Take a break, have a gap year

Taking a break after school or university before pursuing an education or a career is an enticing concept. As an increasing number of students in the US opt for a gap year, Fatima Tapya explores the responses to the idea in the UAE.

The words 'gap year' have a lot of meanings to students who cannot decide on a career; who are overburdened with work at school; and who want to go out and help the world before going back to education.

To them, a gap year is an opportunity to test potential careers, travel the world and gain new experiences. Notes spoke to students about what their views on the subject.

Tamira Hamam, a 17-year-old Year 13 student at the English College, Dubai, believed gap years are useful.

Practical experience

She said, "we are lucky enough to be living in a city where we don't have to experience the type of dangers others are exposed to." Hamam is considering taking a gap year to gain some practical experience in industry, before she pursues her degree in Drama and Writing.

In her view, "a gap year can provide invaluable experiences to better prepare a student mentally for university and coping with life flying solo."

Eighteen-year-old Christina Benthall, also from the English College, thinks "gap years are beneficial if you use your time productively."

She said gap years should be taken to gain work experience or further knowledge in a certain subject.

Just plain lazy!

She opposed students taking advantage of such free time resulting in what she called "laziness and inactive days".

"There are several students who have no idea what they wish to pursue as a career and so take a gap year as an excuse to 'find' what they want to do in life."

Benthall said she feels a gap year is something students should discuss with their teachers and parents, "the more advice and guidance you have, the healthier your gap year will be."

Wasim Ibrahim, a 17-year-old grade 12 student of Sharjah American International School, said universities would be impressed by experience of this kind. However, the American University of Sharjah's (AUS) Dean of Admissions Ali Shuhaimy said currently the university accepts students based on academic merits, but if two students with the same credentials applied to the university, and were competing for the same seat, then the student with the gap year experience would be preferred.

It helps

On the other hand, Mustafa Tinwala, a 20-year-old junior student of American University in Dubai (AUD), said he thought gap years were a "waste of time" and would not consider doing one before completing his studies.

Tinwala said he knows many people who think gap years will help them calm down and regain their focus but he believed taking a gap year does not help.

Fatima Al Khatib, a senior year student from AUS, said a gap year with an objective would be meaningful and give you experience. Although she said she would most probably not take a gap year, she agreed it had many advantages.

Akram Moideen, an 18-year-old freshmen student from AUS, said gap years should be taken if there is a family emergency.

Moideen said he would not take a gap year, as he wants to finish his business degree as soon as possible, but would not mind taking a semester off to do an internship abroad.

- Writer is a student of mass communications at the American University of Sharjah

What the experts say

Maysun Nimr, Manager of Career Advising and Placement Services, American University of Sharjah

"Taking a year off is beneficial only if you have a good opportunity that materialises your objective."

- Maysun said she is apprehensive about students taking a year off, not knowing what they want to do.

- It disrupts academic life.

- Many people have left university to work and never come back to continue their studies.

- There is a special cooperative programme in the United States that offers students jobs related to their major. This way they gain experience in their field of study and at the same time apply what they have studied to the work environment.

- A gap year after graduation makes graduate studies more meaningful. Experience is a plus point. Top business schools require two to five years experience.

- Nimr believes that grade 10 or the first year of high school is the right age to decide a career.

Sue Hunter, Career Services Manager, American University in Dubai

"It is never too early, as you can then make sure that everything you do is taking you one step nearer to your chosen career."

- Gap years can be taken between school and university or university and starting a career.

- They help add maturity and independence.

- Having to look after yourself as you travel makes you more self-reliant.

- It is particularly useful for people who have never been away from home, and rely too much on their parents to do every little thing for them.

- The disadvantage of a gap year is getting back in the swing of things if you have had a less structured year.

Rachael Sim, Careers Coordinator, English College, Dubai

"Each student has his own needs; for some, a gap year can be a great opportunity to gain work experience before entering further or higher education. It could be a great time to travel and see some of the world."

- It can also allow some students to get more life experience which may help them make decisions about their future.

- If young people need to relax and have fun then it is important to do so before the pressures of university or work begin again

- If travelling is a goal then it is wise to consider an itinerary.

- If gaining work experience is important, then planning ahead of time to ensure a worthwhile and enjoyable placement is important.

WHAT DO THE STUDENTS SAY?

Tamira Hamam, English College, Dubai
"Particularly for children who have grown up in Dubai such as myself, gap years are very useful to experience the real world.

Christina Benthall, English College, Dubai
"The choice of a gap year completely depends on the student's plans for the future."

Wasim Ebrahim, Sharjah American International School
"It would be difficult to readjust to the school routine, but it is possible to do this after a few weeks."

Akram Moideen, American University of Sharjah
"If you want to know what you want to do, you must go out and work, see what you like and make a career choice."

Mustafa Tinwala, American University in Dubai
"A gap year makes students lose their main focus as many alternatives come in mind such as dropping out of college and starting work."

Fatima Al Khatib, American University of Sharjah
"It helps you look at your academic life with a new perspective and a positive attitude."