Gap year before graduation popular among UAE students

dubai — While most students are following the traditional route of attending university right after high school, there are a few pupils who are considering the gap year before deciding on a major.

The gap year has become a popular phenomenon over the years, which involves students taking a year off after high school graduation to “explore their identity” by travelling around the world or working on new skills. Some students also take up six-month-long courses at institutes that offer them certifications on some talents — such as beauty or web programming — which helps them decide which bachelors programme to pursue in university.

Saher Kapadia, a grade 12 student in Dubai, will have to make a decision soon on what her plans are after her graduation next year.

“I find gap years an enticing route to take after graduation because it gives you a whole new experience. One huge pro is that you can enjoy life on your own terms. I think we get so consumed by everyday tasks and goals that we forget life has an expiry date,” she said.

“Additionally, you get to travel, take internships, jobs and volunteering work on your own schedule which can really add to your personal skills and growth. However, I have a lot of figuring out to do. I still require to know more about my chosen field of studies, therefore,

going to university is my goal. I think the chances of getting a job after high school graduation are pretty slim as even internships often require you to have a degree or be in rolled in a university.”

A student who has just graduated from Kings School Al Barsha, Millie McElroy, said she did a lot of travelling and gained work experience during her school years and does not need a gap year. She feels she is ready for university life and recently got accepted into Durham University in the UK, where she’ll be studying law. “I’m not at all considering taking a gap year because I am ready to continue into university. For other students, I would advise that they gain work and travelling experience while in school. They should try many different things and search for their passion,” she said.

I find gap years an enticing route to take after graduation because it gives you a whole new experience. One huge pro is that you can enjoy life on your own terms.” Saher Kapadia, grade 12 student

Kids need to gain work and travelling experience while in school as that helps them feel less pressurised when it’s time to decide what to do after graduation.” Millie Mcelroy, school graduate