Reflection 2: Mind the Gap—Gap Years Explained

While American high school seniors are fretting over admission into their colleges of choice, many international students are preparing to take a 12-month break from school called a "gap year." This practice, originated in Britain, involves young people deferring college for a year to travel or live abroad. So, while most American are experiencing their freshman year of college, students from these countries might be volunteering in Africa, working in Southeast Asia, or touring the United States. Proponents of gap years say these students return to college and work more mature, having gained a year's worth of real-world experience. Assuming you did not have a gap year (if you didn't, you're not alone—only 8% of Americans typically delay college by one year, and only third of those use that time to travel), how might a year of travel/living abroad before college have affected you? Are Americans missing out on opportunities by going straight into college from high school? Should Americans adopt, even mandate, gap years ? Why or why not?

Cite two of the following in your reflection:

• "Why are Gap Years More Common in Europe than the US?" (GoOverseas)
• "Perfect Gap-Year Itineraries" (Guardian)
• "Gap Year Data and Benefits" (American Gap Association)
• "Should You Take a Gap Year?" (Forbes)
• "Why Aren’t Gap Years Normalized American in Society?" (Medium)
• "Ten Reasons Why Taking a Gap Year Before College Might be the Best Choice You Ever Make" (Bustle)
• "Is a Gap Year Good for Your Child’s Mental Health and GPA?" (Psychology Today)

Required:

• MLA Style
• 375-500 words
• Works cited page

Due: Thu 3.6