Benefits of a gap year

IN some countries, students take a gap year before going on to university. This year allows them to see a bit of the world before moving on to tertiary education.

In theory, maturing before resuming their studies helps them get more out of their education.

In Malaysia, gap years aren’t common, but its principles can be applied to regular holiday time. Instead of hanging out at the beach or the mall, consider these typical gap year activities.

Volunteering

Getting away from your comfort zone can be a wonderful way to explore cultures and circumstances you are not familiar with, such as working at a refugee shelter.

You can also use the experience to see if a certain career will suit you such as volunteering at the zoo or animal shelter.

Learn a language

There are short courses available where you can study Japanese, French or other languages for fun or to make your career options better.

If you think you want to work in South America, learn Spanish. If you want to study medicine overseas, Russian may be useful.

Travel and get a job

Go to the other side of the country and work in your cousin’s coffeeshop or on your aunt’s farm. Being independent and learning what it is like to have a regular job will be enlightening.