Make the most of free time
IN some countries, students take a gap year before going on to university. This year allows them to see a bit of the world and grow up a little before moving on to tertiary education.
In theory, maturing before resuming their studies can help them get more out of their education.
In Malaysia, gap years are not common but there are principles from the gap year that can be applied to regular holiday time.
Instead of hanging out on the beach or at the mall, why not consider these typical gap year activities?
Volunteering
Getting out and about and 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 a zoo or animal shelter.
Learn a language
There are many short courses available where you can study Japanese, French or any other language for fun or to enhance your career options.
For example, if you think you want to work in South America, learn Spanish. If you want to study medicine overseas, it may be useful to study Russian.
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. It does not matter what you do. Simply earning your own money, being independent and learning what it is like to have a regular job will be enlightening.