Gap Year: Advantages/Disadvantages

Advantages:
- You show initiative and desire;
- Travel widdens your horizons;
- Travel gives you experience of different cultures - useful if you are planning to have an international career;
-Travel shows self-sufficiency and initiative;
- Work experience is always a good thing and work experience abroad can be invaluable if you want to start your career overseas;
-You can build up a wide variety of new skills and contacts;
- You can help people living in poverty;
- You can help the environment;
- It is a good way to give something back to society;
- You can make a differentce in the world;
- You get a chance to know the world outside school and to seek out adventure;
- You gain maturity, self-confidence and self-esteem;
- You explore personal interests.

Disadvantages:
- You may forget what you have learnt at school;
- You may never return to school;
- It may look like you are not focused on your career;
- It may be expensive unless you are paid for your work;
- You may have to leave your family and friends.