living abroad in a new and unfamiliar place can often be perceived as "scary" in the U.S.
Learn more about CIEE safety standards on a Gap Year Abroad program.
7. History and Tradition
Lastly, the concept of a gap year was actually founded in Britain as far back as the 13th century!
This tradition encouraged students to take a break from their studies to experience the world and keep a detailed journal as a way to better their writing abilities for school. Today, the tradition lives on throughout Europe as a way for young people to experience personal and educational growth.
While it has yet to get the same level of recognition in the U.S., taking a gap year has become an increasingly popular option in recent years. As more and more young people learn about gap years and choose to take one themselves, others are encouraged to do the same.
More U.S. High School Students Are Now Benefiting from Gap Year Abroad
More and more American students are becoming aware of gap years and their many benefits. Not only do gap years allow students to experience the world, but they also help young adults become more confident, independent and culturally aware. Many U.S. employers also now recognize the benefits of a gap year, especially in our ever-connected world where becoming a global citizen is more important than ever, and companies depend on international connections to succeed.
CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs make it possible for high school students to live abroad while laying the foundation for academic and professional success. CIEE offers a support system for navigating how to get a travel visa, the program application process and the transition to life abroad, so you enjoy a seamless experience.