For many learners in South Africa, the transition from high school to tertiary education can be both exciting and overwhelming. The idea of diving straight into university or college life seems like the most logical next step after Grade 12. However, there’s another option gaining popularity—taking a gap year. This period of time, typically a year, is a break from formal education that allows you to explore different opportunities, recharge, and perhaps even discover what you really want in life. But is it the right choice for you?
In this article, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of taking a gap year, explore what you can do during this time, and help you decide whether it’s the best path for your future.
Table of Contents
What is a Gap Year?
A gap year is simply a year-long break taken between high school and university or college. It’s a time when learners can focus on personal growth, gaining work experience, traveling, volunteering, or figuring out what they want to study. This practice has become more common globally, and it offers young people a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and plan their next steps carefully.
Taking a gap year doesn’t mean you’re stepping off the education track permanently. Instead, it gives you the freedom to evaluate your options with a clear mind and potentially return to your studies more focused and mature.
Why Do Matric Learners Take a Gap Year?
There are several reasons why matric learners choose to take a gap year, and each reason is as unique as the individual. Some common motivations include:
Avoiding Burnout: After 12 years of schooling, many learners feel exhausted and unmotivated to jump straight into university life. A gap year provides a much-needed mental break, allowing you to recharge and enter tertiary education with renewed energy.
Exploring Career Options: Not everyone knows what they want to do after high school, and that’s okay. A gap year allows you to explore different career paths through internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing. It can help you make a more informed decision about your future studies.
Gaining Work Experience: Some matrics use their gap year to work and save money for university or gain practical experience in their chosen field. This work experience can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or internships later in your studies.
Travel and Cultural Immersion: For those with a desire to see the world, a gap year is a perfect time to travel. Experiencing different cultures and environments can broaden your perspective, enhance your independence, and develop valuable life skills.
Personal Development: A gap year can provide time for personal growth and self-discovery. Whether it’s learning a new language, taking up a hobby, or volunteering in your community, this time can help shape you into a more well-rounded individual.
The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year
There are many potential advantages to taking a gap year, from gaining new skills to improving your mental well-being. Here are some of the top benefits:
Clarity and Direction
Many matriculants rush into university or college without a clear sense of direction. By taking a gap year, you give yourself time to think about your future, explore different fields, and come to a more informed decision about what you want to study. This period of self-reflection can save you from switching majors later or dropping out altogether.
Increased Maturity
Taking time off from the academic world can help you develop independence and responsibility. Whether you’re working, traveling, or volunteering, you’ll face new challenges that will help you grow as a person. Many learners who take a gap year return to their studies with a more mature attitude and better time-management skills.
Enhanced University Applications
Having a gap year on your CV can actually make you stand out to universities and employers. If you use the time wisely—whether through travel, work, or volunteer projects—you’ll have unique experiences and skills to showcase. For example, showing that you spent your gap year volunteering in another country or working in your chosen industry could set you apart from other applicants.
Mental Health Benefits
After the stress of matric exams, a gap year can provide a mental break. This time can help reduce burnout and allow you to focus on your emotional well-being. When you eventually start university or college, you’ll be in a better headspace to handle the demands of higher education.
Financial Stability
If you’re feeling stressed about the cost of tertiary education, a gap year can help you save money. Working during this period can allow you to contribute to your tuition fees or living expenses, reducing financial pressure when you finally begin your studies.
The Disadvantages of a Gap Year
While there are clear benefits to taking a gap year, there are also some potential downsides that should be considered:
Losing Academic Momentum
One of the main concerns with taking a gap year is the risk of losing momentum. After a year away from academics, some matric learners find it difficult to return to the structured environment of university or college. Staying disciplined and motivated during your gap year is crucial to avoid this.
Financial Risk
While working during a gap year can help you save money, it can also pose financial risks. If you plan to travel, there’s a chance you may spend more than you initially planned. Without a solid budget, you might find yourself struggling financially by the end of your gap year.
Difficulty Returning to Studies
The freedom of a gap year can be refreshing, but it can also make it harder to adjust back to academic life. Some matriculants enjoy the independence and flexibility so much that they find it challenging to return to the routine and expectations of university.
Peer Pressure
It can be tough to watch your friends start their studies while you take a year off. This sense of “falling behind” can be stressful for some learners, especially when your peers begin graduating before you. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone’s journey is different, and taking a gap year can lead to even greater success in the long run.
What Can You Do During a Gap Year?
The beauty of a gap year is that you have the freedom to choose what you want to focus on. Here are some popular options:
Work and Save Money
Taking a job during your gap year can give you valuable work experience and help you save for university. Whether it’s a part-time job, an internship, or freelance work, the skills you gain will look great on your CV.
Volunteer
Volunteering is an excellent way to give back to your community and gain new experiences. Whether you volunteer locally or internationally, this work can be incredibly fulfilling and may even inspire your future career path.
Travel
Many learners use their gap year to travel the world. Whether it’s exploring your own country or visiting others, travel can broaden your horizons and teach you about different cultures and perspectives.
Take Short Courses
If you’re not ready to commit to full-time study but still want to learn, consider taking short courses during your gap year. Many institutions offer online courses, which allow you to develop new skills at your own pace.
Start a Project
If you’re passionate about something—whether it’s writing, art, coding, or even starting a business—a gap year gives you the time to dive into your passion. Starting a personal project can help you build a portfolio, develop new skills, and create something you’re proud of.
Should You Take a Gap Year?
Deciding whether to take a gap year is a deeply personal choice. It depends on your individual goals, personality, and circumstances. If you feel burned out after high school, unsure about your future career, or simply need time to explore new opportunities, a gap year could be an excellent option.
However, if you’re worried about losing academic momentum, falling behind your peers, or struggling financially, you may want to dive straight into your studies. The key is to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully and make a decision that aligns with your long-term goals.
Final Thoughts on Taking a Gap Year
A gap year can be a transformative experience, giving you the time and space to reflect on your goals, gain valuable life experience, and recharge before embarking on your tertiary education journey. Whether you choose to work, travel, volunteer, or simply take a break, this time can set you on a more focused and motivated path.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—your journey is yours to define! If you’re considering taking a gap year, take the time to explore your options, make a plan, and ensure that you use this year to grow, learn, and set yourself up for future success.
Good luck, and whatever you choose, make the most of it!
Fund Your Studies After Your Gap Year
After your gap year, you may be ready to start your academic journey! If you need additional financial support, Fundi is an excellent option to explore. Fundi provides student loans that cover everything from tuition and textbooks to devices and living expenses.
Applying is simple: just visit the Fundi website, choose the loan option that best suits your needs, and fill in your details. Once your application is submitted, a member of the Fundi team will contact you to finalise the loan details.
