Three Things to Consider When Taking a Gap Year

Taking a gap year from school to travel, study, work, or volunteer abroad can be enriching and educational. Making such a drastic move is not for everyone, however, as it requires lots of planning, financial decision-making, and hard work. Here are three factors to consider if you're thinking about taking a gap year.

Consider the Expenses

Traveling abroad is not cheap. Organized programs for working, volunteering, and studying abroad often charge fees on top of all the standard costs of international travel. Even students traveling on a shoestring budget still face costs of transportation tickets, accommodations, food, and daily expenses, potentially at painful exchange rates. If you're considering a gap year, explore all the available avenues so that you can find a plan that doesn't break the bank.

Plan in Advance

Most people can't simply select a destination, hop on a plane, and disappear for a year. Taking a meaningful gap year requires rigorous planning and budgeting, and staying organized is the only way to avoid getting lost, burning out, and wasting time and money. Remember your goals and capabilities when planning your gap year, and be sure to know where you need to be, what you can spend, and what you should be doing at every stage of the trip.

Be Prepared to Change

Taking a gap year from school can also alter your goals and habits, for better or for worse. On the one hand, experiencing other places and cultures can significantly improve your outlook on life and help you realize aspirations. However, spending a year away from your normal, structured routine can also make it difficult to get back on track once you return home.

Taking a gap year requires you to be flexible in your schedule and open to new experiences and challenges. Because many of our courses are available online, Tulane School of Professional Advancement's bachelor's and master's degree programs offer a higher level of flexibility and accessibility. Request more information about our degree programs today.