Gap Years Give Students Academic Edge

Taking a gap year may be the best career choice you ever make. Why? Gap years are an opportunity to gain some real world experience, gain valuable insights to bring to the lecture theatre and develop a greater sense of personal direction and specific academic goals.

Many universities recognise and encourage students to take a gap year before returning to the classroom. Any experience that helps to expand your mind is priceless. You learn about the world, yourself and return to studying with a much more rounded view of life.

Gain more skills, achieve better grades
The results of the research taken out by Professor Research Fellow Andrew Martin speak for itself. The study followed 904 Australian students, taking note of their high school achievements and whether they had taken a gap year before university. 65% of the group were female and 35% were male.

Focusing on the results of students studying in Arts, Social Science, and Science disciplines, the study found that, contrary to slowing their academic performance down, constructive gap years helped the students to gain more skills and in turn, achieve better grades.

“For many students, a gap year is about crystallising their decision-making; developing self-directed and self-regulation skills, broadening their competencies and self-organisation and perhaps their confidence,” said lead author, Professor Martin

The conclusion? Professor Martin recommends volunteering, part-time work and language-based travel to develop valuable skills for university life. A gap year could accelerate your momentum, and give you clearer objectives of what you want to do, the person you want to be, and life goals you want to achieve.

Figure out who you are, and what inspires you
A gap year will give you the opportunity to find out who you are and what inspires you as you approach young adulthood. This is particularly beneficial for students who grew up in a structured environment with clearly-defined goals. The personal freedom will see you become closer to being a self-actualised adult.

Choosing a gap year to suit you
Antipodeans Abroad have a number of gap year programs for you to choose from. There are many countries you can travel to, and many communities you can help to make a difference in. If you’re interested in finding a gap year program, contact Antipodeans Abroad today to find out more! Or call us on 02 9415 1322.