The ‘Gap Year’ in the UK 撰文及考題設計 英國文化協會 Joel Finnestad
M
ore and more these days, UK parents and stu-
Taking a gap year has been common practice in
dents who think that a university education
the UK for decades. The idea is that students who
has to begin immediately after high school (or second-
barrel ahead right after high school end up ‘burned
ary school) are reconsidering. According to one study,
out’ sooner than those who take some time off. This
in 2012 over 2.5 million students opted for a gap year,
burnout results in lower grades, disappointment, and
with over 20% of parents agreeing to fund it!
consequently a higher dropout rate.
“What's the rush?”, many ask. Whilst others argue
Of course, students who see a year off as an oppor-
that students taking a year off will result in their get-
tunity for a year-long party at their parents' expense
ting better grades. Doing so can also help grads pre-
have the wrong idea. In the UK, gap year programs are
pare financially, determine what they want out of the
soaring in popularity. Companies like gapforce.org and
experience, and most importantly, allow for a period of
yearoutgroup.org are among the hundreds of organisa-
adjustment to the freedom and independence that col-
tions cashing in on the ongoing gap year craze.
lege life affords.
According to such companies, a gap year needs to serve
空檔年可做的事很多，圖為兩位從大學中休學一年的女孩，利用這空檔年到泰國當志工。（歐新社）
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