Does it make sense to take a gap year abroad?
Many young people consider taking a gap year before starting their higher education. But what can you really gain from a gap year?
A gap year is a perfect opportunity to gain new experience and knowledge that can help you get a better start with your studies and increase your chances of finding a job. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the many benefits of taking a gap year and what it can do for your future.
We’ll also explore the possibilities of spending a gap year abroad, how to afford it, and how to plan a gap year.
So, if you’re considering taking a gap year – or just want to learn more about it – read on and get a better understanding of how a gap year can help you build a successful education and future.
The benefits of taking a gap year
Taking a gap year has many benefits. First of all, it gives you a chance to gain work experience that can benefit you later on. It can help advance your career, give you a much-needed break from studying, and even help if you’re applying to a higher education program through quota 2 education application.
During your gap year, you’re completely in charge of how you spend your time. If you choose to take a gap year right after finishing school or high school, it will likely be the first time in your life that you have the freedom to create your own schedule.
During this time, you can gain hands-on experience by working full-time or traveling. If you decide to spend your gap year outside of your country, you can even combine both and get the best of both worlds.
A gap year also allows you to take a break from studying and simply enjoy life. It gives you time to have fun, explore new interests, and build your social skills. It’s also a great way to learn how to manage stress and set priorities — skills that will be incredibly valuable when you return to your studies.
Your gap year can help you gain knowledge and experience that will be useful when starting your higher education. You can have new experiences, recharge your batteries before continuing your studies – or gain relevant work experience.
In short, there are many benefits to taking a gap year. So, if you’re considering it, take the time to explore your options and see if it might be the right choice for you.
What a gap year can give you
If we look at a “normal” gap year in your own country, there are plenty of opportunities you can try. Most people have the option to get an entry-level job, for example as a shelf stacker in a supermarket, a waiter in a restaurant, or a telesales agent.
If you’ve only been studying or have had a few student jobs, gaining some work experience can be a great way to earn money while taking a break from studying.
The opportunities are a bit different if you look towards going abroad. Here, you’ll typically work in an international office alongside other people with your nationality and people from all over the world. Many companies choose to have their headquarters in other European countries.
Northern Europe is generally one of the most expensive countries in Europe, both in terms of pricing and taxes. That’s why many businesses have their base in countries like Greece, Malta, Spain, or Bulgaria. It’s a win–win situation – both for the company and for you, if you want to live and work abroad for a while.
This gives you the chance to combine work during your gap year – where you can earn money – with a paid trip and an amazing experience. It’s a great way to explore other parts of the world, meet new people, and try something new and different.
What else can I get out of my gap year?
In addition, you’ll naturally use your English when talking to people in your new host country. If, for example, you move to Spain, you’ll pick up both English and Spanish. Before you know it, you’ll be fluent – and mastering a new language can be incredibly valuable!
It will undoubtedly make you more independent, teach you how to stand on your own, and give you experience in managing your own finances.
There are no parents around when you’re living and working abroad, and it’s up to you to get up for work and pay your own bills. It’s usually a lot of fun and far less scary than it might sound!
Opportunities with a gap year abroad
A gap year abroad can be an amazing opportunity to gain new experience and knowledge that can help you get a great start with higher education and boost your future job prospects.
It gives you the chance to learn a new language, experience another culture, gain practical work experience in a different country – and even travel at the same time!
Taking a gap year abroad can also be a smart financial decision. To be completely honest, it’s not a way to get rich. But it is definitely possible to save some money while you’re away – it’s all about priorities and what you want to focus on.
If your priority is to have fun, go out on weekends, or enjoy brunch with friends in the afternoon sun, you can certainly do that.
If your priority is to save up some money before starting your studies, that’s also possible – and you don’t have to survive on pasta and ketchup to make it work.
If you get help from us to find a job for your gap year, your position will be lined up before you leave. That way, you’ll know where you’ll be living, how much you’ll be earning, and what your budget will look like.
Many people ask about how much things cost and how far their money can stretch when living and working abroad. Click here to learn more about the financial side of taking a gap year abroad.
If you’re considering a gap year abroad, think about what you can gain from the experience and how it can benefit your future.
There are countless opportunities, and it can be the perfect chance to gain new experience and knowledge that will help you get off to a strong start with your higher education and improve your job prospects.
How to plan a gap year?
Planning is the key to a successful gap year. It’s important to sit down, explore your options, and be clear about what you want to achieve. You’ll also want to consider your finances and make sure you have enough money to cover all your expenses.
It can also be a good idea to find a job abroad so you can save up some money to bring home with you. All in all, it’s crucial to plan your finances when you’re thinking about taking a gap year, so you can be sure you can afford it.
We recommend you to make a bucket list of things you’d like to try, experience, or see. You might not get to do everything while you’re away, but it will make it much easier to plan your time and make the most of your trip.
Once you know where you’d like to go – and especially after you’ve secured a job – it becomes much easier to make a solid plan. In the positions we offer, you’ll be away for at least 6 months, so you’ll have plenty of time to experience the things you’ve been dreaming of.
Of course, you can’t plan every detail in advance – and maybe you don’t have to. An overall plan will take you a long way, but you can also do as the writer of this post did and just take the leap and figure things out as you go.
If you need any advice, we’re happy to answer your questions. The planning is up to you, but we’re more than happy to share our experience. After all, we’ve been right where you are now.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to taking a gap year. It can give you the chance to explore a new culture, build new skills, focus on personal growth, discover new interests, and perhaps even open new doors for the future.
It can also be an opportunity to launch a career abroad. You might find an industry or a lifestyle you absolutely love. You never know – you might even fall in love while living abroad, and suddenly your plans can take an unexpected and exciting turn.
When it comes to planning a gap year, it’s important to consider your finances so you can find the best solution that suits your needs and wishes. It’s also worth exploring the many options available to you and deciding how you want to spend your time.
The possibilities are endless, and only your imagination sets the limits. Begin your journey here!
