Back in the old days, when you got out of high school or college, you would grab a few clothes, throw them into a bag and climb aboard the next bus or flight out of town. Students would go to Europe with no plan, just a map and a few bucks. Yes, this was fun and rewarding, but it was often not educational in the manner in which they meant it. Travelling like this can be dangerous, especially for those students with no international experience or languages under their belt.
Gap year students, however, are another case entirely. By taking part in a gap year program, students are not meandering on their own, and are under the watchful eye of an employer. They are cared for, and in return, they work for their living while they are abroad. These programs can be the most valuable way to travel for most young people.
Now, most graduates may not think that a year abroad spent working is that much fun, but they would be surprised. Of course they will work, but they will also make new friends, and experience their host country's culture in a way they couldn't while staying in hostels or hotels. Most gap year students find that their year spent in a structured program gives them more experiences a much better idea of what life is like in that country.
Not all gap year programs are the same, so you should do your research before packing your kid off for the year, but most of them offer valuable work and life experience, that your student will appreciate for the rest of their life. While they will definitely spend time working, they will also have plenty of time off to spend the money that they earn and see as much of the world as they can.
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