What exactly is a gap year?

It’s a bit of a catch-all term for taking some time out in the year after you finish secondary school.

Maybe you know you want to study at university or TAFE after school, or you know you are going to start an apprenticeship. But you decide to take a gap year first. You suspend those plans and do something else for the year!

There are many reasons you might want to take a gap year and many things you might do with it:

  • You want to take a break from studying.

  • You need or want to make some money before starting university/TAFE

  • You’re not sure what you want to do in the future and want time to explore your options

  • You want to gain skills and experience to get into a course

  • You want to help out family or friends for a year

  • You don’t initially get into the course you really wanted and you need to find alternative pathways (don’t give up!)

 
 

Ideas for your Gap Year

So if a gap year is the year in-between school and whatever comes next… Then what do you do in a gap year?!

 

Travel

A gap year could be your chance to travel Australia or the world and experience all kinds of new things. You might be on the tourist trail, or hiking in the outback, or working abroad to earn a little money while you look around. Maybe you would like to do student exchange and board with a host family, and spend time learning a new language and embracing a new environment. The options are unlimited!

 

Working Holiday

Yes! You can see the world and earn money at the same time. This is a great way to see what it's like to live and earn in another part of the world. It will open you up to new experiences and will allow you to grow. Here are a few websites to help you start thinking about options. Of course, make sure you do your research and pick a reputable company before signing up to anything.

 

Teach English overseas

If teaching English in a foreign language appeals to you then sign up for a Teaching English As A Second Language (TESOL) course. This will allow you to teach English in foreign countries.

 

Work and save

You might want to take a gap year to work and save up some money for education or other expenses (like moving out, buying a car, going on a holiday) that might be coming.

Working during your gap year can also give you valuable experience and skills that will be appreciated by potential future employers! A combination of formal study and work experience looks really good on your resume!

 

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to learn skills while making a contributing to the community, there are lots of different volunteering options both close to home and far away abroad.

Make sure you do your research though, particularly if you are looking at volunteering overseas. There are plenty of organisations out there setting up volunteer opportunities with poor reputations. You want to make sure you are supported and that the volunteer work you engage in is ethical and truly supports local communities.

Volunteer West provides a referral service that will help match your skills, experiences, interests and availability with volunteer roles available in Melbourne's west.

 

Australian Defense Force Gap Year Program

Joining the ADF Gap Year Program is a great way to level up your skills and earn money at the same time. An ADF Gap Year is a truly unique opportunity for you to grow and figure out what next step you’ll take in life' (ADF, 2019)

Find out more about how the program could benefit you below.