What to do during a gap year

Parents Forum
1

I am thinking of taking a gap semester for fall 2015 (not 100% sure). I was wondering if anyone you know has taken one and if so, what they did. I was thinking of getting an internship or volunteering abroad I’m open to any ideas. I am a current college freshman

2

Working to earn money is probably the most common activity for those who do not attend college immediately after high school graduation.

3

I’d consider two things:

  1. What do you want to do after college? Your best choice might lie in what your area of study is/ what you want to do. If you’re going to take a gap year you’d do best to tailor it in a way that gives you a leg up later on in college or when you graduate. That semester could be a time to build skills or get experience under your belt which makes the next step easier to take. Often times, graduate schools or future employers like to see someone who has taken some initiative and gotten some direction at a time when many of their peers have not.

  2. What’s in your geographic area. If you are near a major metropolitan area or live near one that is very different than if you were living in a rural area.

4

One question you need to answer for yourself is if you have extra money to go abroad for an internship or volunteering. Since you are already in college, I don’t get the impression that you would take a gap semester to just to earn money, is that correct? Would you do an internship to help define/refine your career goals or choice of major?

5

No I don’t really need a gap year to earn money. I’m currently thinking about majoring in biochem but I also like my econ class. I am not very happy at my current university and I was thinking of transferring but I missed the deadlines, so someone suggested I take a gap semester and then transfer, but I might end up not transferring I still haven’t decided on that part. Also I don’t want to spend a lot of (my parent’s) money and a lot of volunteer programs cost a lot of money.

6

The OP says he is currently a freshman in college. This is not a gap year between HS and college.

To the OP, just make sure you take a leave of absence from your current college if you plan to return there.

I would suggest a combination of working, and doing some volunteer work. You can work full time, and still have time to volunteer on weekends or in the evenings.