Suddenly school is nearly over! Are you now supposed to know what you want to do next? For many people the thought of finally finishing school is both a liberating and scary prospect.

Suddenly a whole new world is opening up and perhaps for the first time you can really make decisions about what you are going to do.

More and more people are choosing to take a Gap Year, a break sandwiched between the normal school to university progression. A gap year can be a space in which to experience new opportunities however it can also be a great opportunity to examine the choices facing you regarding your future:

Are the choices you have already made with regard to careers or continued study the right ones?
Have you so far been unable to decide what would be the best thing to do next?
Gap years can take many forms, and if you are thinking of taking one it is important that you consider both your motivations behind taking a gap year and consider what type of gap year will be right for you.

So why do you want to take a gap year?

A break from studying

This is a valid reason for wanting to take a gap year. May people find themselves exhausted by the continual study? A year out can be an ideal way of recharging mental batteries.

However careful consideration needs to be taken with regard to the course you are going on study. Many courses will benefit from the additional non-academic knowledge that may be gained on a year out, whilst others will benefit from continuity of study. Don't be afraid to ask the opinion of teachers, lecturers and other students. However taking a break from study is however is not a sufficient reason in it's self to ensure a successful and rewarding gap year. You will need other aspirations as well. What might they be?

Travel

You want to have some fun and see the world! Nothing wrong with that! Travelling can fulfil many desires… a need for independence, a desire to experience new things and a hunger for adventure! Before you rush straight into travelling however you need to plan.

Work out your finances

Where would you like to go?
What do you want to do?
How long?
Are you going alone, with friends or would you like to be in a situation where you are put with other people?

There are many different ways to 'see the world' during a gap year. Some people choose to purely travel, others may mange to combine it with one of the other opportunities listed below.

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