Once upon a time, the gap year was regarded by some as being just an excuse used by students to avoid getting on with their studies or getting out into the real world and making a contribution. That was, of course, very unfair and inaccurate (well, for most students anyway).
This extended break can be taken at just about any time in life - and it is no longer restricted simply to students. People from all walks of life are increasingly questioning whether or not they would benefit from an extended break in their normal routines. Such breaks may be extremely beneficial, simply in terms of recharging those emotional and intellectual batteries that can so easily become drained by the stresses and strains of repetitive modern life.
This extended break can be taken at just about any time in life - and it is no longer restricted simply to students. People from all walks of life are increasingly questioning whether or not they would benefit from an extended break in their normal routines. Such breaks may be extremely beneficial, simply in terms of recharging those emotional and intellectual batteries that can so easily become drained by the stresses and strains of repetitive modern life.
Fitting it in
There is no real 'right time' for this sort of break. Some students may choose to take time off in between completing their A-levels and going on to university. Some may choose to take time off in between two academic years (where their course and university would permit such). Yet others may choose to take the break once they have completed their degree and before commencing either professional life or postgraduate studies.
For other people, such logical break points might be a little harder to identify. Perhaps it might be if you have just finished one professional assignment and have not yet been allocated to your next project. Some people negotiate with their employer for an extended break and, in fact, surprising numbers of employers are perfectly happy to support the principles of a gap year in a career. It is even possible to find some people that have been made redundant and who have decided to take some time out prior to re-entering the job market. The bottom line is that there is never a bad time to think about a break of this sort.
Options
The problem may be, that having emotionally committed yourself to the idea of a gap year break, you then find it is looming in front of you and you haven't got a clue what to do with it. If you would like to participate in something that is both different and which contributes to the natural well-being of our planet, you may wish to give some thought to the idea of a nature conservation holiday.
These operate in numerous countries in geographic regions such as India and southern Africa. There is a huge range of activities available, working with a very wide variety of species. Not only will you be working with animals in their natural environment, but you will also get to see local people and local ways of life to an extent that will be unlikely on a typical tourist type holiday to the destinations concerned. This sort of break involves a totally different lifestyle and a totally different outlook on life. It might be a gap year with a difference!
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